Maldives could play a “guiding role” on the international stage to guarantee a more “livable planet” for the future, said Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to the Maldives Akiko Fujii.

This statement was made during a courtesy call paid on Vice President Faisal Naseem at the President’s Office on Sunday morning where the pair discussed the ongoing Youth Climate Summit being held in New York.

As such, the UNDP Representative highlighted the role of Maldivian youth in joining the movement for climate action, going on to applaud the government’s efforts to enhance multilateral and bilateral engagement.

Fujii gave VP Naseem full assurance of UNDP’s commitment to work with Maldives in issues that raise mutual concern.

Further, discussions were also held on areas for further cooperation that pose mutual significance.

It is important to protect and preserve Maldives fragile ecosystem on which tourism is heavily dependent as Maldives is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, said the Vice President.

On a positive note, he added that awareness on climate change is growing at a speedy pace due to determined efforts of the relevant authorities and civil societies, especially among youth community and students.

Expressing gratitude for the UNDP’s unceasing support for the government to resolve development challenges that surface persistency.

Fujii also presented VP Naseem a copy of the “Youth Vulnerability Assessment in the Maldives”, an extensive research conducted by the National Counter Terrorism Centre and UNDP Maldives with collaborative support from the Government of Japan.

The UNDP Representative also offered sympathies following Friday’s disastrous fire incident. She was assured by the Vice President that authorities are devising a mechanism to prevent such future incidents.