As part of his visit to New York President Mohamed Nasheed has yesterday met with Mrs Margareta Wahlstrom, Assistant Secretary-General & Head of UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).

Speaking at the meeting, President Nasheed sought UNISDR assistance in implementing the national action plan for disaster reduction and climate change adaptation.

President also briefed Mrs Wahlstrom on a climate summit for vulnerable countries to be held in Maldives later this year and sought UNISDR assistance in making that a reality. He said the summit would be an important gathering of leaders of vulnerable countries ahead of Copenhagen climate summit.

Mrs Wahlstrom assured that UNISDR would collaborate with the government in getting necessary funds.

Separately, President Nasheed also, yesterday, met with Ms Navanethem Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

At the meeting, President Nasheed raised concern over the reports of instances of child marriage in the Maldives. He also said that the Maldives would welcome OHCHR’s assistance in recommendation to implement human rights standards.

President further said the Maldives needed assistance in consolidating democracy and that the Maldives would welcome experts to advise on what the Maldives should not do with regard to human rights issues.

Ms Pillay said OHCHR’s could assist the Maldives in educational awareness programme on human rights. She commended President Nasheed for his efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the Maldives.