“In view of its body of knowledge, international and national legal system and vast experience; the UN is the most equipped to support empowerment of women and safeguard of children’s rights,” says the Vice President. Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed made this statement during his keynote address at a function organised by United Nations offices in the Maldives today to mark this year’s UN Day.

 
In his speech the Vice President paid tribute to UN for its support for the development of the Maldives.He also noted the democratic transition in the Maldives that began with the establishement of new democratic institutions. “These achievements would not have been possible without the support of the United Nations”, added the Vice President.
 
The Vice President further noted that the vision of UN is currently active in 190 countries and commended the role of the UN for their continued and dedicated assistance to big and small, developed and developing countries.
 
The Vice President said, since the Maldives joined UN 45 years, the Maldives has achieved many developmental milestones. The Vice President said with every successful achievement there were a number challenges that the Maldives had to face.
 
In his speech the Vice President noted that Maldives today faces the development challenges and priorities that include climate change and social protection. In this regard, he said, “the achievement of consolidation of democracy, the establishment of a safe and protective environment for the most vulnerable of our citizens and further aims to make progress in political, economic and social arenas” were amongst the challenges.
 
Therefore, the Vice President called for continuous support and engagement of all concerned parties to help towards achieving the UN outlook.
 
The launch for the 7 day countdown for the World at 7 Billion was inclusive in today’s Programme of Events. The theme for the countdown is “It’s not space we need – it’s balance.” Earth’s population will reach seven billion on 31 October, a milestone that offers unprecedented challenges and opportunities to all of humanity, according to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund.
 
Today UN marks its 66th anniversary. UN Day is commemorated every year on 24 October, the day in 1945 when the UN Charter entered into force.