Ms. Hannan Sulieman, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director, Management, at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), paid a courtesy call on Vice President His Excellency Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef on Thursday at the President’s Office.

During the meeting, the Vice President expressed gratitude for UNICEF's continued support and partnership. As Chair of the Social Council, he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with UNICEF on future initiatives that promote children’s welfare and safety.

Ms. Sulieman praised the Maldives for its remarkable progress in education, healthcare, and protection of children’s rights and for achieving nearly 100 per cent literacy. She expressed support for the Administration’s 20-year National Development Masterplan and commended the inclusion of Maldivian youth in the delegations relating to environmental issues. She emphasised the importance of engaging children in discussions on climate change and the erosion of their rights.

The discussion concluded with both parties agreeing to strengthen existing collaboration and continue being coalition partners in safeguarding children’s rights, emphasising the importance of a joint approach.