Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al Hussein has been appointed as an advisor to the Maldives delegation attending the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). Prince Zeid is the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
During a meeting held in Glasgow, Scotland, President Solih expressed sincere appreciation to Prince Zeid for his previous assistance to the Maldives in his capacity as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and expressed gratitude for the new partnership that they are embarking on.
The president emphasised that climate change is a critical issue for the Maldives as it is a low-lying island nation where the effects of climate change are evident. In this regard, the president underlined that COP26 is a significant summit for the Maldives. He said the Maldives delegation is honoured to have him advise on climate change and expressed hope that this partnership will add great value to the efforts with his vast experience in the global community.
During the meeting, Prince Zeid expressed his delight at the opportunity to support the Maldives and said he was privileged to join the Maldives delegation. Prince Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein is President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Peace Institute (IPI).
Previously, Prince Zeid served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2014 to 2018 after a long career as a Jordanian diplomat, including as his country's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2000 to 2007 and from 2010 to 2014 and as the Ambassador to the United States from 2007 to 2010. He served on the United Nations Security Council, was a configuration chair for the United Nations Peace-Building Commission, and began his career as a United Nations Peacekeeper in the former Yugoslavia.