Newly Appointed UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia Presents Letter of Appointment

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Representative for South Asia, Marco Teixeria has presented his letter of appointment to the Foreign Minister of the Maldives, Abdulla Shahid. Following the ceremony, the Minister and the Representative met and held a meeting, discussing various matters relevant to the role of UNODC in South Asia.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized the instrumental part played by UNODC in South Asia, particularly in the Maldives. He highlighted that UNODC is providing assistance to the Maldivian Government in several key areas such as combating transnational organized crime, countering terrorism and violent extremism. On this note, Minister Shahid expressed hope for continued and strengthened cooperation in the future as well.

Speaking in his turn, the Regional Representative briefed the minister on the formulation of UNODC’s new Regional Programme for South Asia, to be implemented between 2023 and 2027. He noted that the regional programme will complement the work being done under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Network (UNSDCF 2022-2026). Additionally, it will provide support to the realization of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and other similar internationally agreed development frameworks.

UNODC has been a valuable partner for the Maldives in supporting the Government’s efforts to address pertinent issues in the country related to drugs and crime. This includes providing support to the Government in its efforts on juvenile justice reform, smuggling of migrants, drug trafficking and maritime security- key priority areas for the Maldives.