Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in Maldives, says visit to island was “inspiring and sobering”

Globally acclaimed Danish actor and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has vowed to pass on the message of the Maldivian people, regarding climate change.

According to the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative to the Maldives, Shoko Noda, the Game of Thrones star arrived in the Maldives on Sunday, to kick off the climate action journey. He was previously in Bangkok, Thailand, where he took part in the global goals world cup.

Coster-Waldau’s first stop after arriving in the Maldives was to Maabaidhoo island of Laamu atoll, where he was given a warm welcome.

Had an inspiring and sobering visit on the island of maabaidhoo here in the Maldives. They are together with local UNDP doing amazing work to restore the unique ‘Koaru’ wetlands. And are in the process of transforming their waste management. And restoring the fragile ecosystem. But they need help. Because of climate change severe flooding and erosion is digging away at the island and without action this resilient beautiful culture is threatened. Met Maria who with her husband bougjt a timy piece of land to grow chili and make that extra bit of money to help her finish her education as a teacher. A week before harvest the ocean flooded her crops and she lost everything. We can help. We must help. Clinate change affects us all. We must all share in finding solutions. Thank you so much for the welcome and tour of your island . We will pass on the message. Please support at give.undp.org/nikolaj @undp #climateaction #maldives

A post shared by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (@nikolajwilliamcw) on Oct 1, 2017 at 9:15am PDT

In an Instagram post, Coster-Waldau said that he had “an inspiring and sobering visit on the island of Maabaidhoo,” adding that locals are in need of help as climate change causes “severe flooding and erosion is digging away at the island and without action this resilient beautiful culture is threatened“.

Over 90,000 people viewed the video he posted from Maabaidhoo, in just 12 hours.

“We can help. We must help. Climate change affects us all. We must all share in finding solutions. Thank you so much for the welcome and tour of your island. We will pass on the message,” said the Game of Thrones star.

Coster-Waldau was appointed a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador in September 2016, to raise awareness and support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals; an action to end poverty, fight inequality and stop climate change.

The father of two girls said that his main mission as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador “will be to raise awareness and support for the Global Goals for a better future for all, which cannot be achieved without empowering women and protecting our planet”.

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