UN chief Ban Ki-moon has commended the vibrancy of India's democracy. During a meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan at the UN headquarters in New York, the UN chief also emphasised the important role played by the country's parliament in protecting women's rights and enhancing gender equality . <br/><br/>The UN Secretary-General yesterday met Mahajan and Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha P J Kurien. According to a readout of the meeting released by Ban's office, the Secretary-General discussed the priority areas of the UN for this year, including reaching a meaningful and binding agreement on climate change and adopting a new sustainable development agenda. <br/><br/>Ms. Sumitra Mahajan is New York to participate in the Fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.<br/><br/>