About the Commission

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific is the main legislative organ of ESCAP and reports to the UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It provides a forum for all governments of the region to review and discuss economic and social issues and to strengthen regional cooperation.

The Commission meets annually at the ministerial level to discuss and decide on important issues pertaining to inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the region, to decide on the recommendations of its subsidiary bodies and of the Executive Secretary, to review and endorse the proposed strategic framework and programme of work, and to make any other decisions required, in conformity with its terms of reference.

The Commission session comprises a senior officials segment followed by a ministerial segment. The sessions of the Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries and the Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries are held on alternating years, during the senior officials segment.

Sessions of the Commission

You can follow the links below to find agendas, press releases, photo galleries and conference documents for previous sessions:

For information about Commission sessions prior to the 55th session please visit this page.