Pacific island nations seek enabling policies to reach sustainable energy goals
Fourteen Pacific island countries ended two days of consultations this week acknowledging that it is crucial to promote synergy between their macroeconomic and energy security policies to achieve sustainable development and insulate themselves from external economic shocks. Over 50 participants, including finance, central bank, planning, and energy officials and development partners took part in the 8-9 October “High-level Policy Dialogue on the Role of Macroeconomic Policy and Energy Security in supporting Sustainable Development in the Pacific”, organized by ESCAP [10 October 2012]

Pacific needs sound policies to promote inclusive and sustainable growth amidst economic and environmental threats, Fiji Prime Minister tells United Nations forum
Pacific island countries need sound policies to protect themselves from external economic shocks and environmental threats, and to promote growth that is inclusive and sustainable, the Prime Minister of Fiji, H.E. Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama told a United Nations forum here today. [8 October 2012]

Observance of the International Day of Non-Violence, Monday, 8 October 2012
ESCAP and the Embassy of India in Thailand will jointly commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence on Monday, 8 October 2012 at UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. The programme for the observance will include the delivering of addresses by UN ESCAP Executive Secretary and the Ambassador of India and the screening of film on Mahatma Gandhi’s work as well as the offering of floral tribute at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. [5 October 2012]

Asia-Pacific region launches five-year initiative to strengthen space technology use to reduce disaster risks and promote sustainable growth
Asia-Pacific countries launched a five-year campaign here today aimed at promoting greater use of space technology and the Geographic Information System (GIS) for improved disaster risk reduction and management as well as to minimize the environmental costs of economic growth in the region. [4 October 2012]

United Nations shares Asia-Pacific concerns with G20 Presidency
Rising international food prices, continuing economic uncertainty in the United States and euro zone as well as volatile capital flows to the region were among Asia-Pacific concerns shared with a high-level representative from the Mexican presidency of the G20 at a United Nations forum here today. [17 September 2012]

Central Asian countries call for international cooperation to promote access to clean and efficient energy
High-level officials from Central Asian and neighbouring countries meeting this week at a sustainable energy forum organized here by the United Nations, have affirmed the critical role of international cooperation in improving access to clean and efficient power vital for sustainable and inclusive growth. [14 September 2012]

Asia-Pacific nations agree on way forward to build a society for all ages
Asia-Pacific governments have concluded three days of talks by endorsing the Bangkok Statement on the Asia-Pacific Review of the Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). [14 September 2012]

Government of India reaffirms support for ESCAP subregional office with signing of administrative and financial agreement
The United Nations ESCAP and the Government of India have signed an agreement completing the process of establishing the ESCAP Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia which was inaugurated here last December. [10 September 2012]

ESCAP and International Trade Centre partner to enhance capacity and policy dialogue on Afghanistan’s accession to WTO
The newly established ESCAP South and South-West Asia Office (ESCAP-SSWA) based in New Delhi, which serves 10 countries in the subregion including Afghanistan, joined hands with the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva to organize a unique programme for public and private sector representatives involved in Afghanistan’s WTO membership accession. [31 August 2012]

Rebalancing Growth in Asia & the Pacific: The Post Rio+20 Development Agenda
“Cambodia provides a good example of the innovation and leadership that will be required by Asia-Pacific countries in the next phase of rebalancing growth and economic development,” said Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, meeting today with the Ministry for Environment of Cambodia. [22 August 2012]

UN: Investing in Women Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders is Smart Economics
“Investing in women’s entrepreneurial leadership, and the empowerment of women, is smart economics - which is why women’s empowerment is one of the most important development priorities for the countries of Asia and the Pacific,” said Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, addressing senior Cambodian policy-makers and women business leaders today, as part of an official visit to the country. [22 August 2012]

Asian Launch of WTO Report 2012
Non-tariff measures, such as regulatory standards for m anufactured and agricultural goods, can have a significant impact on trade -- possibly even more than tariffs -- according to the latest edition of the WTO's flagship publication. [20 July 2012]

ESCAP Regional Institute, Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology turns 35 on 16 July
The Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), a Regional Institute of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific based in New Delhi, will be celebrating its 35th anniversary on 16 July 2012. [16 July 2012]

Launch of World Economic and Social Survey 2012 “In Search of New Development Finance”
The World Economic and Social Survey 2012 “In Search of New Development Finance” will be launched on 6 July 2012 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. [5 July 2012]

Rebalancing pillars key to sustainable development
“The message from the countries of Asia and the Pacific is that getting it right means that Rio+20 must rebalance the pillars of sustainable development – ensuring that people are placed more firmly at the centre of the post-Rio+20 agenda,” Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) told an audience that included heads of State and Government and senior Ministers at a Rio+20 side event focused on regional approaches to sustainable development. [22 June 2012]

Twenty-one countries pledge to strengthen regional disaster early warning system
Twenty-one countries agreed to develop a financial mechanism for the sustainability of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) at the First RIMES Ministerial Conference, held in New Delhi this week. [22 June 2012]

Rio+20 outcome document underscores added value of regional approaches
United Nations Regional Commissions welcomed the renewed trust placed by member States in the Commissions through the Rio+20 outcome document and the essential role they play in promoting an integrated and balanced approach to sustainable development at the regional level, a High-Level Roundtable heard on Thursday. [22 June 2012]

Rio+ 20 summit requires bold leadership and commitment
"We are in a race against time. Persistent poverty, inequality, hunger, unemployment, ever-shrinking natural resources, increasing stress on our ecosystems and climate change are among the most urgent issues being addressed at Rio+20. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform ideas and aspirations into bold action," stated Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP at the Rio+20 high-level meeting that opened today. [20 June 2012]

UN Asia-Pacific Chief Heads to Rio+20 Summit
The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 20 to 22 June. More than 100 presidents, prime ministers, and the UN Secretary-General will be joined by thousands of business CEOs, parliamentarians, mayors, civil society leaders and representatives, academics and senior UN officials to set an agenda for sustainable development that will reduce poverty, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection on an ever more crowded planet. [18 June 2012]

Call for Action on Sustainable Development
Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under Secretary-General, proposed today a five point call for action, urging media to use their skills and resources to create greater impact on sustainable development, the single most important challenge in Asia Pacific, and ensure more people benefit from development. [29 May 2012]

United Nations calls on Asia-Pacific media leaders to help generate regional momentum towards MDGs final push
The United Nations today called on Asia-Pacific media leaders to help push the region towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to prevent over 2.5 million child and maternal deaths and ensure basic amenities to hundreds of millions of people by the year 2015. [28 May 2012]

ESCAP launches low carbon, regional green growth blueprint ahead of Rio+20
The United Nations ESCAP unveiled here today a blueprint to help developing countries in the region sustain economic growth needed to reduce poverty amidst worsening resource constraints and climate impacts. [28 May 2012]

Asia-Pacific governments call for action to promote regional economic integration, trade and energy connectivity
Asia-Pacific governments have issued a call to action to strengthen regional economic integration, trade and energy connectivity as keystones of a future of shared and sustainable regional growth in the face of daunting socio-economic and environmental challenges. [24 May 2012]

Asia-Pacific policymakers outline priorities to make region’s path to prosperity more equitable and sustainable
Top Asia-Pacific economic policymakers speaking at United Nations panel here outlined an agenda to make the region’s dynamic prosperity more inclusive and sustainable amidst deepening global economic uncertainty and environmental pressures. [23 May 2012]

UN urges Asia-Pacific nations to step up in steering the region towards shared and sustainable growth
Facing economic uncertainty abroad, resource constraints and widening social inequalities at home, Asia and the Pacific must come closer together to sustain its dynamic growth and ecological health, making prosperity more inclusive, the United Nations told leaders of the region here today. [21 May 2012]

Pacific Island nations taking the lead in sustainably managing ocean resources, but call for international support to cope with climate change
Leaders of Pacific Island developing nations attending a regional United Nations meeting here yesterday appealed to the world to help them deal with the impact of climate change and protect their marine environment to ensure their well-being and very survival. [18 May 2012]

Asia-Pacific countries meet at ESCAP forum to review merits of closer regional integration amidst global economic uncertainty
Asia-Pacific countries began deliberations here today at an annual United Nations forum to review policy options for deepening integration within the region to maintain its dynamism while making it inclusive and sustainable, amidst continuing global economic uncertainty. [17 May 2012]

Asia-Pacific Leaders Convene to Discuss Strategies to Enhance Economic Integration for the Region
The 68th Commission Session of ESCAP under the theme, "Growing Together: Economic Integration for an Inclusive and Sustainable Asia-Pacific Century" will be held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok from 17 to 23 May. The annual Session comprises two parts: the Senior Officials Segment from 17 to 19 May in preparation for the Ministerial Segment, which will be held from 21 to 23 May. The Ministerial Segment will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Thailand. [14 May 2012]

Further slowdown in Asia-Pacific growth in 2012 on declining exports, but region to remain growth pole of world economy
Asia and the Pacific faces another year of slowing growth as demand for its exports falls in developed nations and capital costs rise, but the region will remain the anchor of global economic stability, according to latest United Nations projections released here today. [10 May 2012]

Climate change adaptation an opportunity to promote inclusive and sustainable Asia-Pacific growth, says ESCAP
Climate change mitigation and adaptation must go hand in hand with efforts to make development more inclusive and sustainable in Asia-Pacific countries, the top United Nations official in the region said here today. [4 May 2012]

UN ESCAP Calls for New Regional Energy Compact: Asia needs clean energy to power sustainable & inclusive economic growth
Balancing sustainable development with high rates of economic growth requires agreement on a new energy compact for Asia and the Pacific, the top United Nations Asia-Pacific official told a forum of sector policymakers here today. [25 April 2012]

ESCAP to Support Afghanistan Transition from Conflict to Development
The United Nations stands ready to support Afghanistan’s transition from conflict to development by helping to connect it with the regional engines of economic growth, the world body’s top Asia-Pacific official told a forum of international stakeholders in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. [28 March 2012]

Persons with disabilities must be 'put at the heart' of international development, says conference on disability-inclusive MDGs and aid effectiveness
Persons with disabilities must be central to international development programmes for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the 'Conference on Disability-Inclusive MDGs and Aid Effectiveness' said after three days of discussions co-organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and Leonard Cheshire Disability. [16 March 2012]

Asia-Pacific nations reaffirm commitment to efficient, reliable and safe transport infrastructure and services
Asia-Pacific nations meeting at a United Nations forum here today reaffirmed their commitment to building an efficient, reliable and safe transport system to support economic growth, improve the living standards of their people and increase trade competitiveness of the region. Transport ministers and senior government officials from over 30 countries attending the second session of the Ministerial Conference on Transport organized by ESCAP, concluded two days of discussions with the adoption of a five-year road map setting out goals and guidelines for linking countries in the region with an integrated intermodal transport and logistics system. [16 March 2012]

United Nations and partners to observe World Water Day 2012
ESCAP will join FAO and the United States Agency for International Development Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID Asia) for the annual observance of World Water Day (WWD) on 22 March at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. [16 March 2012]

Asia-Pacific transport ministers review progress towards sustainable and efficient regional transport network
Transport ministers and senior government representatives from over 30 Asia-Pacific countries began a two-day meeting here today to review progress in linking the region with an efficient intermodal transport and logistics network and to discuss cooperation in moving towards this goal. [15 March 2012]

Subregional office in India to enhance United Nations outreach in South and South-West Asia
The opening of a subregional office in India has enhanced United Nations work to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in South and South-West Asia, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Dr. Noeleen Heyzer said here today. [13 March 2012]

Asia-Pacific region must invest in women and girls to build economic resilience, ESCAP tells media
As the anchor of global economic recovery, Asia and the Pacific must harness its full growth potential by investing in women and girls, its most valuable untapped natural resource, the top United Nations official in the region told representatives of local and foreign media here today. [12 March 2012]

UN ESCAP Convenes Ministerial Conference on Transport for Asia-Pacific in Bangkok
Governments of countries across the Asia-Pacific region will meet in Bangkok from 12 to 16 March 2012 for high-level talks on strengthening cooperation in regional transport connectivity. [12 March 2012]

Asia-Pacific countries reaffirm commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth ahead of Rio+20
Asia-Pacific countries concluded three days of discussions here today on sustainable development challenges facing the region, including growing natural resource constraints, climate change, hunger and poverty, and reaffirmed their commitment to make economic growth more environmentally-friendly and inclusive. [24 February 2012]

South-East Asian Nations Call for Greater Investment in Disaster Risk Reduction to Protect Economic Growth
The 2011 floods that caused unprecedented devastation across South-East Asia have highlighted the need for stepped up investment in disaster risk reduction to protect social and economic assets, top government officials from the subregion agreed at a United Nations forum today. [20 February 2012]

Investing in quality education and youth: preparing central Asia for emerging opportunities and sustainable development
Addressing an international conference on education in Tashkent today, the top United Nations official in Asia-Pacific highlighted significant progress in Central Asian education and the critical role that quality education can play in preparing the subregion to take advantage of emerging opportunities and to ensure a future based on sustainable development. [17 February 2012]

Asia-Pacific makes big gains against poverty, but slow to reduce hunger, child and maternal deaths
The Asia-Pacific region has made big gains in reducing poverty and is moving fast towards other development goals, but still has high levels of hunger as well as child and maternal mortality, said a new report released here today. [17 February 2012]

Asia-Pacific Resource Use Trends, Changing Risks and Green Growth Opportunities Call for Decisive Action at Rio+20 Says the United Nations and ADB
The world faces resource constraints but the Asia-Pacific region can turn this into an opportunity and emerge as a green economy leader, according to a report released here today by the United Nations and the Asian Development Bank. [16 February 2012]

South-East Asian Nations to Discuss Lessons Learnt from 2011 Floods
Senior South-East Asian government officials will meet at a United Nations forum here next week to discuss lessons of the 2011 floods that caused unprecedented economic and social damage in several countries in the subregion. The South-East Asia Flood Risk Reduction Forum is being organized on 20 February by the United Nations ESCAP in cooperation with the International Centre for Water-related Hazard Risk Management (ICHARM), and funded by the Japan Space Exploration Agency (JAXA). [15 February 2012]

ESCAP/ADB/UNDP assessment shows mixed regional progress towards MDGs
With very little time left to meet MDGs, the tripartite regional partnership on the MDGs consisting of ESCAP, ADB and UNDP will launch their latest assessment of regional progress towards the MDGs on 17 February 2012 in New Delhi, India. [10 February 2012]

Asia-Pacific report warns of unsustainable resource use trends, highlights the need for decisive action at Rio+20
ESCAP, ADB and UNEP will launch the report Green Growth, Resources and Resilience: Environmental Sustainability in Asia and the Pacific on Thursday 16 February 2012 at the FCCT in Bangkok. [10 February 2012]

Asia-Pacific nations agree on roadmap to accelerate progress towards global AIDS commitments
Asia-Pacific governments have concluded three days of high-level talks here by endorsing a road map based on greater regional cooperation to fast-track progress towards meeting global commitments on the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS and the Millennium Development Goals. [10 February 2012]

Asia-Pacific Governments seek ways to accelerate action towards an HIV/AIDS-free region
Government leaders, senior officials, civil society representatives and people living with HIV from 34 Asia-Pacific countries began three days of talks at the United Nations ESCAP Headquarters in Bangkok today to find ways to speed up progress towards an AIDS-free region, including by removing legal and policy barriers that hamper access to HIV services. [6 February 2012]

Asia-Pacific nations to examine ways of fast-tracking regional commitment towards ending AIDS
Governments of countries across the Asia-Pacific region will meet in Bangkok from 6 to 8 February 2012 for high-level talks on how to speed up regional action to meet international commitments on AIDS, towards the global vision of getting to zero HIV-related infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths. [2 February 2012]

Myanmar & ESCAP Forge Framework for Public Private Partnerships
Following recent positive developments in Myanmar, the top United Nations Asia-Pacific official met with the President of Myanmar, H.E. U Thein Sein, at the outset of a two-day Government of Myanmar-ESCAP forum that will discuss the development of public private partnerships in responding to Myanmar’s development challenges. [26 January 2012]

World Economic Situation and Prospects 2012 Briefing
Several policy directions which could avoid a double-dip recession will be discussed at a briefing on the "World Economic Situation and Prospects 2012" at the UN Conference Centre on January 19. [19 January 2012]

Russian Federation Makes Generous Contribution to UNESCAP Strengthening Regional Cooperation in Asia-Pacific
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Russian Federation held a signing ceremony earlier today, exchanging letters reaffirming their intentions to extend their successful partnership, working together to address key economic and social development challenges in Asia and the Pacific. [21 December 2011]

Aftermath of Japanese tsunami offers learning opportunities for disaster preparedness
As Japan continues to recover from the worst earthquake and tsunami in its history, experts and policy makers from Japan and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Tokyo to discuss lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. [19 December 2011]

United Nations Asia-Pacific arm strengthens outreach to South and South-West Asia
The United Nations Asia-Pacific development arm today opened a new office in New Delhi for improved support to a region that is home to one of the fastest growing subregions in the world, as well as one of the largest concentrations of hunger and poverty. [15 December 2011]

Asia-Pacific leaders chart development course for Least Developed Countries in the Region
Despite the many gains that have been made in the last ten years, Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States remain vulnerable to economic shocks and other internal and external crises, according to officials and experts from around the Asia-Pacific region. [14 December 2011]

UN ESCAP to launch Delhi Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia (SRO-SSWA)
South and South-West Asia is one of the fastest growing subregions in the world led by countries such as India and Turkey. Yet it has one of world's highest concentrations of hunger and poverty, with vast social and physical infrastructure development gaps within and among countries. Four countries in the subregion --Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal -- are least developed countries (LDCs) while Afghanistan, Bhutan and Nepal also face additional constraints as landlocked countries. [12 December 2011]

Developed world economic woes to dent Asia-Pacific growth which needs immediate stimulus and rebalancing over the coming years, says ESCAP
Asia-Pacific growth will slow down significantly in 2012 due to continuing uncertainty in the advanced economies, but the region has the means to offset the adverse impact, according to latest United Nations macroeconomic projections and policy advice released here today. [9 December 2011]

High inflation levels threaten region’s recovery from crisis, ESCAP tells Asia-Pacific economic policymakers
High inflation levels, in particular food and fuel prices could reduce Asia-Pacific growth by as much as 1.5 per cent over this year and next, the United Nations told senior government economic policymakers from across the region meeting here this week. [8 December 2011]

United Nations urges Asian media leaders to help promote climate-friendly, inclusive growth
The United Nations today called on Asian media leaders to engage proactively on climate change issues to persuade governments, business and the public to accept choices needed to transform current unsustainable growth patterns into environment-friendly and socially inclusive development in the region. [7 December 2011]

ESCAP to Launch Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2011: Year-end Update
The Asia-Pacific region is facing the challenge of coping with a sharp deterioration in the global environment. As forewarned by ESCAP, the developed economies of the world remain mired in the economic crisis which erupted in 2008. Financial markets in the region will be impacted by the fallout from a possible renewed financial crisis. The global slowdown is already impacting the region’s growth, as shown in the report’s latest forecasts for 2012. [2 December 2011]

Nobel Laureate in Economics to deliver ESCAP Distinguished Person Lecture at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok
ESCAP will be hosting Professor Robert Mundell of Columbia University, New York, to speak on the topic "Global Currency: Dollar, Euro, Renminbi" on Wednesday, 7 December 2011 at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok. [30 November 2011]

United Nations to strengthen outreach in East and North-East Asia
The United Nations will enhance its outreach to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in East and North-East Asia, the top United Nations Asia-Pacific official said while signing an agreement here today with the Government of the Republic of Korea which hosts the world body's subregional development hub. [22 November 2011]

UN Secretary-General Visits to Bangkok
During his visit to Thailand tomorrow (16 November), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will be received by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra at Government House where they will make a joint statement. Later in the day, the UN Secretary-General will make an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Bangkok. There will be a media photo opportunity at the Helipad as the Secretary-General departs and returns from the aerial inspection. [15 November 2011]

Crisis an opportunity to make growth more inclusive, ESCAP tells global seminar
The global economic crisis is an opportunity for nations to promote inclusive and sustainable growth, the top United Nations Asia-Pacific official told a global forum held in Salzburg, Austria last week to discuss lessons Asia and the world can share in developing effective social protection systems in which economic growth and social protection are approached as part of a holistic and coherent development agenda. [15 November 2011]

UN Secretary-General visits Thailand
As part of a three-country visit to South-East Asia, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will arrive in Thailand on Wednesday 16 November, making visits to Government House and to the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. The Secretary-General will be received by the Prime Minister of Thailand at Government House where they will make a joint statement and take questions at 13:50 in the Purple Room of the Thai Koo Fah Building. [14 November 2011]

National University of Singapore honours ESCAP Executive Secretary with 2011 Eminent Alumni Award
The National University of Singapore, a leading global centre of higher education, has honoured the top UN official in the Asia-Pacific region with its eminent alumni award for 2011. The award was conferred today during a ceremony at the National University of Singapore on Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the ESCAP, Dr. Noeleen Heyzer. [4 November 2011]

United Nations supports flood crisis management in Thailand with real-time satellite data
Responding to a request from the Government of Thailand, the United Nations, working with international partners, is enabling national disaster management authorities to have more frequent access to satellite imagery capturing flood wave dynamics for improved monitoring of and response to the country’s worst flooding in decades. [29 October 2011]

United Nations celebrates Bangkok's role as UN hub for sustainable and inclusive development in Asia and the Pacific
Leaders of Thailand joined the United Nations family here today to celebrate the United Nations Day and the role of the Kingdom's capital as a United Nations hub promoting sustainable and inclusive development in Asia and the Pacific. [24 October 2011]

Asia-Pacific delegates conclude regional Preparatory Meeting for Rio+20 with re-affirmation of commitment to sustainable development
Delegates from 41 countries of the Asian and Pacific region concluded the Asian and Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (also known as Rio +20) in Seoul yesterday. The meeting considered the two themes of the Rio +20 – a green economy in the context of sustainable development; and the institutional framework for sustainable development. [21 October 2011]

United Nations Demands Retraction from Thai ASEAN News Network
The United Nations has demanded an immediate retraction from the Thai ASEAN News Network for the serious misquotes of Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in a story that ran this week. [21 October 2011]

United Nations to mark 62 years in Thailand with launch of Bangkok as UN regional hub
United Nations agencies and entities based in Thailand will mark 62 years of the world body's presence in the Thai capital on 24 October with the launch of Bangkok as the "UN Hub in Asia and the Pacific". [20 October 2011]

Asia-Pacific governments and civil society meet to prepare for 2012 Rio +20 Summit
More than 250 Government and civil society delegates from over 40 Asia-Pacific countries meet today in Seoul to adopt a regional statement to be tabled at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) -- also known as "Rio +20" -- to be held next year. [19 October 2011]

ESCAP expresses solidarity with flood victims in Thailand and South-East Asia
The top United Nations official in the Asia-Pacific region today expressed grave concern over the unprecedented loss of life and livelihoods caused by heavy monsoon rains and tropical storms in South-East Asia and reiterated continued United Nations support to affected countries in improving resilience to natural disasters. [18 October 2011]

Asia-Pacific reaffirms support to United Nations initiative that is saving women's and children's lives
United Nations agencies in the Asia-Pacific region reaffirmed their commitment to a global goal to save the lives of 16 million children, new mothers and pregnant women who would otherwise die of preventable causes by 2015, by working with governments, health professionals, business and civil society. [14 October 2011]

Children and Disaster Experts Discuss Disaster Prevention
Over 50 children from 13 countries from Asia Pacific met today at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok to celebrate the International Day for Disaster Reduction and discuss how they can play a more active role in preventing disasters. [13 October 2011]

Asia-Pacific developing countries seek greater say in shaping global economic governance with recommendations to upcoming G20 Summit
Asserting that all countries are affected by global risks, 28 Asia-Pacific countries at a United Nations high-level forum here have sought greater transparency and inclusiveness in G20 deliberations in shaping a development-friendly global economic governance system. [13 October 2011]

Asia-Pacific countries meet to formulate regional voice on upcoming G20 summit
High-level government representatives and policymakers from 28 Asia-Pacific countries will meet at the United Nations Asia-Pacific headquarters here tomorrow to formulate a regional voice on issues to be discussed at next month's G20 Summit in Cannes, France. [10 October 2011]

Launch of the 'Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific 2011'
The United Nations ESCAP will launch its "Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific 2011" on 12 October 2011 at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. The publication presents comparable, cross-sectoral statistical data and analyses on population, the environment, the state of the economy and connectivity for the Asia-Pacific region, including subregional, regional and global aggregates which help place regional developments in a global context. [6 October 2011]

Asia-Pacific governments urged to cut red tape in trade to stay competitive amidst global economic uncertainty
Asia-Pacific countries must simplify trade procedures to facilitate international trade and stay competitive at a time of global economic uncertainty, over 200 trade officials and experts from 34 countries told a regional trade facilitation forum. [6 October 2011]

Launch of the 'Investing in Youth Policy: The Case for Youth Policy Development in Asia-Pacific' Publication
The United Nations Asia-Pacific Interagency Group on Youth will launch the publication "Investing in youth policy: The case for youth policy development in the Asia-Pacific region" on 5 October 2011 at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. The purpose of the launch is to raise awareness among and build capacity of government officials and other stakeholders with regard to developing and implementing coherent and effective youth policies. [4 October 2011]

Universal access to clean, efficient energy is vital for poverty reduction, ESCAP tells Asia-Pacific countries
Lack of access to modern energy services is keeping tens of millions of people in poverty and poor health across Asia and the Pacific region, the majority of them women, the United Nations told a regional energy policymakers' meeting here. [29 September 2011]

Women must have a greater role in conflict-prevention and peacebuilding in Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region, which is confronted with a number of conflicts, needs to recognize more fully the central role of women in conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding processes, a forum, organized here by the United Nations said. [16 September 2011]

Inaugural meeting of the Asia-Pacific Regional Advisory Group on Women, Peace and Security to be held at the United Nations Conference Centre, 13-14 September 2011
Bringing together leading experts from Governments and civil society organizations from across Asia and the Pacific, the newly established Regional Advisory Group on Women, Peace and Security will hold its inaugural meeting at the United Nations Conference Centre on 13 and 14 September 2011. [9 September 2011]

Inclusive policies critical to build regional resilience amidst global economic uncertainty, ESCAP tells Asia-Pacific forum
Inclusive growth policies to reduce wide socio-economic disparities within the region will be critical in helping developing Asia-Pacific countries build resilience to future global economic shocks, the United Nations told a high-level policymakers' forum. [9 September 2011]

United Nations launches guidelines for eco-efficient and socially inclusive cities
The United Nations today launched guidelines for making Asia-Pacific cities environment friendly and more liveable, at the start of a regional mayors' forum on sustainable urban infrastructure in Suncheon, Republic of Korea. [30 August 2011]

Statement by the Secretary-General on attack on United Nations in Nigeria, New York, 26 August 2011
  [26 August 2011]

Remarks at World Humanitarian Day Ceremony by Ms. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, 19 August 2011
  [19 August 2011]

Closing the gender gap is critical for MDG achievement in Asia-Pacific
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Government of China announced this week that they will work together to close the gender gap as part of regional efforts to address rising inequality and disparities to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in China and other countries in Asia-Pacific. [11 August 2011]

Commemoration of the World Humanitarian Day, 19 August 2011
In December 2008, the sixty-third session of the General Assembly designated 19 August, the date of the bombing of the UN Office in Baghdad in 2003, as World Humanitarian Day. [11 August 2011]

ESCAP helps Pacific island nation of Palau use satellite technology for disaster preparedness
Government officials in Palau joined United Nations experts at a training workshop here on the use of satellite technology to improve the Pacific island nation’s preparedness for natural disasters that are a major threat to national physical and economic well-being. [8 August 2011]

Asia-Pacific countries seek ESCAP support to remove bottlenecks to intraregional trade and investment
Senior government representatives of over 30 Asia-Pacific countries ended three days of United Nations-sponsored discussions here today, seeking the world body’s support to remove bottlenecks to intraregional trade and investment, giving special attention to least developed and landlocked developing countries. [29 July 2011]

Low-income and geographically disadvantaged nations must gain from Asia-Pacific trade and investment boom, ESCAP tells regional policy makers forum
The least developed, as well as geographically disadvantaged Asia-Pacific nations need support to overcome their marginalization in the region’s booming trade and investment growth, the United Nations told a bi-annual forum of policy makers from the region here today. [27 July 2011]

Asia-Pacific trade rebounds to pre-crisis levels; Untapped potential in intraregional trade and climate-smart goods, says ESCAP
Export recovery has led Asia and the Pacific out of the 2009 global economic and financial crisis, allowing the region to emerge as an important stabilizing force and engine of world economic growth, a new United Nations report released here today said. [25 July 2011]

ESCAP trade and investment forum helps Asia-Pacific countries identify post-crisis business opportunities
Policy makers, business leaders and experts from Asia-Pacific countries began discussions today in Bangkok at the Asia-Pacific Business Forum 2011(APBF) to identify trade and investment opportunities to help sustain the region’s lead role in the global economic recovery. [25 July 2011]

Bridging development and trade gaps can make Asia-Pacific world economic centre of gravity, ESCAP tells global forum in Indonesia
Wide gaps in human development together with inadequate physical infrastructure and intra-regional trade are holding back the Asia-Pacific region from taking its rightful place as the global economic centre of gravity, the top regional United Nations official said today. [21 July 2011]

Launch of the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2011
The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) will launch the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2011 on Monday, 25 July 2011 on the first day of ESCAP’s Trade and Investment Week. [19 July 2011]

Empowering persons with disabilities through creative energy: ESCAP initiative promotes inclusive and barrier-free society in Thailand
Some 500 children and youth from across Thailand, many with disabilities, assembled at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand today, together with national artists, teachers and volunteers for the launch of a UN initiative to promote an inclusive and barrier-free society. [14 July 2011]

Investment in poverty reduction can speed Asia-Pacific economic recovery, says UN regional chief
As the leader of the global economic recovery, the Asia-Pacific region must give priority to poverty reduction and inclusive development to sustain its dynamic growth, the top United Nations official in Asia-Pacific said today. [6 July 2011]

UN and Bhutan launch ICT capacity development programme to improve connectivity and bridge digital divide in Himalayan kingdom
More than 40 senior Bhutan government officials and policymakers are meeting in Thimphu this week for a United Nations information and communication technology (ICT) capacity building programme that aims to support national socio-economic development. [4 July 2011]

Asia-Pacific countries agree on ways to step up cooperation on disaster risk reduction
Asia-Pacific countries ended three days of talks at a United Nations forum here today, agreeing to work more closely together on disaster risk reduction and make this central to national development strategies. Ministers and senior government officials from 31 countries, who met at the Second Session of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction, a subsidiary of the UN ESCAP, have asked the UN to help promote regional cooperation to minimize the adverse socio-economic and environmental impact of disasters. [1 July 2011]

Forum on Improving Rice Policies to Benefit Smallholder Farmers and Rice Production by UN ESCAP, Government, Civil Society of Myanmar
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), other international development organizations and agencies and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar's Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development held a conference of key stakeholders this week aimed at improving rice policies to increase the economic status of the country's smallholder rice farmers and rural poor, and boost overall rice production in Myanmar. [1 July 2011]

Unprecedented disasters are threatening economic recovery and need regional response, ESCAP tells Asia-Pacific countries
An increase in extreme weather events and unprecedented natural calamities have set back Asia-Pacific economic recovery and development gains and require a joint regional response, the United Nations told a meeting of 31 countries today. [29 June 2011]

Asia-Pacific forum to discuss making cities pro-poor, environment-friendly and climate safe
More than 900 representatives of governments, civil society, private sector and academia in the region are meeting in Bangkok this week to discuss ways to ensure that booming Asia-Pacific urban prosperity is friendly to both the poor and nature. [22 June 2011]

Green growth key to Asia-Pacific food and energy security, ESCAP tells global forum
Asia-Pacific countries can cushion themselves against food and fuel price shocks and natural disasters by more efficient use of resources and energy, the United Nations ESCAP told a forum of world leaders here today. [20 June 2011]

Asia-Pacific governments endorse agenda for sustainable and inclusive development
Asia-Pacific countries concluded a week-long annual United Nations forum in Bangkok today, finalizing a comprehensive social and economic agenda for sustainable and inclusive development in the region. [25 May 2011]

Intra-regional cooperation crucial for energy security, say Asia-Pacific countries
Major fossil fuel exporting and importing Asia-Pacific nations, meeting at a United Nations forum, agreed on the need for enhanced cooperation to promote energy self-reliance in the region where high food and oil prices threaten economic recovery and prospects for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). [25 May 2011]

Asia-Pacific governments agree on the need for universal basic social protection as a 'staircase' out of poverty and exclusion
Asia-Pacific governments attending a United Nations regional development forum here today agreed on the need for basic social protection covering all as a way out of poverty and exclusion for hundreds of millions of their people. [23 May 2011]

Asia-Pacific leaders reaffirm priority for social protection amidst crises
Government leaders and policymakers from 60 Asia-Pacific nations assembled in Bangkok today pledging to protect the poor and vulnerable from the aftershocks of financial and natural crises and secure for them the benefits of the region's dynamic economic growth. The Prime Ministers of Thailand and Bhutan, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia joined government ministers and representatives from the region at the 67th annual Session of the UN ESCAP, convened to help formulate a policy agenda to promote sustainable and inclusive development for the region. [23 May 2011]

Asia-Pacific governments discuss regional social protection and development priorities
Top government officials from 60 Asia-Pacific countries meet today to discuss a social protection and economic growth blueprint for the region where high food and oil prices have pushed millions more into poverty. [19 May 2011]

Asia-Pacific leaders convene in Bangkok to discuss social protection and development agenda for the region
The 67th Commission Session of ESCAP under the theme, "Beyond the Crises: Long term perspectives on social protection and development in Asia and the Pacific," will be held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok from 19 to 25 May. The annual Session comprises two parts: the Senior Officials Segment from 19 to 21 May in preparation for the Ministerial Segment, which will be held from 23 to 25 May. [12 May 2011]

ESCAP highlights policy priorities for sustainable and inclusive development in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's robust economic recovery in 2010 needs to be buttressed by continuing enhancement to connectivity between markets and peoples as well as investment in sustainable and inclusive development, the top United Nations official for Asia and the Pacific said during an official visit to the landlocked Central Asian nation this week. [6 May 2011]

Asia-Pacific to Remain Global Growth Driver in 2011, But High Food and Fuel Prices, and Volatile Capital Inflows a Risk
Asia-Pacific developing countries will continue driving the global economy in 2011, however high food and fuel prices, and volatile capital inflows pose fresh challenges, the United Nations said in its annual regional social and economic report released today. [5 May 2011]

New ESCAP Subregional Office for North and Central Asia
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kazykhanov, today signed an agreement with United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, establishing the ESCAP Subregional Office for North and Central Asia in the former Kazakh capital Almaty. [4 May 2011]

Launch of Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2011
The economies of Asia and the Pacific recovered strongly in 2010 from the Great Recession of 2008/09, but they face fresh challenges in 2011. These include the return of the food and fuel price crises, sluggish recovery in the advanced economies and a deluge of short term capital flows that is leading to volatility in capital markets, asset bubbles and appreciating exchange rates. [28 April 2011]

Under-Secretary-General Appoints Francyne Harrigan as Chief of Strategic Communications and Advocacy in Bangkok
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Dr. Noeleen Heyzer has appointed Francyne Harrigan as Chief of Strategic Communications and Advocacy in Bangkok, Thailand serving UNESCAP. Ms. Harrigan, who comes to this post with two decades of experience in journalism and strategic media communication with multilateral and international organisations, took up her duties on 4 April 2011. [19 April 2011]

ESCAP's High-level Policy Dialogue on Asia landlocked developing countries in Mongolia
Under-Secretary-General Dr. Noeleen Heyzer and the Prime Minister of Mongolia H.E. Mr. Sukhbaatar Batbold welcomed Ministers and senior government officials of 10 of Asia's landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) to the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bataar from 12 to 14 April to assess challenges to LLDCs arising from global food-fuel and financial crises of 2008 and 2009. [15 April 2011]

Highest Mongolian national honour for ESCAP chief
The President of Mongolia H.E. Mr. Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj has awarded Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, the "Order of the Polar Star", one of the highest national awards of Mongolia. [14 April 2011]

Asia-Pacific landlocked developing countries call for strengthened regional cooperation to promote greater connectivity
The top United Nations Asia-Pacific official, Dr. Noeleen Heyzer and the Prime Minister of Mongolia H.E. Mr. Sukhbaatar Batbold today led landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) in the region in a call to promote connectivity and reduce trade and transport barriers for inclusive and sustained development in these geographically disadvantaged nations. [14 April 2011]

High food prices prevented nearly 20 million people emerge from poverty in Asia and the Pacific
High food prices prevented 19.4 million people in the Asia-Pacific region from climbing out of poverty last year and persisting food and oil inflation can keep up to an extra 42 million people poor in the region, a new United Nations study released today said. [31 March 2011]

Asia Pacific Regional Consultation on Universal Access to HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support
Asia Pacific Regional Consultation on Universal Access to HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support. [29 March 2011]

Responding to the Challenge of Urban Water Resources Management Regional observance on World Water Day 2011
"Urbanization brings opportunities for more efficient water management and improved access to drinking water and sanitation. At the same time, problems are often magnified in cities, and are currently outpacing our ability to devise solutions", the United Nations Secretary-General stated in his address to commemorate this year’s World Water Day on the theme of "Water for Cities: Responding the Urban Challenge". [25 March 2011]

Statement - On the Japanese Quake and Tsunami
On behalf of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) I would like to express my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the people of Japan for the catastrophic losses inflicted by the powerful earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck north-eastern Japan on 11 March 2011. In the exceptionally difficult circumstances that ensued, the Government and its people have risen to the challenge to provide assistance to the hundreds of thousands of persons affected by the natural disasters and to deal with the immediate threat posed by the nuclear plant crisis. [17 March 2011]

Women need to be at the table to promote peace and security in the region, says top UN Asia-Pacific official
Promoting women's equal access to education, science and technology is essential to giving women a voice "at the table" which is crucial for development and peace and security enhancement in the region, the top United Nations official in Asia and the Pacific said at the centennial commemoration of International Women's Day. [8 March 2011]

United Nations, Thailand agree to expanded scope for disaster preparedness fund
Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and H. E. Mr Kasit Piromya, Minster of Foreign Affairs for the Government of Thailand today signed an agreement expanding the reach of a regional tsunami trust fund, to now also include support for disaster preparedness across Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean states vulnerable to flooding, storm surges, cyclones and other coastal hazards. [7 March 2011]

United Nations Trust Fund Expands to cover Disaster and Climate Preparedness in Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian countries
A signing ceremony for the agreement between the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Royal Thai Government to mark the broadened scope of the ESCAP Fund supporting early warning systems for tsunamis will take place at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok, on Monday, 7 March 2011. The event will be hosted by Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP in the presence of H.E. Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minster of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. [3 March 2011]

UN seminar on policy approaches for sustainable and low carbon economic growth in Thailand
"Climate change is happening in South-East Asia and predicted economic losses are in the range of 6.7 per cent of combined GDP each year by 2010", said Mr. Asif Ahmad, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Thailand at the National Seminar on Green Growth Policy Tools for Low Carbon Development in Thailand. [24 February 2011]

Global Commission on HIV and the Law Reviews Legal Barriers Obstructing Progress on AIDS in Asia-Pacific
Thirty years after the first cases of HIV were diagnosed, 90 percent of countries in the Asia-Pacific region still have laws and practices that obstruct the rights of people living with HIV and those at higher risk of HIV exposure. [16 February 2011]

UN partners with India's Department of Information Technology to develop national ICT human capacity for socio-economic growth
Indian government officials and senior training instructors are collaborating with the UN-APCICT, in the launch of the "Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders" through the First National Training of Trainers Workshop. [14 February 2011]

Facilitating Agricultural Trade is Key to Poverty Reduction and Food Security in Asia and the Pacific
Concerned over the sharp rise in food prices and the impact of export barriers on food safety, participants in a meeting organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) stressed the need for facilitating intraregional agricultural trade. This will help ensure accessibility and affordability of food products. [28 January 2011]

Low Job Growth and Unstable Exchange Rates Threaten Global Recovery, says UN Report
All indicators point to a weaker then originally predicted economic growth in the coming years with world economy expanding by 3.1 per cent in 2011 and 3.5 per cent in 2012 -far from sufficient to enable recovery o [13 January 2011]

Asia-Pacific exports set to grow at 10.5 per cent in 2011
According to a new United Nations Report exports are driving a V shaped recovery in Asia and the Pacific with developing economies in the region posting double-digit growth for both exports and imports in 2010. [23 December 2010]

Asian and Pacific Statistics Leaders Agree on Strategy to Develop National Statistical Capacities
The top statisticians of Asia and the Pacific agreed on a strategic plan to develop national capacities in the region by 2020 to generate a basic range of population, economic, social and environment statistics. The second session of the Committee on Statistics of ESCAP was held from 15 to 17 December at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok to discuss the capacity building strategy as well as other priorities of statistics development in Asia an the Pacific. [17 December 2010]

Slowdown expected in 2011: New challenges confronting the region
The Asia-Pacific region made impressive recovery in 2010 after the Great Recession of 2008-09, led by China and India, but faces new challenges in 2011 from weakening growth in the developed economies, a new UN assessment released today said. [15 December 2010]

Experts gather for macroeconomic policy dialogue in ESCAP
On December 8^th, ESCAP organized a policy dialogue to discuss emerging macroeconomic policy issues and development challenges in the ESCAP region. The dialogue was attended by senior experts from the central bank, major think tanks and the academia of several ESCAP member states [10 December 2010]

Celebrating 20^th Anniversary of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families
Ahead of International Migrants Day observed annually on 18 December, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Regional Office for South-East Asia, in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Regional Thematic Working Group (TWG) on International Migration including Human Trafficking, is organizing a roundtable discussion on Monday, 13 December from 10.00 to 12.00 noon at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. [10 December 2010]

ESCAP and Japan Space Agency Provide Flood, Drought Management Training
ESCAP and the International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM) in partnership with WMO and the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee co-organized a regional workshop here this week on managing water related disaster risks in Asia. The Workshop was supported by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and ADB. [9 December 2010]

International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Asia-Pacific commemoration
The Asia-Pacific region - home to an estimated 400 million persons with disabilities the majority of which are living in poverty - will highlight the rights of persons with disabilities with the upcoming Asia-Pacific Regional Commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to be held on 3 December 2010. The theme of this year's International Day of Persons with Disabilities is "Keeping the promise: mainstreaming disability in the Millennium Development Goals." [1 December 2010]

Advances in Mobile Services and Broadband are transforming Asia- Pacific Connectivity
Governments in the Asia-Pacific region have agreed to put in place a framework for regional connectivity that harnesses the rapid developments in mobile services and enhances broadband access for all in the region as a means for development. This was the key outcome of the 2nd Session of the Committee on Information and Communication Technology of ESCAP, held from 24 November to 26 November 2010. [26 November 2010]

Asia-Pacific Region UNited to End Violence Against Women and Girls
The United Nations Secretary-General's campaign "UNiTE to End Violence Against Women" got off to a powerful start in the Asian and Pacific region, with a high-profile event held at the United Nations Conference Centre on 25 November and attended by HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha and HE Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand. [26 November 2010]

Intergovernmental Consultation Meeting of the United Nations ESCAP Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia, 22-23 November 2010, Incheon, Republic of Korea
At the first Intergovernmental Consultation Meeting organized by ESCAP's Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia (SRO-ENEA) at Incheon, stakeholders from member states, civil society, academic institutions and multilateral agencies engaged in in-depth discussions on the subregion's sustainable development challenges and on the on-going agendas of multilateral cooperation in East and North-East Asia. [25 November 2010]

UNCTAD's Least Developed Countries Report 2010 to be launched on Friday, 26 November 2010 at FCCT
The world's 49 poorest countries need more and better-designed financing -- rising from an estimated $4 billion to $17 billion per annum by 2030 -- to cope with the difficulties posed by climate change, according to UNCTAD's Least Developed Countries Report 2010 to be launched on Friday, 26 November 2010 at the FCCT. The Report will be presented to the media by Mr. Nagesh Kumar, Deputy Executive Secretary, a.i. and Chief Economist of ESCAP. [23 November 2010]

Asia-Pacific Regional Launch of the Secretary-General's Campaign "UNiTE to End Violence against Women"
The United Nations Asia-Pacific Regional Coordination Mechanism Working Group on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, in cooperation with the Royal Thai Government, is organizing the Asia-Pacific Regional Launch of the United Nations Secretary-General's UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, on Thursday, 25 November 2010 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. [22 November 2010]

Asia's rebalancing needs better regional infrastructure says ADB President at ESCAP public lecture
As a part of its Distinguished Person's Lecture Series, the United Nations ESCAP hosted the Asian Development Bank on 11 November 2010 at the United Nations Conference Centre. President Kuroda was welcomed by Executive Secretary of ESCAP, who gave some brief introductory remarks. [11 November 2010]

UN and Government of Pakistan Working Together to Protect Against Future Flood Damage
After unprecedented floods in Pakistan killed 1,974 people, damaged 1.65 million houses, and destroyed 2.24 million hectares of crop land earlier this year, the United Nations has continued to partner with of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to help the country increase flood resiliency. The Regional High-Level Expert Group Meeting, organized by ESCAP, the United Nations Country Team and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, took place 9-10 November in Islamabad. [11 November 2010]

ADB President to deliver the fourth ESCAP distinguished persons lecture at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok
The United Nations ESCAP will be hosting Mr. Haruhiko Kuroda, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to speak on Asia's economic cooperation and connectivity on Thursday, 11 November 2010 at the UN Conference Centre. [9 November 2010]

UN Concludes Workshop to Strengthen ICTD Education in the Asia-Pacific
Over seventy governments and higher-learning institution participants from the Asia-Pacific region concluded a curriculum enhancement workshop organized by the United Nations Information Communications Technology (ICT) capacity development hub. The APCICT today concluded the Consultative Workshop, "Turning Today's Youth into Tomorrow's ICTD Leaders." held during the Asia Economic Community Forum (AECF) in Incheon, Republic of Korea. [9 November 2010]

UN, Asian Decision Makers Discuss ICT Human Capacity Development in Korea
Thirty participants from twenty-one countries in the Asia-Pacific have gathered to share experiences and discuss the status and way forward of a UN developed comprehensive Information Communications Technology for Development (ICTD) training programme. The Second Academy Partners Meeting in Incheon, Republic of Korea was organized by the UN-APCICT/ESCAP - a regional institute of ESCAP. [4 November 2010]

Building on decades of collaboration, the ASEAN - UN Partnership is well positioned to deal with the current economic crises
The ASEAN - in partnership with the United Nations - is ready to play a critical role in bolstering regional strengths to ensure that economic recovery extends to all parts of the region, according to a new UN report launched in Hanoi by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and presented to the ASEAN leaders and to Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung, the Prime Minister of Vietnam, and Chair of ASEAN. The report - entitled Striving Together: ASEAN and the UN - reflects on four decades of ASEAN–UN cooperation and how that history can be a foundation for even stronger collaboration between ASEAN and the UN in the future. The report is a product of the Asia Pacific Regional Coordination Mechanism, consisting of the regional offices of 30 UN and affiliated entities, and was launched at the conclusion of the Third ASEAN-UN Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. [1 November 2010]

ESCAP Brings Asia-Pacific Countries Together To Focus on Transport Infrastructure
An important method to promote sustainable and inclusive development for the Asia-Pacific region is to link transportation infrastructure, thereby allowing countries to easily move goods by rail or road and creating much-needed social and economic opportunities. [29 October 2010]

Inclusive policies key to sustainable growth, say Asia-Pacific countries ahead of the G20
An Asia-Pacific high-level consultation organized by the United Nations ahead of the G20 summit in Seoul, Republic of Korea called for inclusive global governance and underlined the central role of anti-poverty measures in supporting global growth in the post-crisis world. [27 October 2010]

First Asia-Pacific Disaster Report Launched by ESCAP and ISDR in Icheon, Republic of Korea
People in the Asia-Pacific region are four times more likely to be affected by natural disasters than those in Africa and 25 times more likely than those in Europe or North America, says a UN report released here today at the Fourth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR). [26 October 2010]

Asia-Pacific Countries gather at ESCAP to Give Perspective on the Upcoming G20
Representatives of 26 Asia-Pacific countries began a two-day consultation today in Bangkok to coordinate the region’s voice and discuss the non-G20 perspectives on the agenda of the G20 Summit to be held on 11-12 November in Seoul, Republic of Korea. [25 October 2010]

Secretary-General to Depart on Four-Nation Asia Tour
The United Nations' relations with Thailand, Cambodia, Viet Nam and China will be among the top items of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s agenda when he visits the four Asian nations next week, it was announced today. [22 October 2010]

UN Secretary-General Visits Thailand at Start of Four-Nation Asia Tour
As the start of a four nation visit to Asia, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will arrive in Thailand on Tuesday 26 October, making visits to Government House and to the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. The Secretary-General will be received by the Prime Minister of Thailand at Government House where they will make a joint statement and take questions at 14:15 in the Outer Santri Maitri Building. [22 October 2010]

UN meeting creates the 'right' effect - Asia-Pacific Governments support a new decade to Promote the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Propelled by an inspiring opening ceremony and three days of intense discussion, a powerful force for social transformation and all-inclusive development has been unleashed, as civil society, including disabled peoples' organizations, and UN entities joined hands with Governments in pledging to "Make the Right Real", in concluding deliberations of the Committee on Social Development this week at the United Nations Centre, Bangkok. [22 October 2010]

Asia-Pacific countries to discuss non-G20 perspectives ahead of the Seoul G20
Senior officials from nearly thirty countries in Asia-Pacific will gather at the United Nations Conference Center on October 25-26, to discuss non-G20 perspectives and coordinate the region’s voice ahead of the G20 summit to be held next month in Seoul, Korea [22 October 2010]

The World's Women 2010: Trends and Statistics -Women in Asia-Pacific trailing behind in several critical aspects of life, UN report finds
Despite much progress accomplished in ensuring the equal status of women and men in many areas, including school enrolment, health and economic participation throughout the world, a report launched today by the United Nations on the occasion of World Statistics Day makes it clear that still much more needs to be done, in particular to close the gender gaps in public life. [20 October 2010]

Regional Symposium on Low Carbon Economy: Trade, Investment and Climate Change
Trade and environment policy makers and experts from 12 Asian-Pacific countries participated in a two day Regional Symposium on Low Carbon Economy in Bali, Indonesia organized by UN ESCAP. They discussed green trade/investment and climate policy issues for achieving sustainable development. [15 October 2010]

Committee on Social Development to Break New Ground on Advancing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Asia-Pacific
The compelling vision of an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society in Asia and the Pacific will come within closer reach as the intergovernmental legislative forum, the Committee on Social Development, convenes its second session from 19 to 21 October at the United Nations Centre, Bangkok. This year, the Committee will focus on "Mainstreaming disability into the regional development agenda in Asia and the Pacific". [14 October 2010]

Growing Asia-Pacific Cities Must Adopt a Culture of Disaster Risk Reduction
With unprecedented urban growth throughout the Asia-Pacific region and a documented vulnerability to natural disasters, it is more important than ever that the region adopt a culture of disaster risk reduction in making sure that cities grow in a safer and disaster resilient way. This was one of the key messages from the observation of the International Day for Disaster Reduction and the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management by UN and ASEAN. To mark the occasion, a Regional Drawing competition for children was conducted on the theme My City, My Future: Making ASEAN Cities Safe from Disasters. [13 October 2010]

Launch of the UNCTAD Information Economy Report 2010 in Bangkok, Thursday, 14 October 2010
This year's UNCTAD Information Economy Report 2010 surveys the surprising and effective ways the poor are using modern information and communication devices -- particularly cell phones -- to raise their incomes and living standards. Examples from numerous countries show not only that mobile phones and other devices are helping the poor derive more profit from their existing occupations, but that there has been a large increase in micro-enterprises based on cell phones themselves -- selling air time, carrying out repairs, spreading timely and useful information. [11 October 2010]

UN, ASEAN and Thailand focus on Making Cities Resilient to Natural Disaster
The United Nations system and ASEAN will commemorate the 2010 International Day for Disaster Reduction, and the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management under the theme "Making Cities Resilient: My City Is Getting Ready!" The commemorations will take place on Wednesday, 13 October 2010 from 09:00-17:30 hours at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. [8 October 2010]

Developing countries of Asia-Pacific call for deeper regional connectivity
Over two hundred participants of the Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum from 33 countries in Asia and the Pacific made an urgent call on their governments to work closely with all stakeholders to streamline international trade procedures and ensure that regulations are simple, consistent and transparent. [7 October 2010]

10th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325: UN system to launch Regional Advisory Group on Women, Peace and Security in Asia-Pacific
In order to mark the 10th Anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Under Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP will launch the Asia-Pacific Regional Advisory Group on Women, Peace and Security at a special function to be held on 6 October 2010 at the UN Conference Centre, from 10.30 am to 12.00. [5 October 2010]

An Invitation to the Observance of the International Day of Non-Violence, UNCC, Tuesday, 5 October 2010
In June 2007 the General Assembly of the United Nations designated 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence to coincide with the birth day of Mahatma Gandhi. During the past years, ESCAP in collaboration with the Indian Embassy in Bangkok, has organized special events to commemorate this day. In keeping with this tradition, a ceremony to commemorate International Day of Non- Violence will take place on Tuesday, 5 October 2010 from 14:00-15:00 hours at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. [4 October 2010]

UN Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference unanimously endorses Astana "Green Bridge" Initiative Linking Europe and Asia and the Pacific including Green Growth as one approach to sustainable development
Ministers and heads of delegations from 46 Asian and Pacific member states unanimously endorsed today the Astana "Green Bridge" Initiative calling for a partnership between Europe and Asia-Pacific regions at a United Nations Conference held in the capital of Kazakhstan. The Partnership is hoped to ignite new engines for "greener, more competitive and more inclusive growth" in the region. [2 October 2010]

UN MCED-6 Activities Continue with Business and Civil Society Forums in support of New Environment and Development Approaches
Delegates from more than 40 countries meeting at the Sixth Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference for the Environment and Development in the capital of Kazakhstan continued discussions today in advance of the Friday formal opening of the Asia-wide forum on responsible environmental and economic development practices and strategies. H.E. Nurgali Ashimov, Minister of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP will brief journalists today, in the Press Conference Room Seven at the Palace of Independence, Astana. [30 September 2010]

UN MCED-6 Environmental Forum Continues in Astana; Kazakhstan, Pacific Island States, Civil Society Urge All-Asia Support for Green Growth Approach
Ministers from the Pacific Island states Tuesday expressed strong support for a green growth initiative during the debates of the MCED-6 about the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration and the Astana ‘Green Bridge’ Initiative. Also on the second day of ESCAP conference, representatives of civil society endorsed efforts to promote the green growth paradigm and to support rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability. [28 September 2010]

Sixth Asia and the Pacific Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development Opens in Astana: Forum on Adoption of Green Growth Policy Hosted by the Government of Kazakhstan and ESCAP
The Government of Kazakhstan, with the support of the United Nations ESCAP, today officially opened the sixth Asia and the Pacific Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development--a critical regional forum held every five years--hosted this year in the Kazakhstan capital of Astana. [27 September 2010]

UN Meeting Explores Ways to Better Harness Development Potential of International Migration for Countries in Asia-Pacific
A Meeting that brought together representatives from 31 Governments in the region just concluded at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok. Held from 22 to 24 September, the Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Global Forum on Migration and Development 2010 identified issues related to international migration common to countries in the region. The Meeting was organized by the UN Asia-Pacific Regional Thematic Working Group on International Migration including Human Trafficking, which is co-chaired by ESCAP and IOM, with participation from other UN agencies and UN-affiliated organizations. [24 September 2010]

UN Launches Programme to Develop ICT skills for Socio-Economic Growth in Uzbekistan
The UN in collaboration with national partners Thursday began a two-day workshop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan for over 50 Uzbek high-level government officials to develop national ICT (information and communication technology) capacities for socio-economic development. [24 September 2010]

Statement by Dr Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, at the Roundtable 6 on Partnerships for achieving MDGs, New York
Statement by Dr Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, at the Roundtable 6 on Partnerships for achieving MDGs, New York, 22 September 2010. [22 September 2010]

Asia-Pacific Countries Still have Opportunity to Turn Robust Growth into Anti-Poverty Success
Countries of Asia and the Pacific are at a crucial point in driving forward progress to cut hunger and poverty and achieve higher levels of health and education by 2015, according to a new report launched today at the start of a three-day summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at United Nations headquarters in New York. [21 September 2010]

UN ESCAP launches Drought Monitoring and Early Warning Cooperative Mechanism in Nanjing
ESCAP, today launched in to service a Regional Cooperative Mechanism on Drought Monitoring and Early Warning in Nanjing, China. The Mechanism provides satellite products for general drought monitoring and higher resolution products for identified high drought risk areas, and assists its members in developing localized products and services for relevant decision making. [16 September 2010]

ASEAN to Convene a Post-Nargis Lessons Learning Conference, Bangkok, 30 August 2010
ASEAN, with the support of the United Nations ESCAP, will convene a Post-Nargis Lessons Learning Conference on Monday, 30 August 2010, in Bangkok. The Conference, with the theme of "Institutionalising Good Practices, Strengthening Partnership," aims to incorporate the good practices of ASEAN's post-Nargis experience in Myanmar into regional disaster management mechanisms and to strengthen regional partnerships in disaster management based on the experience learnt. [27 August 2010]

ESCAP hosts ASEAN countries to discuss means to empower disabled persons
As the Asian and Pacific region struggles to sustain its dynamism in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, the estimated 400 million disabled persons living in the region are emerging as a force for change, including for their still mostly untapped consumer power. The potential for the business sector to embrace the rights and concerns of persons with disabilities was a key focus of a regional meeting on South-to-South Cooperation on Disability held on 19 and 20 August at ESCAP. [20 August 2010]

A New Decade in Sustainable Transport - Fifth Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport Forum in Asia, 23 - 25 August 2010, Bangkok
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Ministry of the Environment of the Government of Japan, United Nations ESCAP, and the United Nations Centre for Regional Development, with supports from various international organizations and donor agencies, will be jointly organizing the Fifth Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport Forum from 23 to 25 August 2010 at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, in Bangkok, Thailand. [20 August 2010]

Lively roundtable discussion marks launch of International Year of Youth in Asia-Pacific
The International Year of Youth was off to a dynamic start in the Asian and Pacific region as 200 youth gathered at ESCAP headquarters in Bangkok. The Launch of the Year featured a Roundtable discussion, where five youth representatives joined Heads of UN agencies and Government officials from across the region for a lively discussion. [19 August 2010]

Asia-Pacific needs to create new market from within says UN and Club de Madrid
The Asia-Pacific region needs to address gaps in infrastructure development as well as lift as many of its people out of poverty as possible in order to create new internal markets to sustain the region’s economic recovery, according to a just concluded high-level round table organized by the United Nations and the Club de Madrid. [19 August 2010]

UN Launches the International Year of Youth
The International Year of Youth will be launched on Wednesday, 18 August with a roundtable dialogue between youth representatives and heads of UN agencies and government officials from across the region in the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. [16 August 2010]

ESCAP and Club de Madrid to hold high-level meeting on sustaining Asia-Pacific's dynamism
ESCAP's MPDD, in partnership with the Club De Madrid and with the support of Casa Asia, is organizing a high-level roundtable on 18 August 2010 on challenges for sustaining Asia-Pacific region's dynamism in a post-crisis world for inclusive development. Distinguished former Heads of State and Government including Mr. Wim Kok, President of the Club De Madrid and former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Hong Koo Lee, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Anand Panyarachun, former Prime Minister of Thailand, and Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, Former President of Sri Lanka, as well as eminent experts from the region are expected to participate in the event. Dr Noeleen Heyzer, Undersecretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, will deliver an opening address. [13 August 2010]

Prime Minister of Thailand to preside over Art for All camp opening ceremony
Over 400 children and youth from across Thailand, including many with disabilities, art teachers and volunteers, will converge in the United Nations Conference Centre tomorrow Friday, 23 July for the opening ceremony of the annual Art for All Camp. [22 July 2010]

Nobel Laureate Urges Making Peace Part of the Development Agenda
Peace must be part of the development agenda, according to Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, not only because it is valuable in itself, but also because of its critical role in promoting human development. "Peace helps indirectly to enhance development through making governments more stable and functional, and through facilitating industrialization, the expansion of trade, and the sustained advancement of education and health services. While peace is certainly its own reward, it offers, in addition, other rewards as well." Professor Sen spoke on "Peace, Violence and Development in Modern Societies" in a lecture delivered at ESCAP in Bangkok yesterday. [21 July 2010]

UN ICT Hub Continues Support of e-Government in the Pacific through Latest Round of Training
Participants of an e-government workshop are attending a two-day training session today on information and communication technology (ICT) for development at a regional United Nations capacity building institute in the Republic of Korea. [12 July 2010]

ESCAP Member Countries Progress to Roadmap for Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific
Government officials from 23 countries in Asia and the Pacific ended two days of discussions here today, agreeing on three draft regional environment and sustainable development initiatives for endorsement by the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific (MCED-6) to be held from 27 September to 2 October 2010 in Astana, Kazakhstan. [9 July 2010]

Countries call for urgent action to improve civil registration and vital statistics
A regional gathering of experts in civil registration and vital statistics of 17 ESCAP member states organized by ESCAP and WHO in collaboration with ADB and UNDP has ended with a loud call from countries for urgent action to increase coverage and completeness of registration and improve quality of data from the registration of vital events. [29 June 2010]

Regional expert-cum-stakeholder consultation on the rights of Asia-Pacific persons with disabilities
The first step has been taken towards crafting a new Asia-Pacific agenda for persons with disabilities to participate fully in society, following the conclusion of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012. [25 June 2010]

UN MDG Report shows slow progress despite global economic slowdown - Regional launch in Bangkok on 25 June, at 11:00 at FCCT
The world continues to make advances towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), despite the global economic downturn, but the rate of improvement remains too slow and countries must step up their efforts if the MDGs are to be achieved by their target date of 2015, according to a United Nations report. ESCAP) will host a media briefing on Friday, 25 June, at the Foreign Correspondents Club Thailand at 11:00 am. [24 June 2010]

Cambodia Examines Short and Long Term Economic Challenges and Solutions
Officials from the Cambodian government embraced the opportunity to learn first hand from the economic policy experiences and reform plans of other countries in the region during a three day United Nations workshop designed to help establish a long term development path. [24 June 2010]

United Nations Asian Pacific Commission Session closes with adoption of Incheon Declaration
A critical meeting of the United Nations regional arm for Asia and the Pacific ended today with Ministers and diplomats from over 60 countries adopting the Incheon Declaration identifying the critical need for low carbon and clean technology growth strategies for the economies of the region. [19 May 2010]

Asia-Pacific Political Leaders Meet to Agree Regional Economic Recovery Steps
Government leaders of the Asia-Pacific region at a UN meeting in Korea today proposed common economic and financial measures aimed at ensuring Asia's early rebound from the global economic crisis will foster broader economic growth across the Asia Pacific region. [17 May 2010]

Asia-Pacific Political Leaders Meet in Republic of Korea to Agree Next Steps in Asian Economic Recovery and Measures for Sustainable and Green Future
Heads of State and Ministers of the Asia-Pacific region will meet on Monday, 17 May in Incheon to agree on joint economic and development policies to promote green growth and clean technology agendas across the region. Monday's meeting includes leaders for the 60+ countries of the Asia Pacific regional arm of the United Nations. [14 May 2010]

Pacific islands move to strengthen ties with Asia
The particular challenges of the Pacific island nations - the threat of climate change, vulnerability to natural disasters, and the high cost caused by small isolated area and population size--were presented to Asia-Pacific leaders at a critical United Nations regional meeting and were met with specific declarations of support from a number of member States. [14 May 2010]

Asia-Pacific Leaders at UN Meet on Regional Development Agenda
Government leaders of the Asia-Pacific region are meeting this week in the Republic of Korea, to agree on joint economic and development measures allowing Asia's initial rebound from the global economic crisis to lead to sustained economic growth for all the countries of the region. The annual session of ESCAP is bringing together ministers and senior officials in Incheon to discuss the challenges facing Asia and the Pacific and to propose a coordinated response. [13 May 2010]

Asia-Pacific Must Increase Social Spending to Turn Rebound into Recovery
A United Nations report released today urges governments in the Asia-Pacific region to increase social spending to consolidate the region's stronger than anticipated economic rebound and to spur over the long term a fairer, more balanced, and sustained economic recovery. "Governments must embrace this opportunity to secure the gains of the economic rebound by investing in social programs that directly benefit people hardest hit by the crisis, act to reduce poverty, and create a more sustainable economy," said Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP. [6 May 2010]

Launch of Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2010
While the economic rebound of the Asia-Pacific region from the financial crisis is stronger than expected, turning this rebound into a long term recovery that creates a fairer, more balanced, and sustained regional economy is the focus of the 2010 edition of the United Nations Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2010. The United Nations will issue this critical report on Thursday, 6 May in Bangkok and cities across Asia and the Pacific. [4 May 2010]

UN forum unveils new regional roadmap to low-carbon economy
Business leaders and governments meeting this week at a United Nations forum in China unveiled a roadmap for promoting low-carbon economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region. The Asia-Pacific Business Forum in Kunming, which concludes today, recognized that combating climate change is a major challenge and identified opportunities for the Asia and Pacific region to meet the double objective of economic development and long-term sustainability. [30 April 2010]

ESCAP chief calls for new approach to social protection in Asia and the Pacific
The top United Nations official in Asia and the Pacific has called for a renewed focus on social protection policies and programmes in areas such as employment schemes and pensions for older people, which are aimed at "getting people out of exclusion and poverty and building resilience to risks and vulnerabilities." [28 April 2010]

ADB Joins Hands with ESCAP in Statistical Capacity Building for Achieving Internationally Agreed Development Goals
The recent global economic crisis poses an unprecedented threat to development that is negatively affecting the MDGs achievement so far made by member States. The convergence of these threats has exacerbated an already difficult situation for many countries, particularly the LDCs, LLDCs and several SIDS. [28 April 2010]

Asia-Pacific Business Forum 2010 - Business Opportunities and Low-Carbon Economy
The Asia-Pacific Business Forum 2010 will take place from 28 to 30 April in Kunming, China, and aims to identify policy options for making progress towards a low-carbon economy and as well as opportunities for businesses to contribute to and benefit from this process. [23 April 2010]

Governments should bolster links with private sector, top UN official in Asia-Pacific region urges
The top United Nations official in Asia and the Pacific is urging governments in the region to develop stronger ties with the private sector in order to deliver more robust public services and "social infrastructure." [16 April 2010]

Viet Nam Seeks to Bridge Digital Divide with UN ICT Training Programme
The United Nations Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT), a regional institute of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), has collaborated with Viet Nam’s government to launch the Vietnamese version of the "Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders" (Academy) in Hanoi today. [15 April 2010]

Timor-Leste and UN Wrap Up Second ICT Training Workshop and Discuss Future Capacity Building Initiatives
The United Nations Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development, a regional institute of ESCAP, and Timor Leste’s Directorate National for Information and Communication Technology (DNICT), of the Ministry of Infrastructure, today concluded the second National Workshop of the "Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders" (Academy) in Dili, Timor-Leste. [9 April 2010]

ESCAP Urges Recognition of Women's Informal Work as Crucial to Improving Women's Rights across Asia
With rising numbers of women employed in the informal sector of the economy in all Asian countries, the United Nations is urging recognition of the importance of shifting away from economic and social models casting these women as faceless "workers" to a new model recognizing the value of the women's work and their role as producers, investors, entrepreneurs, self-employed business owners and contributors to the economy and society as a whole. [26 March 2010]

UN to Launch ICT Training Programme in Myanmar
The human resource capacity of Myanmar in the use of ICT for socio-economic development is set to get a boost with the launch of a United Nations ICT capacity building programme. The "Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leader," the flagship programme of UN-APCICT/ESCAP, will be the centre piece of the inaugural National Workshop that is to be attended by high-level officials. [25 March 2010]

UN Report takes Comprehensive look at Progress and Challenges in Asia-Pacific
Recent trends in the Asia-Pacific region documented in a new United Nations report show increases in research and development spending and access to technology, unemployment rates staying low because of employment in the informal sector, and high rates of communicable and non-communicable diseases and smoking. These findings are contained in the Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific 2009, released today by ESCAP [24 March 2010]

UN in Thailand to Hold Special Session to Mark International Women's Day
The United Nations system in Thailand will hold a special session on Thursday, 25 March  to mark International Women's Day, which this year is being observed with the theme, "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All." [23 March 2010]

UN Helps Asia-Pacific Countries Better Monitor National Development Strategies
The United Nations in Japan has concluded a six month training course on the fundamentals of official statistics for representatives from 13 Asia-Pacific countries aimed at developing the practical skills on statistical theory as well the skills to analyze and monitor national development strategies. [22 March 2010]

Poor Pay the Price for Unprecedented Levels of Water Contamination
Human activity is responsible for unprecedented contamination of water resources, leading to high levels of disease and infant mortality, with the poor paying the highest cost. This was the focus of UN observance of World Water Day, which took the theme of “Clean Water for a Healthy World.” The observance was hosted by ESCAP and UNEP. [22 March 2010]

Countries need to rethink their health systems in a regional context, ESCAP chief says
Countries need to rethink their public health systems in a regional context to be in better positions to deal with common cross-border issues such as the spread of highly infectious diseases and to address the reasons why people become ill in the first place, the top United Nations official in Asia and the Pacific said today. [18 March 2010]

World Water Day Celebrated at the United Nations in Bangkok on 22 March
The United Nations will celebrate World Water Day on 22 March 2010 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, placing special attention on water quality with the theme "Clean Water for a Healthy World". [18 March 2010]

UN to Help Deepen Malaysia's Connectivity with ASEAN and other Asia-Pacific Countries
Malaysia is seeking assistance from the Asia-Pacific regional arm of the United Nations to sharpen the country's technical assistance programme to make it more responsive to 21st century development cooperation needs, beginning with developing countries in Southeast Asia [12 March 2010]

International Women's Day message from top UN official in Asia and the Pacific
The "transformational" leadership of women has made the world a better place, the top United Nations official in the Asia-Pacific region says, urging continued efforts to reach targets for gender equality around the globe. Speaking yesterday in Malaysia at the "Women of Independence Conference", Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, called on women to continue their quest for gender equality by building on past achievements such as the establishment of legal frameworks to protect the rights of women and girls; better access to social and economic opportunities; steps by governments to address violence against women; and the establishment of institutional mechanisms such as Ministries of Women's Affairs. [11 March 2010]

UN Training Programme Helps Cambodia Bridge Digital Divide
The United Nations and Cambodia today launched a training course aimed at boosting the country's ability to use information and communication technology (ICT) for its development programmes. [9 March 2010]

UN Set to Boost ICT Capacity of Cambodia -- Launch of the Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders in Cambodia.
Cambodian human resource capacity in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) for socio-economic development is set to make a great stride with the launch of a United Nations ICT capacity building programme. High-level officials are to attend the inaugural National Workshop of the "Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders" (Academy), a core ICT for development curriculum developed by the United Nations Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (UN-APCICT/ESCAP), at the Intercontinental Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from 9 to 12 March. The event is co-organized by APCICT and the National Information Communications Technology Development Authority (NiDA) of Cambodia. [5 March 2010]

UN Launches a Project to Help Asia-Pacific Cities Turn Trash into Cash
Helping developing countries turn trash into cash is the focus of a new initiative launched today by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, (ESCAP) - the regional arm of the United Nations in Asia and the Pacific - in partnership with Waste Concern, a Bangladesh NGO. [22 February 2010]

Asia-Pacific MDG Progress Under threat from Global Economic Crisis
A joint report by the United Nations and ADB warns that the global economic crisis could trap an additional 21 million people in the Asia-Pacific region in extreme poverty, living on less than $1.25 a day. Achieving the Millennium Development Goals in an Era of Global Uncertainty: Asia-Pacific Regional Report 2009/10, launched today in Manila, examines the toll that the global economic crisis has taken on progress towards the Millennium Development Goals in the Asia-Pacific region. [17 February 2010]

Launch of the 2009 Regional Millennium Development Goals Report
The regional partnership of ADB, ESCAP, and UNDP will launch its latest regional report, "Achieving the Millennium Development Goals in an Era of Global Uncertainty" on 17 February, 2010 as part of a two-day program at ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. [12 February 2010]

Vulnerabilities of Pacific islands need to be better managed amid global crises
The global economic crises and recent natural disasters have compounded the vulnerabilities of Pacific island developing economies still recovering from the food and fuel crises, and efforts are required at both nation [9 February 2010]

High-level UN meeting to review sustainable development in the Pacific
Top officials from 14 small island developing states in the Pacific are set to gather next week for a United Nations meeting to review their countries' progress in sustainable development. The Pacific High Level Dialogue from 8 to 9 February in Port Vila, Vanuatu, is convened by the United Nations ESCAP and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and will review the progress made in implementing the Mauritius Strategy - the United Nations Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States covering the decade 2005-2015. [2 February 2010]

UN meeting embraces cooperation to cut risks from storms in Asia-Pacific region
With typhoon-related damage accounting for more than half of the economic losses from natural disasters, along with a marked increase in recent extreme weather events, countries in the Asia-Pacific region have agreed at a United Nations meeting to work closely together and coordinate their efforts. [29 January 2010]

Least developed countries conclude high-level UN meeting with call for greater say in global financial structures
Fifteen LDCs meeting at a high-level United Nations forum today concluded their review of a decade's worth of international assistance efforts with suggestions that such countries be given a greater voice in the international financial structures and extra consideration on climate change concerns. [20 January 2010]

ESCAP chief, Bangladesh Prime Minister lead call for recommitment to help least developed countries
The top United Nations official in Asia and the Pacific and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh today led a call for greater commitment in assisting the world's least developed countries (LDCs) in reaching various development goals set a decade ago. [18 January 2010]

East and South Asia leading recovery of world economy from recession, UN says
Governments in East and South Asia undertook aggressive monetary and fiscal measures to respond to the global economic crisis of the last two years, resulting in both regions leading the world's recovery out of recession, according to a new United Nations report "World Economic Situation and Prospects 2010". Tiziana Bonapace of ESCAP, will introduce the report along with Aynul Hasan, at a press conference at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 20 January at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT) in Bangkok. [15 January 2010]

High-level UN meeting to examine progress in implementation of plan to help least developed countries
The United Nations is set to convene a meeting next week in Bangladesh to assess and develop a regional position for Asia and the Pacific ahead of a global review next year on progress made in assisting the world's least developed countries (LDCs). [13 January 2010]

Statement by Noeleen Heyzer, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP on the five-year anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami
This Saturday we remember the tragedy of five years ago, when a series of massive tsunami waves struck coasts around the Indian Ocean. The region was caught off guard as most people were unaware that a tsunami threat even existed. The result was a disaster with one of the highest human costs in living memory, and one that will not be forgotten in our lifetimes. [24 December 2009]

Transcript of Press Conference by Dr. Heyzer and Prof. Stiglitz on the ESCAP/Myanmar Second Partnership Development Roundtable and Forum
Transcript of Press Conference on the ESCAP/Myanmar Second Partnership Development Roundtable and Forum by Noeleen Heyzer, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and Professor Joseph Stiglitz, Columbia University. [21 December 2009]

Asian Countries Agree to Pursue Treaty on Dry Ports to Promote Regional Integration
Transport ministers from across Asia have agreed to work on a treaty to promote the development of dry ports – inland transport and logistics hubs – to spur intraregional trade and growth. The agreement came at the end of the first session of the Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport, which concluded today at ESCAP in Bangkok. [18 December 2009]

ESCAP and Russia announce joint efforts to address development challenges
The Russian Federation agreed to strengthen cooperation with ESCAP to promote inclusive and sustainable development in the region, providing a voluntary contribution of $1.2 million annually during the period 2009 -2010 to support key technical cooperation activities of ESCAP. This partnership was announced today at a ceremony at ESCAP in Bangkok between Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, and Andrey Nedosekov, Deputy Transport Minister of the Russian Federation. [17 December 2009]

ESCAP, Myanmar development partnership seeks to boost agricultural sector and enhance rural livelihoods
ESCAP and the Government of the Union of Myanmar today held a wide-ranging dialogue aimed at boosting the country’s agricultural sector and to help it reclaim its status as the rice bowl of Asia. At the invitation of ESCAP, Nobel Prize-winning economist Prof. Joseph Stiglitz and other eminent experts discussed strategies for Myanmar to cut poverty in light of Asia’s regional and subregional experiences. [15 December 2009]

ESCAP and Russian Federation to Sign Cooperative Development Agreement
ESCAP and the Russian Federation will sign an agreement this Thursday to strengthen cooperation, with a view to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific. Under the agreement, the Russian Federation provides a voluntary contribution of US$ 1.2 million annually during the period 2009-2010 to support key programme activities of ESCAP. [15 December 2009]

Six Asian Economies Announce Tariff Reductions and Broader Cooperation
Trade ministers of six Asian countries – including China, India and the Republic of Korea, three of the region’s largest economies – today announced further tariff reductions at the conclusion of the third Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) ministerial council in Seoul. [15 December 2009]

UN workshop seeks to bolster Bhutan's defences against future global financial crises
A United Nations workshop in Bhutan concluded today, with participants agreeing on the need for technical cooperation projects that would help bolster the Himalayan kingdom’s defences against future financial and economic crises. [11 December 2009]

Ministers to Consider Proposals to Spur Growth of Asia-Pacific Transport Systems
Transport ministers from across Asia and the Pacific will gather next week at the United Nations headquarters in Bangkok to discuss proposals for a new intergovernmental agreement that would lead to the creation of a regional network of “dry ports” as an integral part of an integrated transport and logistics system connecting inland economic centres and spurring development growth in the region. [11 December 2009]

Pacific states not showing enough progress in addressing major urban issues, UN finds
Pacific island governments are not showing enough progress in addressing major urban problems such as housing, sanitation and waste management, the United Nations says after a six-month examination of city planning in the region. [11 December 2009]

UN Stresses Need for Incorporation of Environmental policies into Development
Delegates from countries across the Asia-Pacific region agreed on the need to integrate environmental sustainability into development policy, including through Green Growth. This was one of the outcomes of the first session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Committee on Environment and Development, which ended today in Bangkok. [4 December 2009]

ESCAP brings Nobel Laureate Stiglitz to Myanmar to advise on economic policy and rural poverty reduction
Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz will visit Myanmar at the invitation of ESCAP to advise on development policies and poverty reduction, especially in the rural area. Prof. Stiglitz will speak at a round table and development forum organized by ESCAP with Myanmar’s Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation on 15 December in the capital, Napyitaw. [3 December 2009]

International Day of Persons with Disability observed with Significant Progress in the Pacific
During the UN observance of International Day of Persons with Disability, the last decade’s advances for persons with disabilities in the Pacific were recognized. These included eight Pacific island countries having passed or being in the process of passing rights-based policies, and four countries having signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. [3 December 2009]

UN Meeting Stresses Changing Development Patterns to Sustain Economic Growth
With the Asia-Pacific region being home to two thirds of the world’s poor, having high vulnerability to the effects of climate change, and in need of increased economic growth to recover from the current crisis, the application of "Green Growth" as a possible solution was the focus of a UN meeting opening today in Bangkok. [2 December 2009]

Changing Development Patterns to Sustain Economic Growth focus of Regional Forum
Participants from across the Asia-Pacific region are gathering at the UN offices in Bangkok to discuss – among other issues - the idea of development through Green Growth, a regional strategy which brings together economic growth and environmental sustainability objectives and fosters socially inclusive and sustainable development. ESCAP is gathering government representatives from throughout the region for the First Session of the ESCAP Committee on Environment and Development in Bangkok, 2-4 December 2009. [30 November 2009]

Asia-Pacific leading global recovery but uncertainties remain, says UN
While the Asia-Pacific region is leading the global economic recovery, with the growth rate in 2010 forecast at 6.3 per cent – the highest in the world – considerable uncertainties remain about the extent and durability of the recovery, says a key United Nations report. The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2009: Year-end Update , released today in Bangkok, states that recovery to pre-crisis levels in Asia and the Pacific is dependant to a large extent on developments that are outside the region. Recovery of consumption demand in developed countries will be key to the region’s exports. [30 November 2009]

UN regional forum recommends ways to promote accessibility for persons with disabilities
Participants from 15 Asian-Pacific countries adopted a declaration at a regional United Nations meeting laying out 20 recommendations aimed at improving accessibility for persons with disabilities. The "Takayama Declaration on Development of Community for All" lays out recommendations on regional networking, advocacy, policy development, research and data collection, capacity building and resource mobilization on improving accessibility. [27 November 2009]

Asia-Pacific countries ask UN to lead development of regional financial architecture
The regional arm of the United Nations in Asia and the Pacific has been asked to take a leading role in supporting the development of a regional financial architecture, including the creation of a regional crisis management mechanism. This was one of the outcomes of a meeting - held by ESCAP - which concluded in Bangkok today. [26 November 2009]

UN report provides year-end snapshot of Asia-Pacific’s recovery from economic crisis
As 2009 draws to a close, ensuring sustained recovery in the new global economic panorama has brought greater prominence to the role of regional cooperation in Asia and the Pacific, and of the need for the region to drive its own development in order to act as an anchor for global recovery in the future, according to a year-end update of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2009, which will be launched on Monday, 30 November, at 11 a.m., at FCCT in Bangkok. [25 November 2009]

Cutting red tape key to promote trade within Asia-Pacific: joint UN/ADB report
Reducing trade transaction costs by cutting red tape can bring significant benefits to economies in Asia and the Pacific, according to a new publication from the United Nations ESCAP and ADB. Designing and Implementing Trade Facilitation in Asia and Pacific, released today in Bangkok at the first Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum, says that despite falling tariffs and the removal of import quotas, there remain significant costs to international trade associated with unnecessarily complex customs and border procedures, or with inefficient transit arrangements. [25 November 2009]

Eminent scholars highlight UN’s role in shaping core global values
The United Nations has not only played a significant role in developing core values such as human rights and gender equality but also in giving those ideas their practical form and carrying them forward, according to two eminent scholars overseeing a project to document the intellectual history of the organization. [24 November 2009]

UN policy body examines lessons learnt as Asia-Pacific region recovers from global economic crisis
Asian-Pacific countries at the United Nations regional headquarters today began an in-depth look at the effects of the global financial and economic crisis on their economies, with recovery patterns, policy responses and improving regional financial and economic cooperation high on their agenda. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, said the latest crisis offered the region an opportunity to rebalance its economies in favour of domestic and regional consumption, and part of that effort included the establishment of social protection systems. [24 November 2009]

Cutting red tape to maintain trade competitiveness focus of regional forum
It has been estimated that the hidden costs of red tape add up to 15 per cent of the value of goods traded. How to boost intra-regional trade in Asia and the Pacific by streamlining trade procedures and regulations? Can useful lessons be drawn from existing national and regional initiatives to further facilitate intra-regional trade? And how regional cooperation can help to reduce the trade facilitation gap across countries? These are some of the questions that will be discussed during the first Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum. Jointly organized by ESCAP and ADB, the event will take place from 25 to 26 November 2009, at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. [20 November 2009]

High-Level Meeting on Gender Equality Closes with Adoption of Bangkok Declaration for Beijing+15
Reaffirming their commitment to women’s empowerment, Ministers and senior officials from 40 countries closed a three day high-level meeting reviewing regional progress in gender equality with the adoption of the Bangkok Declaration for Beijing +15 which will intensify the region’s effort to improve the lives of women and girls. [19 November 2009]

Co-authors Sir Richard Jolly and Dr. Louis Emmerij to discuss book on ‘UN Ideas that Changed the World’
Authors Sir Richard Jolly and Dr. Louis Emmerij will deliver a lecture on their book “UN Ideas that Changed the World,” the capstone volume of a decade-long project to take stock of the origins and evolution of the economic and social activities of the United Nations. The event – part of the Distinguished Persons Lecture series at ESCAP. It will be followed by an open discussion as well as remarks by Ambassador Manaspas Xuto, President of the United Nations Association of Thailand. [18 November 2009]

Top statisticians at UN meeting endorse shift towards core skills-based training in the Asia-Pacific region
Top statisticians have endorsed a long-term plan by a United Nations regional institution to shift to a core skills framework for structuring its training programme in Asia and the Pacific. The decision came at the Fifth Session of the Governing Council of the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific, held from 16 to 17 November in Phuket, Thailand. [17 November 2009]

Asia-Pacific Region has Much to be Proud of in Advancing Gender Equality
Nearly 15 years after the landmark United Nations conference on women in Beijing established an agenda to empower women, the Asia Pacific region has made tangible progress in advancing gender equality. This was the main theme of the first session to review the follow-up to the 1995 United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women, held today. [16 November 2009]

Central Asian States Agree to Coordinate Efforts to Combat Economic Crisis
High-level government officials from Central Asian and neighbouring countries, international organizations and financial institutions today pledged to work together in strengthening regional economic cooperation in order to diminish the consequences of the global economic crisis. The decision came at the 2009 UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Economic Forum on "The Role of Sub regional Cooperation in Mitigating the Consequences of the Global Economic Crisis" for the SPECA countries. [12 November 2009]

ESCAP to Hold High-level Intergovernmental Meeting to Review Regional Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action
Fifteen years after the historic Fourth World Conference on Women took place in Beijing in 1995, ESCAP is reviewing the situation of women from a regional perspective in preparation for the global fifteen-year review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in New York in March 2010. The Beijing +15 Regional Review Meeting entitled "Accountability and Implementation: Making Change Happen through the Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action" will be held from 16 to 18 November 2009 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok. [11 November 2009]

UN-led talks focus on ICTs as stimulus to economic growth in Asia-Pacific region
The United Nations is exploring how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can lead the way in Asia and the Pacific achieving greater economic growth, stronger development and help in combating climate change. [10 November 2009]

UN Forum for Central Asian Countries to Tackle Economic Crisis
Seven Central Asian countries will gather at a UN meeting in Bishkek to discuss the impact of the current economic and financial crises on their economies. The Fourth Session of the UN Special Prgramme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) and the 2009 SPECA Economic Forum will be convened from 12 to 13 November 2009 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. They are being organized jointly by ESCAP, UNECE and the Government of Kyrgyzstan. [9 November 2009]

UN meeting closes with call for trade deal to help least developed countries
Senior government officials meeting at the regional arm of the United Nations for Asia and the Pacific today called for exports from the least developed countries to be granted duty- and quota-free access, without waiting for the completion of the Doha round of trade negotiations on reducing trade barriers. Participants at the first session of the Committee on Trade and Investment of ESCAP also called for a more-proactive role for the region in global decision making bodies in order to prevent future financial crises and their subsequent devastating effects. [6 November 2009]

Top Statisticians in Asia-Pacific Region Pledge to Enhance Communication with Data Users
Top statisticians at a United Nations meeting have pledged to improve their communication with data users from the Asia-Pacific region. The decision came at a seminar on “Strategies for Achieving Effective Data Communication,” for the heads of National Statistical Organizations (NSOs) of 26 Asia-Pacific countries meeting from 3 to 5 November 2009 in New Delhi . [5 November 2009]

UN trade and investment policy body for Asia and the Pacific opens first session
The main policy body on trade and investment for the regional arm of the United Nations in Asia and the Pacific opened its first session today, noting that the region was on the path to recovery from the economic and financial crises but also that the adverse social effects would be felt for a long time. The Committee on Trade and Investment, which provides policy guidance to the work of ESCAP, is meeting through Friday in Bangkok under the theme, "Trade-Led Recovery and Beyond." [4 November 2009]

UN notes growth of good corporate citizenship among Asia-Pacific enterprises
Although more companies in Asia and the Pacific are taking into account such issues as environmental and social concerns there needs to be a sustained effort to ensure that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is integrated into the operations of all businesses, according to a pair of meetings organized by ESCAP. [3 November 2009]

UN kicks off first Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Week
The regional arm of the United Nations in Asia and the Pacific today kicked off a weeklong focus on trade and investment issues, with the top UN official here urging a rebalancing of the region’s sources of economic growth. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, said research indicated that regional economic cooperation could be another driver of growth for a region traditionally reliant on trade with developed countries. [2 November 2009]

Statement on UN Day Run -- Unite To Fight H1N1 2009
by Dr. Noeleen Hezyer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, 31 October 2009, Bangkok. [31 October 2009]

Asia-Pacific exports on upswing but region needs to rethink trade-led development, UN report says
Asia-Pacific exports are making a strong recovery from the global economic crisis but the region needs to rethink the role of trade in development, according to a new report released today by the United Nations ESCAP. [29 October 2009]

UN Celebrates 60 years in Thailand and the Growth of Bangkok as Regional Hub
The United Nations marked 60 years in the Kingdom of Thailand and the growth of Bangkok as a regional hub for the UN system today, with the participation of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of Thailand. The celebrations also marked the UN’s 64 th birthday which falls on 24 October. [27 October 2009]

UN Forecasts Strong Rebound for Asia-Pacific Exports in 2010
A new United Nations report finds that exports from the Asia-Pacific region could rebound strongly in 2010 and makes a strong case for enhanced intraregional trade to reduce poverty. The report, "Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2009: Trade-Led Recovery and Beyond," is scheduled to be launched by Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, at 2 p.m., Thursday, 29 October, at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand in Bangkok. She will be joined by Ravi Ratnayake, Director of ESCAP’s Trade and Investment Division, and other officials from the Division. [26 October 2009]

Addressing East Asia Summit, ESCAP chief outlines how Asian countries can better connect with each other
The top United Nations official in Asia and the Pacific today presented Asian leaders with a new development plan less reliant on exports to the West but places emphasizes instead on greater connectivity within the region. "The economic crisis has exposed the limitations of a 'manufactured in Asia--consumed in the West' model for economic growth," said Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP. [25 October 2009]

UN-assisted meeting agrees to new strategy on disability for Pacific region
Thirteen Pacific island nations and territories considered a new region-wide strategy for addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, taking into account how resource and legislative commitments for implementation can be made at national levels. [24 October 2009]

Asia and the Pacific leads way in advancing action plan for women, UN official says
Although overall progress has been uneven 15 years after the landmark international women’s conference in Beijing, Asia and the Pacific has led the way in shaping how governments integrate a gender perspective into economic and social development programmes, the top United Nations official in the region said today. [22 October 2009]

Top UN official in Asia-Pacific region makes first official visit to the Philippines
Noeleen Heyzer, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, today met with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for talks on a range of issues, including how the country is coping in the aftermath of a series of deadly storms, as well as on the region’s response to the current economic and financial crisis. [22 October 2009]

UN Training Promotes e-Governments in the Pacific
Sixteen government officials from eight Pacific Island States have completed an intensive two-week training programme on e-government, as part of the continuing efforts of the regional arm of the United Nations to provide Pacific governments with the tools they need to embrace ICT as a development tool. [22 October 2009]

UN helps Asia-Pacific Countries Expand Access to Communications Technology for Development
The United Nations ESCAP, in cooperation with the Republic of Korea, held two workshops in Bangkok – one for Pacific and South-East Asian countries and one for South Asian and Central Asian countries – designed to help strengthen ICT policies throughout the region. The workshops, which took place during 19-22 October 2009, were attended by representatives from national governments and international organizations, as well as by leading researchers from the Asia-Pacific region. [22 October 2009]

United Nations Marks 60 Years in Thailand
The United Nations will mark 60 years in the Kingdom of Thailand and the growth of Bangkok as a regional hub for the UN system with an exhibition at the country’s largest shopping complex and official observances at the UN regional headquarters in the Thai capital. [20 October 2009]

Launch of UNCTAD Information Economy Report 2009
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) says in a new report that some parts of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector are weathering the global economic downturn relatively well while others have suffered. [20 October 2009]

UN Meeting Recommends Help in Accessing ICT for 400 Million Persons with Disabilities in Asia-Pacific Region
A United Nations meeting has recommended new guidelines for easing access to information and communication technology (ICT) by the 400 million persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Asia-Pacific region. [15 October 2009]

UN Family Stand Up and Take Action Event on 16th October 2009 (11.30 am - 12.00 pm) at UNCC Reception Hall
Join the STAND UP and TAKE ACTION challenge calling for action against poverty and for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on 16-18 October 2009. Last year, more than 116 million people around the world, 73.1 million from Asia participated in the event by standing up and pledging their solidarity with the world’s poorest people, shattering the Guinness World Record for the largest mobilization of human beings in recorded history. In Thailand, among many other events, the Bangkok-based agencies will gather together at the UN Family Stand Up Event at the UN Conference Centre on October 16 and use this opportunity to highlight the Regional progress and challenge of achieving the MDGs with specific thematic focus on women’s right, hunger and climate change, while recognising the significance of public participation in this process. Visit http://www.standagainstpoverty.org/map for a full list of events. (Click to see press release.) [14 October 2009]

Better Planning Can Help Asia-Pacific Region Confront Challenge of Housing Its Poor
With nations, cities and towns across the globe increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, resource depletion, food insecurity, population growth and economic instability, the United Nations yesterday commemorated World Habitat Day with the theme Planning our Urban Future, to raise awareness of the need to deal with these new challenges of the 21st century. [13 October 2009]

UN Launches Essential Information Technology Training Curriculum in CIS Countries
A training curriculum for policymakers that focus on ways in which information and communication technologies can contribute to the social and economic advancement in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries was launched in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on 30 September 2009. [5 October 2009]

Natural Disasters in Asia and the Pacific Underscore The Urgency For A Meaningful Climate Change Agreement
It is almost unprecedented for any region to experience so many disasters over such a short period of time. Since last Saturday, 26 September, Typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines , a tsunami struck Samoa , American Samoa and Tonga , and two massive earthquakes hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra . The resulting loss of lives, casualties and destruction to property is heartbreaking. [1 October 2009]

UN Highlights Efforts to Curb Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific against Backdrop of Bangkok Talks
Against the backdrop of negotiations taking place in Bangkok towards a new agreement to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the UN on Tuesday highlighted various efforts being undertaken in the Asia-Pacific region to assist countries in dealing with climate change. [29 September 2009]

Asia-Pacific Countries Need Assistance to Achieve Green Agenda Goals, UN Official Says
Countries in the region are poised and willing to pursue their development interests in an environmentally sound way but needed assistance to make it happen, said Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAPExecutive Secretary. [29 September 2009]

Rockefeller Foundation, UN and City Leaders Urge Greater Action to Build Resilience to Climate Change
As Manila battles the most severe flooding in 40 years and as climate change negotiators meet in Bangkok in hopes of advancing a climate change deal, city leaders and their national counterparts on UNFCCC negotiating teams met to discuss the importance of helping cities to adapt to the risks posed by climate change. [29 September 2009]

Heads of UN Agencies and ADB Chief in Bangkok Stamp Their Votes to ‘Seal the Deal’
The Heads of UN Agencies based in Bangkok today added their signatures to the Seal the Deal Campaign at a signing ceremony led by ESCAP Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer and Dr. Park Young-Woo, Regional Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). [25 September 2009]

UN to highlight Asia-Pacific efforts to combat climate change at talks in Bangkok
United Nations agencies will highlight their various efforts in the Asia-Pacific region to assist countries in combating climate change as negotiations for a new global deal are set to open next week in Bangkok. The briefing will be moderated by Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, and feature welcoming remarks by Yvo de Boer, the Executive Secretary of UNFCCC. [25 September 2009]

UN Set to Boost the ICT Capacity of CIS Countries
To mark the start of a series of capacity building workshops on ICT essentials for policymakers in the Commonwealth of Independent States and other Russian-speaking countries, an official launch event will be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan from 30 September to 2 October 2009. The event is co-organized by UN APCICT, and the Central Asian Research and Education Network, and hosted by the Tajik Academician Research and Educational Network Association. [25 September 2009]

Asian Governments Pledge to Complete Cairo Reproductive Health Agenda
A global action plan linking reproductive health, women’s rights and development remains an urgent priority 15 years after its adoption, Asian and the Pacific governments affirmed Thursday. Senior officials from 30 countries pledged to do more to promote safe motherhood, family planning, gender equality and adolescent health, at a forum reviewing regional progress since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). ESCAP and UNFPA organized the meeting as part of a worldwide series of activities commemorating the landmark 1994 Cairo conference. [17 September 2009]

Asia-Pacific Region to Mark 15th Anniversary of Cairo Summit on Population and Development
A high-level UN meeting this week will seek redoubled efforts by countries to reach population and development targets as a crucial step towards alleviating poverty and achieving sustainable and inclusive development. ESCAP and UNFPA are jointly organizing the Asia-Pacific High-level Forum on ICPD at 15: Accelerating Progress towards the ICPD and Millennium Development Goals, from 16 to 17 September at UNCC in Bangkok, to mark the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). [15 September 2009]

Launch of UNCTAD Trade and Development Report 2009
The flagship report of UNCTAD this year recommends substantial reforms for preventing a recurrence of the year-old economic and financial crisis. The Trade and Development Report 2009 also reviews the effects of the worst economic downturn since the Second World War on prospects for achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals – which seek to halve extreme poverty, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases as well as tackle other global ills – by the stated target of 2015. The regional launch of the Report will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, 7 September at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT) in Bangkok. [3 September 2009]

Launch of UN World Economic and Social Survey 2009: Promoting Development, Saving the Planet, Bangkok, 1 September at 2 PM
As negotiations for a new global agreement to address climate change enter the final stages before the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference this December, the United Nations is issuing a report on 1 September that analyzes the growing demands on developing countries as threats from a warming world are added to longstanding development challenges. A regional launch of the World Economic and Social Survey 2009 will take place in Bangkok at the FCCT on 1 September at 2 pm. [28 August 2009]

South-East Asian Governments Learn about Green Growth at UN Seminar
Government ministry representatives from throughout South-East Asia will gather in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand, from 31st August and 5th September, to learn how to implement low-carbon green growth solutions in response to the current economic, climate, and environmental crises. The green growth capacity development seminar will gather 45 officials from a variety of government ministries through out the region. It is organized by ESCAP in partnership with the British Government, China Standard Certification Center and Regional Help Desk on Sustainable Consumption and Production for Asia and the Pacific, as part of an ongoing series aimed at government decision-makers. [28 August 2009]

Technological Transfer and South-South Cooperation Key to Food Security in Asia-Pacific
For millions across the Asia-Pacific region the economic crisis has become a food crisis, and while the global economy may be showing signs of recovering the opportunity to set agriculture on a more sustainable path remain a significant challenge to the region. Food security was the key issue discussed in Beijing Monday at an event marking three decades of cooperation between China and ESCAP, where speakers stressed that there is now a need for stronger South-South cooperation and transfer of technologies when responding to the challenges of food insecurity and climate change. [25 August 2009]

Nobel Laureate Stresses Key Role of UN in Global Financial Architecture
If recovery from the current global economic crisis is to work for everyone, decisions must be made in a democratic, inclusive manner and the United Nations is the only international institution with the legitimacy to oversee this global reform, according to Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz. The remarks were made as part of Professor Stiglitz’s lecture on United Nations System and the economic crisis: towards a new global financial and economic architecture delivered at the United Nations ESCAP in Bangkok today. [21 August 2009]

Stiglitz to Discuss the Role of UN in Economic Crisis at ESCAP
Nobel Laureate Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz will deliver a lecture on “United Nations System and the economic crisis: towards a new global financial and economic architecture” at the UN ESCAP in Bangkok on 21 August. His address – which is part of ESCAP’s Distinguished Person Lecture series – will take place at the UN Conference Center, 14.00 – 15.30 hours. It will be introduced by ESCAP Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer, and followed by an open discussion. [14 August 2009]

UN Highlights the Use of Technology to Reduce Impact of Disasters in Asia-Pacific
As part of the continuing effort to assist countries in Asia and the Pacific better prepare for and deal with catastrophic natural disasters, the United Nations is organizing a session on the effective use of information and communication technology (ICT) for disaster risk reduction. The session - organized by the United Nations APCICT – is part of the International Conference on Building a Local Government Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction, taking place 11-13 August 2009. [11 August 2009]

ESCAP to Establish Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia, in Incheon, Republic of Korea
ESCAP Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer today announced the establishment of the first-ever ESCAP subregional office for East and North-East Asia in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The Office will facilitate matters related to cooperation in significant issues by ESCAP members China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation. [10 August 2009]

Make economic stimulus packages work for women, top UN official in Asia-Pacific region says
ESCAP Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer today urged countries to promote women’s economic interests as part of government packages aimed at dealing with the global financial crisis. Noting that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) bloc is projected to be the locus for global economic growth in 2009, Dr. Heyzer urged its members to seize the opportunity to build not just a new economic infrastructure but also a progressive social one. [5 August 2009]

UN top official requested to initiate development partnership and assessment of the rural economy in Myanmar
A team of statistical experts from the United Nations will be sent to Myanmar this month in order to organize a training workshop on national accounts, development goals reporting and computing human development indicators. The training is as a result of an official visit from the highest ranking UN official of the Asia Pacific region. At the invitation of Mr. Htay Oo, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, Government of Myanmar, Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP concluded a six -day field visit to Myanmar from 26 July to 1 August 2009. Dr. Heyzer called on H.E. Mr. Thein Sein, the Prime Minister, and met Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers as well as numerous mayors and local officials during her visit. [3 August 2009]

UN meeting concludes new sources of economic growth must be found within Asia-Pacific Region
A UN meeting wrapped up today with countries agreeing that the Asia-Pacific region must look inwards to develop new engines of growth in order to pull itself out of the effects of the global recession. No longer able to rely on the United States and the European Union as drivers of the region’s economy, Asia-Pacific states should look to boost the share of domestic demand to make up for the expected loss in traditional export markets, said participants at the regional high-level workshop on Strengthening the response of the global financial crisis in Asia-Pacific: the role of monetary fiscal and external debt policies. [31 July 2009]

UN Official says Economic Crisis an Opportunity to Nations to Develop Social Safety Nets
The fallout from the triple crisis of finance, food and climate change threatens to roll back a decades worth of success in economic development and poverty reduction. However, nations can rise to the challenge of not only recovering, but protecting against future crisis by providing social safety nets and public health care for their citizens, according to Dr Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP. [30 July 2009]

Senior finance and central bank officials meet at UN workshop on Asia-Pacific’s economic policy responses to financial crisis
Senior finance and central bank officials from across Asia and the Pacific are meeting at a United Nations workshop to look into various economic policies used by governments in the region to deal with the global financial crisis. Shrinking resources and other fiscal issues have left several countries in the region with little room to manoeuvre as they seek to jump start their economies amidst the crisis, according to Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP. [28 July 2009]

ESCAP to Discuss Myanmar’s Agriculture Economy and Rice Policies Through Development Partnership
At the invitation of Mr. Htay Oo, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Executive Secretary of ESCAP Dr. Noeleen Heyzer is visiting Myanmar to launch ESCAP’s study on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. The agricultural economy is the most important sector in Myanmar and contributes 42 per cent of the country’s GDP and 70 per cent of its labour force. This is the first step in a development partnership with the Government of Myanmar to discuss its agricultural economy and policy. [28 July 2009]

Social Policy Places People at the Centre of Development Process
“Social policy places people at the centre of the development process…. Inclusive dialogue, community ownership and a rights-based approach are central to social policy,” noted policy-makers, academics and development partners at the meeting on Social Policies in Pacific Island Countries: Policy Recommendations and Impact of Current Crises held from 22 to 23 July 2009 in Suva, Fiji. [24 July 2009]

UN regional high-level workshop to study Asia and the Pacific economic policy responses to financial crisis
Senior finance and central bank officials from 17 Asian-Pacific countries are scheduled to meet from 27 to 30 July 2009 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to look at various economic policies used by governments in the region to deal with the global financial crisis. The regional high-level workshop on “Strengthening the response of the global financial crisis in Asia-Pacific: the role of monetary, fiscal and external debt policies,” is organized by the Macroeconomic Policy and Development Division of the ESCAP, and hosted by the Bangladesh Bank. [24 July 2009]

ESCAP Chief in Geneva for Annual Session of Main UN Body on Economic and Social Issues
With the world economy projected to grow a meagre one percent, the most difficult phase of the global financial crisis has just begun for the majority of people, particularly in developing countries. Impacts will take the form of less job opportunities, greater income insecurity and a higher risk of falling into poverty. In this context, the United Nation’s Economic and Social Council is holding its substantive session this month from July 6 to 31st in Geneva. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, joined with other senior UN officials, national cabinet ministers and chiefs of international agencies to discuss the impact of the current economic crisis on a range of development issues including global health. [15 July 2009]

UN Joins Forces with Timor-Leste and Indonesia to Harness the Power of ICT for Development
More than 60 high-ranking Timorese officials will learn this week how information and communication technology (ICT) can be used to assist with making policy decisions and further development goals through a United Nations initiative underway across the Asia-Pacific region [6 July 2009]

The Secretary-General's Remarks to the Media, Following Official Visit to Myanmar
Unofficial Transcript, Bangkok [4 July 2009]

Seminar Teaches Green Growth Policy for Asia and the Pacific
ESCAP and partner organizations are leading efforts to help the region’s policy makers achieve sustainable development through low-carbon and green-growth means. The first “training of trainers” seminar was held from 22 to 27 June 2009, and introduced 25 participants from Cambodia and Kazakhstan to a range of policy tools developed by the ESCAP Green Growth Capacity Development Team along with the Regional Helpdesk on Sustainable Consumption and Production for Asia and the Pacific, the China Standard Certification Centre and support from KOICA. [29 June 2009]

Low-carbon development models can lead future economic growth in Asia-Pacific region
Development models emphasizing low carbon emissions, saving energy and greater investment in energy infrastructures are gaining acceptance around the Asia-Pacific region and may lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, according to a meeting co-organized by ESCAP. [19 June 2009]

UN Launches Remote Training on Information Communication Technology for Development
In its continuing efforts to promote the use of information and communication technology (ICT) as a tool of development through human capacity building, a United Nations training centre has launched an online training programme designed to provide policymakers with the necessary tools to effectively embrace new technologies. [15 June 2009]

Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network Enters into Force
Countries throughout Asia committed to coordinate the development and operation of international rail routes linking 28 countries, as the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network entered into force today. This momentous step forward for regional integration was marked with a ceremony at ESCAP – featuring video messages from Ministers of Railways from the eight countries who have ratified the agreement. [11 June 2009]

Six Asian Countries Agree to Simplify Trade Procedures
The six Participating States of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) have successfully concluded negotiations on simplifying cross-border trade procedures to reduce costs and improve trade efficiency. The Framework Agreement on Trade Facilitation, concluded by Bangladesh, China, India, Republic of Korea, Lao People's Democratic Republic and Sri Lanka, aims to enhance efficient and competitive trade by broadening cooperation in trade facilitation. [11 June 2009]

Trans-Asian Railway Network Agreement Enters into Force on June 11
On 11 June, countries through out Asia will commit to coordinate the development and operation of international rail routes linking 28 countries through out the region, as the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network enters into force. A ceremony marking the occasion will be held at the ESCAP - beginning at 14:00, 11 June, at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. [8 June 2009]

UN Helps the Afghan Government Develop Stronger Information Communications Technology
As part of the United Nations continuing effort to close the digital divide, a national “training the trainers” programme will be held in Kabul, Afghanistan on 31 May to 3 June as a first step towards training decision makers in information communications technology (ICT). The training is the first in a series of ICT workshops based on the Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders Programme – an eight module training course designed by United Nations APCICT to give decision makers the necessary information to use ICT for development. [29 May 2009]

Small and Medium Size Businesses Call on Asia-Pacific Governments to Reduce Hidden Trade Barriers
Reducing the red tape and complex export procedures in trade should be a major priority for governments in attempts to revive the small and medium size enterprises (SME) that have been hard hit by the current global crisis. This was one of the major recommendations discussed in Beijing at a regional policy forum on trade facilitation and SMEs. The forum, which was held from 20-22 May, brought together governments, enterprises, and trade facilitation experts and practitioners to discuss how to help the SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region to deal with the current crisis. [22 May 2009]

Executive Secretary Appoints Nagesh Kumar as Chief of Macroeconomic Policy and Development Division
UN Under-Secretary-General Noeleen Heyzer, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations ESCAP, today announced the appointment of Mr. Nagesh Kumar of India, as Chief of the Macroeconomic Policy and Development Division. Mr. Kumar will serve as the chief economist for ESCAP. [11 May 2009]

UN proposes practical solutions for a trade-led economic recovery in the Asia-Pacific region
The current economic crisis provides an opportunity for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to re-evaluate their export markets and reposition themselves for the future, suggests a new UN publication. Navigating Out of the Crisis: A Trade-led Recovery – A practical guide for trade policymakers in Asia and the Pacific provides policymakers with a number of trade and investment policy tools that can be used to counter the economic and social impacts of the crisis. [7 May 2009]

Current Crisis an Opportunity to Lay Long-term Foundations, Says UN Forum
The current global economic crisis provides a good opportunity to address some long term issues, a high-level panel on the economic crisis agreed in discussions today in Bangkok . The panel was part of ESCAP annual meeting. It was moderated by Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP. The speakers included her counterparts for Africa, Abdoulie Janneh, and for Europe , Jan Kubis. Also speaking was Kim Jong-hoon, Minister of Trade, Republic of Korea ; Ajay Chhibber, Director for Asia and the Pacific, UNDP; and Martin Khor, Executive Director, South Centre – an intergovernmental organization of developing countries based in Geneva. [28 April 2009]

Annual Meeting of UN’s Asia-Pacific Arm Calls for Inclusive Region-Wide Response to Current Crises
In order for Asia Pacific to recover from the current economic crisis, food-fuel volatility, as well as climate change, region-wide development policies must be embraced that are inclusive, create social protection and have long-term sustainability. This was the key message to come out of the annual session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (ESCAP), the ministerial segment of which was opened this morning in Bangkok by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva. [27 April 2009]

Regional Cooperation Key for Poor and Vulnerable Countries to Deal with Current Crises, says UN Forum
Regional cooperation is absolutely essential for the poorest and most vulnerable countries in Asia and the Pacific in their response to the triple threat of food-fuel volatility, the economic crisis and climate change. This was the key message coming out of the special high-level discussion on the impacts of the triple crises on the least developed countries (LDCs), land-locked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). The event in Bangkok today was part of the annual session of the United Nations ESCAP. [24 April 2009]

UN Report Says Food Crisis Must Be Addressed As Part of Response to Economic Crisis
Any recovery from the current economic crisis will be incomplete if the related food crisis is not addressed, says a new UN study. The report, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Asia and the Pacific, was launched today by ESCAP. It says that for 583 million people across Asia and the Pacific, the financial crisis has become a food crisis. While food prices have fallen from last year’s spike they remain high. Rising unemployment and falling incomes are putting additional pressure on the poor and vulnerable. More worrying still is that, once the global economy recovers, the pressures that drove up food prices last year will return. [24 April 2009]

UN Calls for Greater Cooperation among Asia-Pacific Countries amid Current Crises
As countries in Asia and the Pacific grapple with the triple threat that includes an economic crisis, continued food-fuel insecurity and climate change, there is a greater need for regional cooperation in dealing with these challenges, says a senior UN official. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, made the call at the opening today of ESCAP's annual Commission session in Bangkok. [23 April 2009]

New UN Study Examines Food Crisis in Asia-Pacific and Its Relation to Economic Stability
With the world focusing on the current economic crisis, an intricately related and equally critical threat is falling into the background – the food crisis, an issue that must be addressed while dealing with the economic recovery. The impact of food insecurity on the region and how to deal with it is the focus of a new UN study entitled Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Asia and the Pacific. The study is produced by ESCAP and will be the focus of a ministerial round table on Monday, 27 April, during ESCAP’s annual Commission Session. [22 April 2009]

Asia-Pacific Countries Gather to Discuss Food Security and Economic Crisis
Despite its impressive economic development, the Asia-Pacific region remains home to 62 per cent of the world’s undernourished people. This challenge has been compounded by the current global economic crisis, and by climate change. Ensuring sustainable agriculture and dealing with the triple threat of food-fuel, economic and climate change crises will be the focus of discussions when countries from across the region gather this week for the annual high-level meeting of ESCAP – the regional arm of the United Nations. The 65th Commission session of ESCAP will take place at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok from 23 to 29 of April. The annual gathering provides a unique opportunity for Asia-Pacific countries to come together and discuss their collective challenges [21 April 2009]

Asia-Pacific’s Population Growth Falls; One of Lowest in World’s Developing Regions
With fewer children being born and people living longer, the population of the Asia-Pacific region is steadily growing older – so much so, that since 2000, the region’s annual population growth has fallen to 1.1 per cent – the lowest rate among the world’s developing regions. This finding is one of many contained in the Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific 2008, released today by ESCAP. The wide-ranging Yearbook is the region’s leading compilation of statistical data which provides a detailed picture of the major economic, social and environmental trends over the past two decades. [21 April 2009]

UN’s Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific Analyses Threat of Triple Crises to the Region
While most governments are focused on dealing with the worst economic crisis in many decades, two other longer term crises should not be forgotten. Food-fuel price volatility and climate change are converging with the present economic crisis to create what is now being referred to as the triple threat. With almost two thirds of the world’s poor and half of its natural disasters, Asia and the Pacific is at the epicentre of the triple crises. This message comes from the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2009, the flagship publication of ESCAP. Entitled "Addressing Triple Threats to Development,” the report is released today in over 20 cities across the region and in New York and Geneva. [27 March 2009]

Asia-Pacific Countries Set Out Course of Action for Disaster Management
Countries in Asia and the Pacific have agreed to take a series of measures to improve their cooperation in sharing information and experiences in disaster risk reduction – a key issue to be tackled in this most disaster-prone region in the world. This was one of the main outcomes of the first meeting of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR) which was established by the 62 member governments of ESCAP last year. The three-day meeting, which ended today in Bangkok, brought together more than 200 delegates from governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. [27 March 2009]

United Nations creates regional network to tackle hidden trade barriers in Asia-Pacific
The United Nations has launched an initiative in Asia and the Pacific aimed at removing hidden trade barriers which cost as much as 15% of the value of goods traded in the region. The United Nations Network of Experts for Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (UN NExT) will pool expertise and experience of countries in the region to address delays at border crossings, harbours and docks caused by cumbersome procedures and excessive paperwork. [27 March 2009]

UN teams up with Indonesia to develop urgently needed ICT training in the country
The United Nations will start next week a series of training workshops for Indonesian government officials aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and skills to fully utilize information and communication technology (ICT) for national development. According to the government, Indonesia will need more than 300,000 personnel for the ICT industry by 2010. However, the ICT and Computer Higher Education Association of Indonesia says the country currently produces only about 20,000 ICT graduates every year. [27 March 2009]

Asia-Pacific Countries See the Need to Cooperate to Reduce Risk of Disasters
With Asia and the Pacific being the most disaster-prone region in the world, cooperation among governments in the region for disaster risk reduction (DRR) is of paramount importance. This was the key message from the first session today of a new committee on DRR formed by ESCAP. The three-day meeting of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR) began on Wednesday, gathering more than 200 delegates including ministers and senior officials from 25 countries and senior officials from over 28 international organizations. Participants will look at ways Asia-Pacific countries can collaborate to create DRR strategies for the region. [25 March 2009]

UN launches regional network to cut red tape in international trade
Countries in Asia and the Pacific will meet in Bangkok this week to discuss how they could pool expertise and experience to address delays at border crossings, harbours and docks caused by cumbersome procedures and excessive paperwork that cost as much as 15% of the value of goods traded. The two-day meeting, starting Tuesday 24 March, will bring together more than 80 delegates from 25 countries, among them government ministers, policymakers, business leaders, and academics. [23 March 2009]

Current Crisis Presents Opportunities for Cooperative Water Management
The United Nations in Bangkok will celebrate World Water Day on 25 March at the UN Conference Centre. The event, organized by ESCAP with support from other UN agencies and international organizations, features a panel discussion on: “Energy Crisis, Food Crisis, Financial Crisis and Climate Change in Transboundary Rivers: Opportunities and Challenges.” The panel will focus on the opportunities for transboundary water management during the current crises, and will include a cross section of UN representatives, government officials, and academics. [19 March 2009]

Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network to come into force in June 2009
The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network will come into force on 11 June 2009 with China becoming the eighth country approving the Agreement. The Trans-Asian railway network comprises nearly 114,000 km of rail routes linking 28 countries in the region. The aim of the network is to offer efficient rail transport services for the movement of goods and passengers within the region as well as between Asia and Europe. The network will also provide improved access for landlocked countries to major ports. It has been developed under the auspices of the regional arm of the United Nations ESCAP. [18 March 2009]

Women’s empowerment gains must be protected and built upon during the economic crisis
Though women have contributed significantly to the Asia-Pacific region’s economy, they have born a larger brunt of the economic downturn with unemployment and underemployment rising. As a result, it is crucial to protect the gains made in empowering women and to include a stronger focus on gender investment in any planned response to the economic crisis. [18 March 2009]

Pacific island countries and UN discuss maintaining development amid global crisis
What are the effects of the current economic crisis on Pacific Island States? How will that impinge on their efforts to reach MDGs? These are the focuses of an international conference being held 16-20 March 2009 on Denarau Island, Fiji. The Pacific MDG Workshop: Taking Stock, Emerging Issues and Way Forward is being organized by the United Nations ESCAP, ADB and UNDP in an effort to move the Pacific sub-region forward in achieving the MDGs. [13 March 2009]

UN Helps Expand Information Communication Technology Training Throughout the Asia-Pacific Region
The United Nations today gathered trainers of Information Communication Technology (ICT) from 19 Asia-Pacific countries and five international organizations, including the UN ECA and ESCWA, for a workshop meant to give rise to better use of ICT for development throughout the region. The workshop – which is taking place in Seongnam, Republic of Korea – is the Second Annual Regional Training of Trainers Academy Workshop organized by APCICT, a subsidiary the United Nations ESCAP. The workshop is being attended by over 40 new and returning participants comprised of instructors from national training institutes and senior government officials from ICT ministries. [9 March 2009]

UN Working Closely with Pacific Island Nations to Develop Internet Access
The Kingdom of Tonga, like many Pacific Island nations, has been working to build up its information and communication technology (ICT) capacity to help overcome some of the challenges presented by geography – its population is scattered over many small islands. The United Nations is helping Tonga to realize this goal by equipping its government officials with the basic knowledge and skills required to better use ICT for social and economic development. 30 senior officials will attend a two-day workshop, 24-25 February, in the capital, Nukuálofa. [23 February 2009]

Senior UN Official Stresses the Importance of the Right Framework as post-Nargis Recovery Moves to the Next Phase
As the efforts to rebuild the communities in Myanmar affected by Cyclone Nargis move from emergency relief and early recovery stage towards medium-recovery, setting up the right framework is vitally important, the senior most United Nations official in the region says today. Dr Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, made the remarks in a message delivered at the launch of The Post-Nargis Response and Preparedness Plan (PONREPP), which was held Monday at ESCAP in Bangkok. [9 February 2009]

Population Issues Are Critical to Meeting Development Goals, Asia and Pacific Experts Reaffirm
Reproductive health, gender equality and policies addressing population concerns remain central to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific, regional specialists agreed here this week. Reviewing plans adopted at the Fifth Asian and Pacific Population Conference (APPC) in Bangkok in 2002, a three-day experts meeting in Bangkok today concluded that the steps proposed in the Fifth APPC Plan of Action on Population and Poverty are needed more than ever in light of the global economic crisis and its likely impact on the poor. [5 February 2009]

Asia-Pacific Statisticians Told to Improve Capacity for Timely Data in Response to Events
Official statistical systems in the Asia-Pacific region need to improve their preparedness to respond more quickly to sudden turns of events, such as in providing timely and accurate data on the current international financial and economic crisis. With factors such as this one in mind, the region’s top statisticians are meeting in Bangkok today for the first session of the Committee on Statistics – part of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The Committee, made up of representatives of ESCAP’s members, is tasked with tracking key socio-economic and environmental trends in the ESCAP region; identifying data requirements for economic, social and environmental analysis in accordance with internationally agreed standards and good practices; and building capacity for national statistical systems in the region. [4 February 2009]

UN Anti-drugs Office Report Finds Southeast Asia’s Recent Gains Against Opium Trade Are Threatened
Southeast Asia’s progress in reducing opium production is under threat, with an extensive new survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealing a recent upswing in opium cultivation during the 2008 growing season. To present the findings of the survey “Opium Poppy Cultivation in South East Asia” – which has been carried out in coordination with the governments of Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand – UNODC will hold a press conference next Monday, 2 February, with the UNODC Representatives of the Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific and the Country Office in Lao PDR, Gary Lewis and Leik Boonwaat, on-hand to answer questions. [26 January 2009]

Satellite to Monitor Global Greenhouse Gases Launched Successfully
Efforts to tackle global warming received a boost today with the successful launch in Japan of a satellite to monitor greenhouse gases from space.The Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “IBUKI” (or “GOSAT” in its English-language acronym) is the first satellite to observe greenhouse gases and monitor changes in the effects they cause. It was launched from the island of Tanegashima, in southern Japan, by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), a key partner of the United Nations’ regional arm – the United Nations ESCAP – in addressing disaster risk reduction and environmental issues. [23 January 2009]

Climate Change Meeting Sets Out Key Proposals for Asia-Pacific Region’s Response
A major regional conference closed in Bangkok today with an urgent call for businesses and governments in Asia and the Pacific to make climate change adaptation central to their core operations. The Asia-Pacific Business Forum 2009/Climate Game Change – Innovations and Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation brought together close to 300 representatives from the private sector, government, civil society and international organizations, with the aim of promoting new partnerships, ideas and resolve for combating climate change. [22 January 2009]

Forum to Focus on Role of Asia-Pacific Business in Addressing Region’s Climate Change
How can Asia and the Pacific make combating the climate crisis good business? How can businesses in the region adapt to climate change to protect their investments, and be a driving force in fighting it? These are among the main topics that will be addressed at the Asia-Pacific Business Forum 2009/Climate Game Change – Innovations and Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation taking place in Bangkok on Thursday, 22 January. Ahead of the forum, a curtain raiser press conference will be held on Wednesday, 21 January. It will be attended by ESCAP’s Executive Secretary, UN Under-Secretary-General Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, and Sida’s Director-General, Mr. Anders Nordström. [19 January 2009]

UN's World Economic Situation and Prospects 2009 Report Calls for Asian Countries to Retool Growth Strategies
As a consequence of a sharp decline in demand for their exports, Asian countries face the challenge of retooling their growth strategies away from a heavy reliance on manufacturing exports to industrialized countries. In addition, growth needs to be rebalanced, putting larger weight on stimuli to domestic consumption and public investment in infrastructure in order to sustain robust rates of economic growth. These are among the key findings contained in the United Nations annual economic report World Economic Situation and Prospects 2009, for which the Asia-Pacific regional launch will be held in Bangkok this Thursday. [13 January 2009]

UN Works with Mongolia to Close the Digital-Divide
Over 50 senior Mongolian government officials received training this week from the United Nations on the use of ICT to promote the landlocked country’s development. The officials - heads of departments and agencies in government ministries- learned during a three-day workshop, which ended today in Ulaanbaatar, the use of ICT as a tool for development, and the link between ICT and the Millennium Development Goals. [12 December 2008]

Use of Space-Based Information to Reduce Disaster Risk in Asia-Pacific Region Receives a Boost
The use of space-based information and services to help reduce the risk of disasters in the Asia-Pacific region received a boost today with a collaboration agreement between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the United Nations ESCAP. At a ceremony held during the 15th meeting of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-15), on 12 December 2008, in Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam, representatives of the two organizations signed a MOU which will see them expand their cooperation and collaboration in promoting the use of space-based information and services. [12 December 2008]

Coordinated Action Urgently Needed for Asia-Pacific Region to Deal with Food, Energy and Financial Crises and Climate Change
Asia and the Pacific need urgent, comprehensive and coordinated action to deal with the food, energy and financial crises, and climate change - as the convergence of the crises will undermine the region's development gains and its future prospects. That was one of the key messages from a high-level meeting which ended today in Denpasar, Indonesia, aimed at finding strategies and solutions to prevent the present crisis becoming a development emergency. The recommendations are contained in a document – known as the Bali Outcome Document - which will be used to provide a framework for regional action in handling the triple crises. Link to Bali Outcome Document. [10 December 2008]

High-level Meeting Discusses Strategies to Address Asia-Pacific Region's Food, Energy and Financial Crises and Climate Change
A high-level meeting kicked off today in Denpasar, Indonesia, with the aim of finding strategies to address the impact of the food, energy and financial crises on Asia and the Pacific, in the context of climate change - and prevent the triple crises from becoming a development emergency. The High-level Regional Policy Dialogue on "The Food-Fuel Crisis and Climate Change – Reshaping the Development Agenda," jointly organized by the Government of Indonesia and the United Nations ESCAP, has attracted a wide-ranging group, including policy-makers, finance experts, civil society leaders, climate change specialists, private sector entrepreneurs and agriculture innovators. The two-day event is the first time that the issues of the food, energy and financial crises, and climate change, have been addressed in a comprehensive and integrated manner in the Asia-Pacific region. [9 December 2008]

High-level Meeting to Address Asia-Pacific Region's Food, Energy and Financial Crises and Climate Change
A constellation of policy-makers, finance experts, civil society leaders, climate change specialists, private sector entrepreneurs and agriculture innovators from across Asia and the Pacific will gather in Denpasar, Indonesia, to attend t he High-level Regional Policy Dialogue on "The Food-Fuel Crisis and Climate Change - Reshaping the Development Agenda" which is jointly organized by the Government of Indonesia and ESCAP. The event will be held on 9 and 10 December, and it is the first time that the issues of the food, energy and financial crises, and climate change, will be addressed in a comprehensive and integrated manner in the Asia-Pacific region. [8 December 2008]

Asia-Pacific Countries Urged to Invest Now in Disaster Preparedness
Asia-Pacific countries need to accelerate investment in disaster preparedness for the future – and they need to start doing this now. This was one of the recommendations from a high-level discussion held in Kuala Lumpur today, with the aim of improving the Asia-Pacific region’s preparedness to natural disasters. [4 December 2008]

Asia-Pacific Governments Can Save Lives and Money By Investing in Disaster Preparedness
Investing in disaster risk reduction -preventive measures that reduce the damage disasters cause - not only makes sense morally, but also financially, in the disaster-prone Asia-Pacific region. That was one of the key messages heard today at a major conference in Kuala Lumpur, aimed at reducing the socially and financially devastating impact of disasters in Asia and the Pacific. [2 December 2008]

United Nations Appoints Iosefa Maiava of Samoa as Head of ESCAP Pacific Operations Centre
UN Under-Secretary-General Noeleen Heyzer, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations ESCAP, today announced the appointment of Mr. Iosefa Maiava, of Samoa, as the Head of the ESCAP Pacific Operations Centre (EPOC). Mr. Maiava joins the United Nations from his post as Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Nauru, where he managed the Department and its overseas missions. Prior to his work with the Government of Nauru, he served as Deputy-Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat from 1999 to 2007 [27 November 2008]

Asia-Pacific Countries Set Out Course of Action for Bridging the Digital Divide
Narrow coverage of telecommunication networks and limited ownership or affordable access to personal computers, information services and knowledge on how to use information and communication technology continue to be the main reasons for the persistence of the Asia-Pacific region's "digital divide" – the disparity in access to the Internet between high-income and low-income countries. That was one of the main conclusions of the First Session of the Committee on Information and Communication Technology, which ended today. [21 November 2008]

Digital divide remains glaring in Asia despite growth in mobile telephones
Despite significant progress Asia and the Pacific has made in utilizing ICT, such as with the rapid growth of mobile phone subscriptions, a significant disparity still remains in access to the Internet between high-income and low-income countries. How to overcome this "digital divide" is the focus of a meeting being held in Bangkok by the United Nations' regional arm - ESCAP. The two-day meeting, which opened on Tuesday, has gathered ICT experts from governments, the academia, UN and other international agencies, and the private sector including from Microsoft. [18 November 2008]

UN calls for more integrated approach to manage rapid urban growth in Asia
Policy-makers in Asia and the Pacific need to take a more integrated approach in managing urban growth in order to ensure that the rapid expanding cities in the region are both economically and environmentally sustainable, a United Nations official told the largest gathering on air quality management in the region. Speaking today in Bangkok at the Better Air Quality 2008 (BAQ) workshop, which has brought together about 1,000 participants from over 35 countries, Shaoyi Li, a senior environment official from the United Nations ESCAP spoke of the need to encourage decision-makers in Asian cities to look at population, environmental, social and economic issues as one. [12 November 2008]

Experts to Address Problem of Lack of Access to Water and Sanitation for Millions in Asia-Pacific Region
Despite important progress in recent years, half of the people in Asia still have no access to adequate sanitation and almost 20 per cent lack improved water sources – despite the fact that numerous technically feasible and financially sustainable solutions exist. This is one of the broad topics that will be addressed at the 2^nd International WASH Practitioners’ Marketplace and Fair, in the town of Cox’s Bazaar, in Bangladesh, between 11-13 November. The Fair will also address specific topics such as integrated water resource management, community participation and sanitation entrepreneurship. [10 November 2008]

New Forum to Help Develop Gender and Poverty-Sensitive Energy Policies in Asia-Pacific Region
Efforts to help developing countries in reducing poverty received a boost today when experts and policy makers from throughout the Asia Pacific region joined together to create a regional forum designed to help provide women and poor families reliable access to energy. The Policy Innovation Forum (PIF) was officially launched by the International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy (ENERGIA), in partnership with the UN EESCAP, at the conclusion of a two-day meeting entitled the High Level Regional Policy Meeting on Networking Towards Gender and Poverty Sensitive Energy Policies. [4 November 2008]

UN Meeting to Focus on Links Between Gender, Poverty and Energy in Developing Nations
Women in developing countries are amongst those most affected by a lack of access to energy sources such as modern fuels and electricity. Their long hours spent on daily survival tasks. such as fuel gathering, cooking and household chores, mean they have little room for self-development or for productive activities that can contribute to family incomes lifting them out of poverty. These links – between gender and poverty and energy in the Asian-Pacific region - will be the focus of a high-level meeting, starting on Monday, organized by the International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy (ENERGIA) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). [31 October 2008]

Meeting on Post-Nargis Recovery and Livelihood Opportunities in Myanmar
Six months after Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar, key partners in the country's recovery process gathered in Bangkok to assess how to best strengthen their joint efforts to support inclusive and sustainable recovery there. The two-day Regional High-level Expert Group Meeting on Post-Nargis recovery and Livelihood Opportunities in Myanmar was organized by ESCAP and ASEAN, with the support of the Government of the Union of Myanmar. It brought together high-ranking Myanmar Government officials and representatives of ASEAN, ESCAP and other UN and international partners, as well as experts with experience in dealing with such recent disasters in the region as the 2004 Asian Tsunami, the 2005 Pakistan earthquake, and the 2007 Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh. The high-level commitment to this dialogue was reflected in the opening statements by ESCAP Executive Secretary, Under-Secretary-General Noeleen Heyzer, ASEAN’s Secretary-General, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, and the Myanmar Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, U Kyaw Thu. [28 October 2008]

Remarks by Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, on UN Day, 24 October 2008
"The United Nations does not - and can not - act alone. It really is as strong as its members want it to be - and when I use the term 'members' here, I do not solely mean member states. Far from it, in fact. By 'members' I mean every man, woman and child in our region - and on our planet. In fact, the charter of the United Nations begins with "We, the peoples..." It is for people that the UN strives to create an inclusive and equitable society. A celebration of the United Nations achievements can not - and should not - pass without an acknowledgement of the goodwill and support that so many people have for the United Nations as it carries out its various activities... It is with the people’s support, and that of their governments, that the United Nations is able to work towards ending violence and promoting tolerance; advancing development and ensuring equality; protecting human rights and alleviating poverty. The United Nations, at its best, enables the achievement of these highest of human aspirations."
UN Secretary-General | Thai Deputy Prime Minister | President of UNA of Thailand [24 October 2008]

UN's State of the World's Cities Report Finds That Asia's Coastal Cities Are Most Vulnerable to Climate Change
Many of Asia's major cities are at risk from rising water levels due to climate change, and more needs to be done now to mitigate the impact this will have on their populations and assets. This is one of the key findings contained in the United Nations Human Settlements Programme's (UN-HABITAT) annual flagship report, this year entitled State of the World's Cities 2008/9: Harmonious Cities, which will be launched at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, 22 October, at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand. [21 October 2008]

UN Workshop to Focus on Asia-Pacific Cooperation in Development Efforts
Government officials and policymakers, civil society experts, and representatives of donor agencies from Asia and the Pacific will this week attend a workshop on triangular and South-South cooperation in the region – the first in a series of global events leading up to a major UN development conference.The workshop, to be held on 21-22 October at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok, is organized by UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and ESCAP, in collaboration with the UN Development Programme's Special Unit for South-South Cooperation. ESCAP's Deputy Executive Secretary, Shigeru Mochida, will deliver opening remarks at the workshop. [20 October 2008]

UN's Noeleen Heyzer Calls on Central Asia to Strengthen Ties with Rest of Asia for Inclusive Economic, Food and Energy Security
There is need for greater cooperation between Central Asia and the rest of Asia in order to find solutions to achieve inclusive and sustainable development in the current climate of global financial instability, food and energy insecurity. That was a key message from the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, UN Under-Secretary-General Noeleen Heyzer, at the third session of the Governing Council of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), in Moscow today. [20 October 2008]

UN's Noeleen Heyzer Underlines Need for New Thinking on Asia-Pacific's Energy Security
Greater political will is needed to shift the energy scenario of Asia and the Pacific from one of rising energy insecurity to one of sustainable energy - while ensuring that such change is inclusive and takes into account the needs of the region's poor and disadvantaged. That was one of the key messages in a presentation given by UN Under-Secretary-General Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, at a discussion entitled "Securing Asia’s Energy Future" held by a leading think tank, the Asia Society, in New York last night. [17 October 2008]

Thailand and the United Nations Pledge to Take Action Against Poverty as part of Stand Up Against Poverty Campaign
In an event marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the Royal Thai Government and the United Nations today jointly pledged their commitment to stamping out poverty and inequality in Thailand and around the world. The event, held in Ayutthaya province, north of Bangkok, began with a walk against poverty led by the province’s governor, Mr. Preecha Kamolbutr, and in which more than 10,000 people from all sections of Thai society took part. [17 October 2008]

Pacific Islands to Receive Boost in e-Government Skills
A group of government officials from Pacific Island states arrived in the Republic of Korea today to take part in an intensive course on ways to transform government operations and improve public service delivery through the use of digital technologies. The course is centred on a two-week programme in Incheon and Seoul, where the 22 government officials from 13 Pacific Island countries will learn and exchange experiences and ideas with e-government experts. [17 October 2008]

Thailand and United Nations to Highlight Need to Help Thailand's Poor as Part of Stand Up Against Poverty Campaign
The Royal Thai Government and the United Nations will join forces this week to highlight the need to stamp out poverty and inequality in Thailand and around the world, with a walk against poverty -part of a series of global events for the Stand Up Against Poverty campaign. The campaign aims to mobilize more than one percent of the world’s population - over 67 million people - on 17-19 October to demand that world leaders deliver on their promises to eradicate extreme poverty and achieve the MDGs by 2015. [14 October 2008]

UN's Noeleen Heyzer to Highlight Need for New Thinking to Secure Asia's Energy Future
What are the implications of the Asia-Pacific region's continued and deepening dependency on fossil fuels to meet its development goals? What key factors are contributing to energy "insecurity" and "threatening" to derail progress to attaining sustainable development and the landmark Millennium Development Goals? These are questions that the United Nations' senior-most official for Asia and the Pacific will address this week in a discussion, entitled "Securing Asia Energy Future," at one of the world's leading think tanks on Asia, the Asia Society - and citizens from the Asia-Pacific region will also have the chance to pose questions on this topic to her directly. [14 October 2008]

United Nations and ASEAN Raise Awareness of Need for Safer Communities Amid Natural Disasters
Raising awareness of the need for safer communities in the Asia-Pacific region was the aim of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during their joint observance of the International Day for Disaster Reduction and the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management. [10 October 2008]

Korea-ESCAP partnership to promote low carbon green growth
A partnership to implement a $200 million fund to support Asian developing countries to pursue a low-carbon development path was discussed at high-level meetings in Seoul during a visit by Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP. [7 October 2008]

UN Supports Asia's Efforts to End Child Labour through Better Data Collection
Attempts to eradicate child labour in Asia and the Pacific received a boost last week, following the completion of a training course on child labour data collection for government statisticians from the region. [29 September 2008]

UN and Korea team up to improve access to technology for people with disabilities
The regional arm of the United Nations in Asia and the Pacific has teamed up with the government of the Republic of Korea to improve access to information and communication technology (ICT) for persons with disabilities by offering training to policy-makers from developing countries in the region. [29 September 2008]

UN marks World Habitat Day with launch of "Quick Guides" on urban housing
The Asia-Pacific arm of the United Nations and the UN agency dealing with housing are launching a free on-line "Quick Guides" to help policy-makers deal with the key issues of housing urban poor in the region. [26 September 2008]

ESCAP partners with China to help Asia and the Pacific to reduce disaster risk
The regional arm of the United Nations in Asia and the Pacific is teaming up with China to create a disaster risk reduction framework that could help save lives and reduce the damage caused by disasters in the future. The cooperative framework was outlined today by UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Noeleen Heyzer, during her visit to the earthquake ravaged Sichuan province of China [23 September 2008]

UN High-level Meeting Explores Links Between Migration and Asia-Pacific's Socio-Economic Development
With the number of international migrants in Asia having increased nearly twofold since 1960 – growing from an estimated 28 million in 1960 to more than 53 million in 2005 – and with Asia and the Pacific accounting for a third of the world's 190 million migrants, more needs to be done to better understand the impact of the phenomenon on the region's socio-economic development. This is the aim of the Asia-Pacific High-level Meeting on International Migration and Development, which opened today in Bangkok. [22 September 2008]

United Nations Partners With Bangkok Students to Mark International Day of Peace
More than 200 students in Bangkok today explored the role of human rights in achieving peace at a youth forum held by the United Nations to raise awareness of the upcoming International Day of Peace. [19 September 2008]

UN Helps Strengthen Mongolia and Pacific Islands’ Information and Communication Technology Capabilities
Two new agreements with UN are expected to help improve the ability of policymakers and government leaders to better leverage information and communication technology (ICT) for social and economic development in Mongolia and Pacific Island states. The United Nations Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology (UN-APCICT) signed Wednesday separate agreements with Mongolia’s Information and Communication Technology Authority and the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission, which will see both organizations customize an APCICT training curriculum, the Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders. [12 September 2008]

UN MDG report says world on track to halve poverty thanks to Asia
The world is on track to halve the global poverty rate by 2015 and achieve the number one target of the MDGs, thanks to progress made in East Asia, particularly China, says the United Nations' latest MDG report. Without China's contribution, the world would fail to meet the poverty reduction goal. [10 September 2008]

UN MDG Report 2008 will be launched in Bangkok on 10 September by Noeleen Heyzer
The United Nations will publish The Millennium Development Goals Report 2008, the most current global assessment on progress towards the MDGs, on Thursday, 11 September, with the Secretary-General launching this report in New York. The Asia-Pacific regional launch will take place in Bangkok on Wednesday, 10 September, at 13:30 at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, will present the report. [9 September 2008]

United Nations Strengthens ICT Capacity of Government Leaders in the Pacific
Knowledge and familiarity with information and communication technology (ICT) in the Pacific is receiving a boost with the holding of a key UN training programme for some of the region’s policy-makers and government officials. The UN-APCICT, in collaboration with Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC), is holding a four-day workshop on ICT on the Cook Islands from 2 to 5 September, 2008. [3 September 2008]

Afghanistan's Digital Divide Set to Narrow Following Collaboration Agreement with UN-APCICT
An agreement promoting the use of information and communication technology, signed today by the Afghan Government and the United Nations, is expected to contribute greatly to Afghanistan's efforts to bridge the digital divide – the gap between those who benefit from digital technology and those who do not [29 August 2008]

Region's governments urged to push through tough anti-child sex measures
Despite some progress in recent years in addressing the problem of sexual abuse of children in East Asia and the Pacific, much more needs to be done to address the issue of child exploitation. That was one of the key messages heard at the "East Asia Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the World Congress III against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents" – a two-day meeting held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok to feed recommendations to an upcoming world summit on the issue. [20 August 2008]

Press Conference by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar Cancelled
The press conference that had been planned for Wednesday, 13 August, by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, has been cancelled due a scheduling conflict. Our apologies for any inconvenience caused. A notification will be issued should it be possible to re-schedule the conference. [13 August 2008]

Address Power Relations to Achieve Development Goals, say Leading Gender Experts
Advances in policies and legislations at the macro-level do not necessarily bring about progress for women. Their implementation are frequently obstructed by entrenched structures, values and power relations at the meso- and micro-level, shaping local policies, communities and cultural beliefs and women’s daily lives. This is the level where empowerment must occur if progress for women is to be achieved. That was one of the key messages heard at a forum entitled, "Where's the Power in Women's Empowerment?" organized by the UN ESCAP. [4 August 2008]

ESCAP Joined Ban Ki-moon's Cool UN Initiative to Cut Emissions at Bangkok UN Compound
Thermostats turned up and dress code relaxed to save energy
The main United Nations premises in Bangkok joined the New York Headquarters today to turn up thermostats by 2°C in an effort to reduce the use of air conditioning and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Most staff members came to work wearing lighter clothing, including national dress. [1 August 2008]

UN ESCAP Forum to Explore Women's Empowerment
As part of a seminar series, UN ESCAP is holding a forum entitled "Where's the Power in Women’s Empowerment?" at which leading experts from the Research Programme Consortium on Women’s Empowerment in Muslim Contexts will share their views and analyses. [31 July 2008]

Regional Mission to Reinforce Disability Policy in the Federated States of Micronesia
The rights of persons with disabilities in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) will be the focus of a first-of-its-kind joint mission by the United Nations and the Pacific Disability Forum. The aim of the mission to Pohnpei is to build substantial support for the implementation of the FSM’s national policy on disability – which UN ESCAP helped local authorities draft in 2006. [10 July 2008]

Press launch of World Economic and Social Survey 2008, 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, 1 July, FCCT, Bangkok
The United Nations will hold a press briefing at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand, in Bangkok, on 1 July, 2008, for the launch of the World Economic and Social Survey 2008, published by the United Nations Department of Eeconomic and Social Affairs. This year's Survey considers means for overcoming economic insecurity, and it also assesses insecurity posed by weather, natural disasters and climate change. [30 June 2008]

Transcription of UN media briefing on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, 18 June, Bangkok
The United Nations system in Bangkok gave a media briefing to update on the humanitarian assistance provided in response to Cyclone Nargis on Wednesday, 18 June, at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT). [18 June 2008]

UN ESCAP's ICT Training Centre Launches Three New Initiatives to Bridge Digital Divide
Coinciding with its second anniversary and a major global meeting on the economic impact of the Internet, the UN-APCICT, a regional institute of ESCAP, based in Incheon, Republic of Korea, is today holding a global forum and launching two events aimed at promoting the use of information and communication technologies for national development. [16 June 2008]

One Million Gallons of Diesel Fuel Urgently Needed To Ensure Food Security in Myanmar
Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP is calling for ASEAN countries, donors and traditional oil suppliers of Myanmar to assist the country’s urgent need for diesel to ensure timely plowing of rice fields in the Ayeyarwady Delta. [13 June 2008]

Transcription of UN media briefing on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, 11 June, Bangkok
The United Nations system in Bangkok gave a media briefing to update on the humanitarian assistance provided in response to Cyclone Nargis on Wednesday, 11 June, at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT). [11 June 2008]

Transcription of UN media briefing on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, 4 June, Bangkok
The United Nations system in Bangkok gave a media briefing to update on the humanitarian assistance provided in response to Cyclone Nargis on Wednesday, 4 June, at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT). [4 June 2008]

Transcription of UN media briefing on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, 30 May, Bangkok
The United Nations system in Bangkok gave a media briefing to update on the humanitarian assistance provided in response to Cyclone Nargis on Friday, 30 May, at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT). [30 May 2008]

Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of UN Peacekeeping and the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, 30 May 2008
ESCAP, on behalf of the UN family in the region, will organize a commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of United Nations Peacekeeping and the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on Friday, 30 May 2008, at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, from 0945 to 1200 hrs. [28 May 2008]

Transcription of UN media briefing on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, 27 May, Bangkok
The United Nations system in Bangkok gave a media briefing to update on the humanitarian assistance provided in response to Cyclone Nargis on Tuesday, 27 May, at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT). [27 May 2008]

Transcription of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon's Press Conference at Bangkok Airport, 25 May 2008
The transcription of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon's Press Conference at Bangkok Airport on 25 May 2008 can be downloaded here. [25 May 2008]

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's statement at pledging conference for assistance to the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar
The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, delivered the following statement at the ASEAN-UN International Pledging Conference on Cyclone Nargis, on Sunday, 25 May, 2008, in Yangon, Myanmar. [25 May 2008]

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's remarks at the official opening of the Don Mueang Air Hub
The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, delivered the following remarks at a ceremony to mark official opening of the Don Mueang Air Hub and the ASEAN-UN Cooperation Inaugural Relief Flight for the victims of Cyclone Nargis, on Saturday, 24 May 2008, at Don Mueang Airport. [24 May 2008]

The Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, remarks to the press at Bangkok airport
The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday, 21 May, on his way to Myanmar where he will visit people devastated by Cyclone Nargis and meet with government leaders. Mr. Ban made the following statement to the press upon his arrival. [21 May 2008]

Transcription of UN media briefing on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, 19 May, Bangkok
The United Nations system in Bangkok gave a media briefing to update on the humanitarian assistance provided in response to Cyclone Nargis on Monday, 19 May, at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT). [19 May 2008]

Transcription of UN media briefing on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, 16 May, Bangkok
The United Nations system in Bangkok gave a media briefing to update on the humanitarian assistance provided in response to Cyclone Nargis on Friday, 16 May, at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT). [16 May 2008]

Regional Seminar seeks to enhance family well-being in Asia and the Pacific
Families all over the Asian and Pacific region have undergone rapid and unprecedented changes over the past few decades. Among these transformations are shifts from extended family to nuclear family patterns, increased participation of women in the labour force, and increased instances of separation and divorce. Strengthening the family through effective social services measures was the focus of UN-backed Regional Seminar, held from 13 to 15 May in Macao, China. [15 May 2008]

Transcription of UN system press briefing on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, 14 May, Bangkok
The United Nations system gave a briefing in Bangkok on 14 May to provide the media with an update on the humanitarian assistance provided in response to Cyclone Nargis. [14 May 2008]

Headquarters agreement signed between ESCAP and Government of the Republic of Fiji
An important headquarters agreement between UN and the Government of Fiji on the establishment of the Pacific Operations Centre of ESCAP in Fiji, was signed on 12 May 2008 in Bangkok by H.E. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Fiji, and Ms. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP. [14 May 2008]

Transcription of UN media briefing on humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, 12 May, Bangkok
The United Nations system in Bangkok gave a media briefing on the humanitarian assistance provided in response to Cyclone Nargis on Monday, 12 May, at the UN Conference Centre. [12 May 2008]

Top UN Official in Asia-Pacific Region Calls for Urgent Humanitarian Access to Myanmar
In the wake of the devastating Cyclone Nargis, the humanitarian situation in Myanmar is growing increasingly desperate with reported deaths topping 100,000 with at least 42,000 known missing and nearly 1.5 million people severely affected and a real danger that an even worse tragedy might unfold if urgently needed aid does not get in quickly to the people affected. “I am deeply concerned and saddened by the continuing tragedy unfolding in Myanmar,” said Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, the regional arm of the United Nations in Asia and the Pacific. [9 May 2008]

Bollywood Star Amitabh Bachchan Lends Support to UN Billion Tree Campaign
One of India's leading actors, Amitabh Bachchan, will show his support to UN Billion Tree Campaign by planting a tree at the UN’s Asia-Pacific regional headquarters in Bangkok on 30 April 2008, at 5:00 p.m. [29 April 2008]

Asia-Pacific Region Will Miss MDGs If “Gaps” Are Not Filled Immediately
Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region may not meet all of MDGs due to gaps in several key areas according to a joint report by UN and ADB. The report, entitled A Future Within Reach 2008, was launched today, at a high-level panel meeting on the MDGs, during the annual session of ESCAP. It is the third regional report on MDGs produced by ESCAP, ADB and UNDP. [29 April 2008]

United Nations in Bangkok to Mark Entry into Force of Treaty on Disability Rights
A ground-breaking new international treaty, UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, will enter into force on 3 May 2008 – one month after it was ratified by the twentieth country. To celebrate the Convention’s entry into force, ESCAP, UNOHCHR, and ILO will organize a special event on 30 April 2008, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 a.m., at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok. [29 April 2008]

Asia-Pacific Region Addresses Energy Security Challenges at ESCAP Annual Session
“Asia-Pacific countries need to embrace a new strategic regional cooperation framework urgently to meet the mounting challenge of ‘energy insecurity’ and avoid its grave implications for the economic prospects of the region and for the plight of its poor”, says Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP. [28 April 2008]

Business and Government Leaders to Discuss Energy Security at UN Forum
Senior government officials, business leaders and civil society representatives will meet in Bangkok to discuss ways to improve energy security through regional and public-private cooperation, a subject which has taken on new importance given the recent record-breaking oil prices. The participants will gather at the Asia-Pacific Business Forum 2008 held by ESCAP at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok on 27 April. The theme of the event is Energy Security: Opportunities through Regional Energy Cooperation and Public-Private Partnerships. [26 April 2008]

Simpler Customs Procedures Could Boost Exports of Landlocked Countries, UN
Most of the high costs related to transporting goods from landlocked developing countries to international markets are avoidable, as they are caused to a large extent by cumbersome custom procedures, says a senior United Nations official. [24 April 2008]

Viable Economy and Human Investment Key to Create Jobs in Pacific Islands, UN
Effective partnerships with the private sector to create viable economies, and boosting investment in human development, such as in education and health, are two of the key measures the Pacific islands could take to reduce high unemployment in those countries, the most senior UN official in the Asia-Pacific region said. [24 April 2008]

Asia-Pacific Countries to Address Energy Security at ESCAP Annual Session
With oil prices continue to break new records, government ministers and senior officials from the 62 members of ESCAP will focus on energy security, and its impact on sustainable development, when they gather for the Commission’s annual session in Bangkok from 24 to 30 April. [23 April 2008]

Asia-Pacific Countries Share Win-Win Climate Change Solutions
Countries from Asia and the Pacific, both developed and developing, are gathering in Bangkok to share experiences on “co-benefits approach to climate change” - win-win actions which cut greenhouse gas emissions while alleviating poverty. The meeting today is organized by ESCAP in cooperation with the Japanese Ministry of the Environment and the Japanese Overseas Environmental Cooperation Centre. About 50 participants are sharing good practices on “co-benefits”. [23 April 2008]

UN to Explore Improving Market Access for Landlocked Developing Countries
The Asia-Pacific region is home to 12 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), most of which are located in Central Asia and the Caucusus. Goods from these countries must pass through their neighbours’ territories in order to reach international markets, increasing their transport costs—and hindering the development of these countries. While some LLDCs are experiencing remarkable growth, many still lag behind the rest of the region, with average GDP growth rates reaching only half the rate of nearby countries. [21 April 2008]

Addressing High Unemployment Focus of UN Meeting on the Pacific Islands
Historically high birth rates combined with slow economic growth has resulted in high unemployment in many Pacific Island countries--reaching as high as 60% in the worst affected countries. This has made it difficult for new entrants to the job market, with the youth and women being the hardest hit. Underlying the importance of this issue, about 40 representatives from the Asia-Pacific region will be attending the Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries of ESCAP on 22 and 23 April to discuss promoting employment in the Pacific islands. [21 April 2008]

UN Launches New Training Course to Help Developing Countries Use ICT
Information and communications technologies (ICTs) - from wireless technology to the Internet - are widely accepted as powerful tools for enhancing human development. With access to ICT, people are able to find the information they need to improve their lives. However, without visionary policy makers and ICT savvy government officials the promise of a better future through the use of ICTs is unlikely to be realized. [16 April 2008]

Better Figures on Labour Force Trends Help Asia-Pacific to Avert Jobless Growth
Rising labour productivity has been a main driver of economic growth in Asia and the Pacific. The region contributed to 60 per cent of the global growth in labour productivity since 1995. But there has been no comparable growth in employment. To help countries to better project their labour force and employment trends, and to ensure a balance between productivity and employment growth, SIAP held a training course on "Labour Force and Manpower Projection" for 25 officials from six countries and territories. [11 April 2008]

United Nations ESCAP to Launch Study on Energy Security in Asia and the Pacific
With the price of oil continuing to rise, securing energy supplies to sustain economic growth and social development has become an issue of increasing concern for many countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Decisions of governments will not only have an immediate economic and social impact but lasting implications for future generations. ESCAP, in a comprehensive new study, says a new sustainable energy paradigm is needed if countries in Asia and the Pacific are to meet their long-term development goals. [11 April 2008]

UN Uses Distance Learning to Boost Statistical Training for Developing Countries
Training for government statisticians in the Asia-Pacific region received a boost this week thanks to a new distance training course, provided by SIAP. Thirty statisticians from India and Cambodia completed a nine-day training course today learning from lecturers based in Japan through videoconferencing. [9 April 2008]

ESCAP Chief Calls for Greater Aid for Developing Countries to Address Climate Change
Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, today called on developed countries to help meet the technological and financial needs of developing countries facing the challenge of climate change at the start of the Climate Change talks in Bangkok. [31 March 2008]

ASEAN's Future ICT Leaders Awarded Scholarship to Explore the Role of ICT in Socio-economic Development
Twenty promising undergraduate students from seven ASEAN member countries will begin their scholarships to study information and communications technology (ICT) for socio-economic development at Daejeon University (DJU) in the Republic of Korea, on 1 April, 2008. [31 March 2008]

ESCAP Executive Secretary meets with Prime Minister of India
Ms. Noeleen Heyzer, the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, met today with the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Manmohan Singh. At the one-on-one meeting, Ms. Heyzer briefed the Prime Minister on the key issues that ESCAP intended to focus on in the years ahead: food and energy security, water and sanitation and climate change -- which as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has emphasized -- is not only an environmental but a development issue. [27 March 2008]

Neglect of Agriculture Condemns 218 Million People to Poverty, ESCAP Says
Chronic neglect of the agricultural sector in Asia and the Pacific is condemning 218 million people to continuing extreme poverty, and widening the gap between the region's rich and poor, according to the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2008 , launched at multiple locations today throughout the region by ESCAP. [27 March 2008]

ESCAP chief outlines the pathways for taking India to the next level
Speaking in New Delhi, the Executive Secretary of ESCAP said that considerable progress had been achieved by India on many fronts, but much more needed to be done if India is to achieve MDGs. She was a special guest speaker at a roundtable, entitled “Taking India to the level” and organized by The Economist. Among the speakers were several senior government ministers and around a dozen business leaders from India and abroad. [26 March 2008]

ESCAP to Launch Key Economic and Social Survey on Asia-Pacific Region
The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2008 was launched on Thursday, 27 March, in about 20 capitals in the region and in New York and Geneva. This year’s Survey, entitled “Sustaining Growth and Sharing Prosperity,” says 218 million people – a third of the region’s poor, largely living in rural areas – could be lifted out of poverty by raising agricultural productivity if governments address decades of policy neglect and failure in the agricultural sector. [21 March 2008]

UN Promotes the Use of Satellites to Combat Disasters in Asia and the Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region has been the victim of some of the most devastating disasters in human history. Over the last ten years, six out of ten of the most deadly natural disasters occurred within the region. To help prepare the countries of the region for future disasters, ESCAP is organizing a Regional Symposium on Disaster Management to explore ways of effectively utilizing information collected from Earth observation satellites. [20 March 2008]

New Asia-Pacific Statistical Yearbook Presents Complete Picture of the Region's Development
While the world-leading pace of urbanization in Asia and the Pacific has contributed to the region's growth - it has also driven up urban poverty, according to the latest edition of the Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific, released today. The Yearbook, produced by ESCAP, is the region's leading compilation of statistical data which provides a detailed picture of the major economic, social and environmental trends in Asia and the Pacific. [20 March 2008]

Government officials complete six-month UN course on statistics
33 government officials from 27 African, Latin American and Asia-Pacific countries, recently completed a six-month statistics course. The course was conducted by the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific, part of ESCAP, in Chiba Japan. [19 March 2008]

Better sanitation focus of UN World Water Day observance in Bangkok
More than 1.5 billion people in the Asia-Pacific region lack basic sanitation, such as access to a toilet—leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases. Globally, one child dies every 20 seconds as a result of poor sanitation. In order to raise awareness of this issue, UN General Assembly declared 2008 to be the International Year of Sanitation (IYS). The Year will be highlighted at the observance of World Water Day in Bangkok. The event, organized by ESCAP, will take plac on 20 March. [14 March 2008]

Pacific island states, ESCAP and subregional organizations find new potential for strengthened collaboration
The heads of ASEAN, PIFS and leaders and senior ministers from selected Pacific island states met with ESCAP in New Caledonia on 12 and 13 March. They explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration between Pacific island states and ESCAP, and closer partnership with Asia-based subregional organizations. [14 March 2008]

UN Launches Database of Telecentres in Asia and the Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region is home to thousands of telecentres which enable many rural communities to go online and to learn about market trends, business opportunities, and how to market their products. In order to foster development of these centres, ESCAP has launched a Telecentre Online Database. [11 March 2008]

Asia-Pacific Population Journal Paints Mixed Picture of Pacific Sub-region
With a total population of about 34 million and very diverse levels of fertility – from 1.2 children per woman in the Northern Mariana Islands to 4.6 in Samoa – the Pacific sub-region needs to redouble its efforts to tackle crucial issues such as maternal mortality, low contraceptive prevalence rate and teenage fertility in the pursuit of its MDGs, according to an article published in the latest issue of the Asia-Pacific Population Journal. [10 March 2008]

UN High-level Meeting in the Pacific to Address Challenges Facing Island States
Leaders of Pacific island countries and heads of major Asian regional groupings – ASEAN, SAARC and ECO - will meet in Noumea, New Caledonia, on 12-13 March, to discuss key challenges facing the island states and how Asian countries can increase their support to addressing these challenges. The meeting, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), will be chaired by Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP. [5 March 2008]

UN Observes International Women’s Day in Bangkok on 7 March
In celebration of International Women’s Day, 8 March, UN system in Thailand will organize a special event on Friday, 7 March 2008 at UN Conference Centre. The theme this year is “Investing in Women and Girls”, which highlights the importance of financial and other resources for the promotion of women’s empowerment and the multiplier effect of investing in women on economic growth and development. [4 March 2008]

Deputy Secretary-General discusses "Delivering as One" at regional level in Bangkok
The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Asha-Rose Migiro, paid a two-day visit to the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok on 18 -19 February during which how to ‘deliver as one UN” at the regional level was the main theme of her discussions. [20 February 2008]

UN Assists Asia-Pacific to Measure Progress Towards Information Economies
The demand for reliable and comparable statistics on ICT and their impact on development has increased exponentially in recent years as a result of the rapid advances in ICT. This poses a major challenge to national statistical organizations in many developing countries. In response, UN has organized a regional training course in Republic of Korea, bringing together national statisticians to discuss the production and dissemination of ICT statistics. [18 February 2008]

ESCAP Executive Secretary Meets Top Chinese Leaders on First Official Visit
Ms. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), visited China from 17 to 23 January 2008. It was Ms. Heyzer’s first official visit to China since taking office. Ms. Heyzer’s discussions with the Chinese authorities focused on five key areas. [24 January 2008]

UN-APCAEM to host a Regional Forum on Bioenergy Sector Development
Record breaking oil prices have forced many countries to search for alternative sources of energy. Biofuels are proving to be one of the most viable of the emerging energy sources. In order to take a comprehensive view of the bioenergy development, ESCAP will host a regional forum on bioenergy sector development in Bangkok, from 23 to 25 January 2008, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand. [15 January 2008]

Asia-Pacific ready to face US sub-prime uncertainties in 2008, says UN
The robust economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region will continue in 2008, despite uncertainties in US and continued appreciation of regional currencies. Strong growth in China and India, sound economic fundamentals and buoyant commodity prices will underpin the region’s resilience. The positive outlook was presented by ESCAP, in its Key Economic Developments and Prospects in the Asia-Pacific Region 2008 report . [9 January 2008]

UN Sees Risks for Asia-Pacific Region in Slowing US Economy
Despite predicted robust growth in 2008, the risks for the Asia-Pacific economies are “tilted to the downside” as they await an “unraveling of the United States sub-prime mortgage problem and a slowing U.S. economy". The warnings come from a preview by ESCAP, Key Economic Developments and Prospects in the Asia-Pacific Region 2008, which will be launched on 9 January at FCCT in Bangkok . [5 January 2008]

UN Regional Commission Heads Outline Development Challenges in Bangkok
“The Middle East is rich but not developed”, said the Executive Secretary of ESCWA, Bader Al-Dafa, today in Bangkok. He was speaking to UN staff at a seminar which brought together the heads of four UN regional commissions. The seminar, on emerging development issues and challenges in the regions, was organized by Ms. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP. The other two Executive Secretaries present were Abdoulie Janneh of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Marek Belka of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). [14 December 2007]

Developing countries need support to fight climate change, says ESCAP
Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, says that active support to developing countries is key to global success in fighting against climate change. Speaking today in Bali, Ms heyzer noted that developing countries will not be able to simultaneously achieve continued economic growth and take adequate climate action unless there is technology transfer. [12 December 2007]

Ban Ki-moon visited ESCAP during first tour of Asia-Pacific
UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, visited ESCAP on 10 December on his way to the Bali climate change conference. He delivered a keynote address on climate change in which he called on developing countries to do their part in addressing the challenge.

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• Statements

Ban Ki-moon to mark Human Rights Day by launching in Bangkok rights treaty 60th anniversary celebrations
The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki- moon, will officially unveil in Bangkok the logo of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 10 December, the International Human Rights Day. The observance of the Human Rights Day in Bangkok this year coincides with the official visit of Mr. Ban to Thailand, from 9 to 11 December 2007. The event will take place at UN Conference Centre (UNCC) at 1430. [7 December 2007]

UN Meeting Promotes Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific
According to a recent UN study, paperless trade could save businesses more than half a billion dollars a year globally. The savings would come from streamlined customs procedures, thereby reducing delays at border crossings. However, paperless trade requires trained customs and trade officials and traders in order to be effective. For this reason, ESCAP in cooperation with ECE will hold a workshop in Bangkok from 10 to 14 December. [7 December 2007]

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to visit ESCAP on his way to Bali Conference
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, will visit ESCAP on 10 December and deliver a keynote address on “climate change, green growth and inclusive development”. This will be Mr. Ban’s key policy statement on climate change on the eve of his attendance at the Bali Conference. He will also hold a dialogue with UN staff members on his development and reform agenda. [6 December 2007]

UN Meeting Promotes Online Dispute Resolution in Asia and the Pacific
With the rapid growth in e-trade, regulators need better ways to ensure the security of online transactions. Against this backdrop, ESCAP organized the Sixth International Forum on Online Dispute Resolution in Hong Kong, China, on 4 and 5 December 2007. [6 December 2007]

UN assists Azerbaijan to transform from oil to knowledge economy
Azerbaijan is the fastest growing economy in the Asia-Pacific region, with an annual growth rate of more than 20 per cent thanks to surging oil revenues. In order to secure longer-term economic stability, the government is prioritizing ICT sector, making it second in importance only to the oil industry. To assist the government to realize its goal, ESCAP, in cooperation with ECE and the Ministry of ICT of Azerbaijan, organized a seminar on ICT policymaking in Baku. [28 November 2007]

UN to Connect Rural Women Entrepreneurs through Online Knowledge Network
ESCAP will launch the Knowledge Network of Women’s Cooperatives on 27 November in Bali. The network will empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with a web-based system that enables them to share knowledge, resources and collaborate on projects across the region. The project will target rural women who are managing small enterprises. [26 November 2007]

People with disabilities an untapped market for tourism industry, UN
People with disabilities represent a huge untapped market for the travel industry. How to make tourism accessible to them will be discussed when representatives of the industry meet with policy makers and disabled people in Bangkok, 22 – 24 November 2007. The meeting is organized by ESCAP in cooperation with the government of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Disabled People International Asia-Pacific. [21 November 2007]

Researcher’s Foresight Gives Hope to Indonesian Cooking Banana Industry
The discovery of several disease-resistant banana trees by a far-sighted scientist may save farmers across South East Asia from an epidemic that has already destroyed the banana industry in several Indonesian provinces. The researcher shared his find with CAPSA -- an ESCAP agricultural development centre based in Indonesia -- to develop a project aimed at propagating the plant and distributing it to farmers across the archipelago. [21 November 2007]

UN Envoy urges Asia -Pacific to turn climate change into new economic opportunities
UN SG’s Special Envoy on Climate Change, Han Seung-soo, called on Asian- Pacific countries to find a way to avoid further environmental deterioration while pursuing economic growth at the Committee on Managing Globalization of ESCAP. Mr. Han applauded ESCAP for its Green Growth initiative, which calls for a paradigm change in thinking of growth and argues for ecological costs to be fully reflected in market prices. [19 November 2007]

ASEAN needs to address serious development gaps among members, says UN
ASEAN needs to address development gaps between its 10 members, if it is to build a more integrated ASEAN community, says UN. As ASEAN leaders gather in Singapore to sign the ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint this week, a study entitled "Ten as One: Challenges and Opportunities for ASEAN Integration" by ESCAPoutlines the major challenges for ASEAN integration and recommend key actions to be taken. [19 November 2007]

Governments to Set Research Agenda for Agriculture as a Means of Combating Rural Poverty
High-level officials from governments across the region will meet in Bangkok on 21 November to discuss approaches to tackling poverty in rural Asia. The meeting will set the regional agenda for research priorities in the development of agriculture as a means of combating poverty in the areas where it is most needed. [16 November 2007]

UN Climate Change Envoy to Speak in Bangkok
he UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Change, Han Seung-soo, will give a briefing on recent developments in UN climate change activities on 19 November, in Bangkok. The briefing will be given at the Fourth session of the Committee on Managing Globalization, which will be held by ESCAP from 19 to 21 November in Bangkok. [15 November 2007]

Thai Victims Join the UN on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
About 300 people from all walks of life, including 50 wheelchair bound victims of road traffic accidents, will join the UN on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday, 18 November 2007, in Bangkok. They will proceed from Amphorn Garden to the UN Building, head office of ESCAP. Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin, Bangkok Governor and Event Chairman, will deliver a speech to mark the occasion. [14 November 2007]

UN Forum to Promote Investment in the Asian Highway
Just over two years since the Agreement on the Asian Highway Network came into force, more than 10,000 kilometres of the Highway have been upgraded to meet the minimum standards set by the Agreement. With 12,000 kilometres -- about nine per cent of the Highway -- remaining to be upgraded, a forum will take place in Bangkok on 16 November to boost investment. [13 November 2007]

Regional Commissions to Integrate Biodiversity into Regular Work
A MoU geared towards enhancing the cooperation and collaboration between the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Regional Economic and Social Commissions was signed by the Executive Heads of the respective organizations at UN Headquarters in New York. It is the first time that an agreement has been signed between the Regional Commissions and a Multilateral Environment Agreement (MEA). [26 October 2007]

Six Asian Economies to Launch a New Round of Trade Liberalization
Six Asian countries, including China, India and the Republic of Korea, are expected to launch a new round of negotiations aimed at reducing tariffs and increase trade among them. At a ministerial meeting of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) in Goa, India, on 26 October, the six countries will also adopt an agreement on the certification and verification of the origin of goods. The other three APTA members are Bangladesh, Lao PDR and Sri Lanka [25 October 2007]

Turmoil on Global Financial Markets: Will it be Contagious to Asia?
A special seminar on “Turmoil on Global Financial Markets: Will it be Contagious to Asia?” will be held in Bangkok on 26 October 2007 at UN Conference Centre. Jointly organized by UNESCAP, ITD, and UNCTAD, the seminar will serve as a forum for sharing views on the recent developments in global financial markets, and on measures for Asia to lessen or avoid the repercussions of a global financial turmoil. [25 October 2007]

United Nations Commits to Deliver as One at the Regional Level
Reaffirming their commitment to work together to enhance the impact of United Nations development activities, UN Regional Commissions and UNDP signed a Cooperation Framework, which is intended to build on the complementarities between the work of the five Regional Commissions and UNDP to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and other internationally agreed development goals, at UNDP Headquarters in New York. [25 October 2007]

Member States Must Empower the UN, says Thai Prime Minister
For all the political changes that have taken place in Thailand, supporting UN remains a constant in Thai foreign policy. The message comes from a keynote address given today by the Prime Minister, General Surayud Chulanont, at the United Nations Day observance in Bangkok. He spoke in front of about 450 UN staff members, Thai government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, students, and representatives of the civil society. [24 October 2007]

UNESCAP and Thai Government Lead Gathering Marking International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Today UNESCAP in collaboration with the Government of Thailand marked the 20th Anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in ceremonies at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. “Today we mark a day to remember those who continue to live with poverty, violence and hunger”, said Ms. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, in her welcome address to the participants. [18 October 2007]

UN-APCICT Launches Digital Partnership Network
UN-APCICT has launched the UN-APCICT Digital Partnership Network (DPN) which aims to develop a dedicated network of training institutions, academics, and researchers within the field of ICT for Human Capacity Building. 21 countries have already registered with the network. [18 October 2007]

UN-APCAEM Promotes Conservation Agriculture Techniques in Asia-Pacific
Unlike conventional agriculture, environmentally-sustainable conservation agricultural (CA) practices have the potential to prevent deterioration of soil quality and promote water conservation in agricultural production, and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector. UN-APCAEM is organizing an international seminar on promoting CA practices in Asia and the Pacific, from 24 to 26 October 2007, in Zhengzhou, China. [18 October 2007]

First Regional Recommendations on the Intellectually Disabled Adopted
A United Nations sponsored meeting has made recommendations on ways to empower persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in Asia and the Pacific. A first in the region, the Shanghai Recommendations were adopted at a workshop organized by the UNESCAP and the China Disabled Persons’ Federations (CDPF) which took place from 11 to 13 October in the Chinese city. [15 October 2007]

World Investment Report 2007 of UNCTAD to be launched in Bangkok
The World Investment Report 2007 of UNCTAD will be launched on 16 October at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok . The launch is jointly organized by the International Institute for Trade and Development and UNESCAP. The theme of this year&quo;s report is “Transnational Corporations, Extractive Industries and Development”. [12 October 2007]

UN and Thailand Hand-in-Hand to Stand Up Against Poverty on 17 October
Over 700 United Nations staff members and Thai government employees will join hands on 17 October, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, on Makkawan Bridge between Government House and UN Compound in Bangkok. It will be part of the global Stand Up and Speak Out against poverty and for the Millennium Development Goals campaign. [11 October 2007]

Asia-Pacific Leads the Way in Reviewing Progress Towards “Society for All Ages”
The Asia-Pacific region has a mixed record in tackling the challenges posed by population ageing; and governments need to make more efforts to create a “society for all ages”. The message comes from a regional meeting on ageing which ended today in Macao, China. The meeting was organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), with support from the government of Macao. [11 October 2007]

Disaster reduction is everybody’s business – Ban Ki-moon
This year’s International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, is marked by a ceremony at UNCC in Bangkok. It takes place on the third and final day of a key regional workshop on School Education and Disaster Risk Reduction. “Disaster reduction is everybody’s business”, says Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary-General, in his message on the International Day. “We all have a moral, social and economic obligation to act now in building resilient communities and nations.” [10 October 2007]

UN Regional Meeting Aims to Empower People with Intellectual Disabilities
With the Special Olympics in Shanghai drawing the world’s attention to the rights and potential of people with intellectual disabilities, an Asia-Pacific regional meeting on the issue is taking place alongside the games. Organized by UNESCAP and the China Disabled Persons’ Federations, the “Regional Workshop on the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and their Families” will be held from 11 to 13 October 2007 in Shanghai. [10 October 2007]

Asian-Pacific Regional Meeting on Population Ageing Opens in Macao
Senior officials and representatives from about 25 countries in Asia and the Pacific have gathered in Macao today for a high-level meeting, organized by UNESCAP with the support of the Government of Macao SAR, China, which will review progress the region has made in response to the challenges posed by population ageing. [9 October 2007]

Asia-Pacific Making Progress in Meeting MDGs But Falls Behind Other Regions in Some Target Areas, Says New Report
The Asia-Pacific region as a whole is forging ahead on many of MDGs, but there is uneven progress between and within countries, with many countries falling behind Sub-Saharan Africa or Latin America in certain areas, says a new report titled “The Millennium Development Goals: Progress in Asia and the Pacific 2007” released today. [8 October 2007]

UN Training Promotes e-Government in Asia-Pacific
Rapid development of ICT has enabled governments in Asia and the Pacific to deliver public services more efficiently in the past decade. However, a lack of skilled human resources in planning, design, implementation and management has proven to be a serious impediment to the progress of e-Government services. UN-APCICT, in collaboration with UNU-IIST, will organize the 2nd Regional Training Workshop from 8-12 October in Incheon. [5 October 2007]

Education Focus for International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction
The International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction on 10 October will be marked this year by a regional workshop on School Education and Disaster Risk Reduction in Bangkok, and a ceremony on the Day. Both events, jointly organized by UN agencies and intergovernmental oganizations, will take place at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. [5 October 2007]

ESCAP to Present Awards as Part of World Habitat Day Observance
This year’s World Habitat Day is being observed across the world under the theme “A Safe City Is A Just City”. ESCAP is observing the World Habitat Day by organizing an award ceremony in recognition of the initiatives in improving the living conditions of slums and squatter settlements in Thailand by the government of Thailand [4 October 2007]

ESCAP/UNDP/ADB To Launch Regional MDG Report
ESCAP will launch the MDGs: Progress in Asia and the Pacific 2007 report in collaboration with the ADB, and UNDP. The launch will take place simultaneously in Manila and Bangkok at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand at 11:00 hours on Monday, 8 October [2 October 2007]

Regional Meeting in Macao to Review Progress in Dealing With Population Ageing
UNESCAP will bring together representatives from 25 countries in Asia-Pacific to a High-level Meeting in Macao, China to review progress made in response to the challenges of population ageing. The Meeting will be held from 9 to 11 October 2007. [1 October 2007]

ESCAP Helps Cambodia to Embrace Green Policies
ESCAP is holding a seminar to help Cambodia to adopt development policies which protect the environment without limiting economic growth. The seminar, which takes place from 1 to 4 October in Sihanoukville, is attended by senior policymakers from Cambodia. [1 October 2007]

First Observance of International Day of Non-Violence to be Held on 2 October
UNESCAP, in cooperation with the Embassy of India, will hold the first observance of the International Day of Non-Violence on 2 October at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. [27 September 2007]

UNESCAP Helps Rural E-Centres Joining Forces to the Benefit of the Poor
Out of the world’s estimated 170,000 community e-centres – places where people in the poorest and remotest parts of the world can have access to computers and the Internet, around 14,000 are in Asia and the Pacific. The number is expected to jump ten folds in the next five years. To help poor communities to make the most out of these e-centres, UNESCAP is holding a meeting in Bangkok on establishing a regional knowledge network of e-centres. [27 September 2007]

UN Observes International Day of Peace on 21 September
ESCAP will be holding an observance of the International Day of Peace on 21 September at UN Conference Centre, Bangkok. This Day, established by UN General Assembly, has been observed since 1981 as a day of global cease-fire. The observance this year will also include a panel discussion under the theme of climate change and peace [17 September 2007]

Asia-Pacific Assesses Progress Towards a Barrier-free Society for the Disabled
The Asian and Pacific region has made great progress over the past few years in creating an inclusive and barrier-free society for millions of disabled people, but many challenges remain, according to reports to be presented to a high level regional meeting in Bangkok on 19-21 September. [14 September 2007]

More effective policies that harmonize rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability to be discussed at UN meeting
Conventional thinking says that increasing environmental degradation is an inherent part of economic growth. However, a growing number of experts believe that this does not have to be the case. For this reason UNESCAP and the Government of the Republic of Korea are holding the Second Policy Forum of the Seoul Initiative Network on Green Growth from 3 to 5 September in Bangkok. [3 September 2007]

UN Forum to Encourage Private Sector Participation in Infrastructure Development
Executive officers of private sector companies will have an opportunity to exchange ideas on public-private partnership with ministers and senior government officials at the Asia-Pacific Business Forum on Public-Private Partnership for Infrastructure Development , which will be jointly organized by UNESCAP and the Korean Development Institute on 4 October 2007 in Seoul. [30 August 2007]

UNESCAP Helps Rural Women to Build Up Their Businesses Through the Internet
UNESCAP is working to establish a regional knowledge network of rural women’s cooperatives which will enable women entrepreneurs to share their business knowledge and experiences and market their products through the Internet. A regional meeting is taking place from 23 to 24 August in Bangkok. [20 August 2007]

UN Helps Cambodia in its Bid to Move Toward an Information Economy
Cambodia announced a plan to shift the country from relying on agriculture, garment manufacturing and tourism to a medium and high value-added economy, with ICT being a key sector. The country currently has one of the lowest rates of computer ownership in the region. To help Cambodia realize its ambition, UNESCAP conducted a national seminar on Internet governance on 15 and 16 August in Phnom Penh. [17 August 2007]

UN Helps Land-locked Mongolia to Tap the Internet for Development
Mongolia has seen its mobile phone market growing at a remarkable rate of over 100% per year since it embarked on telecommunications reform a few years ago, and also has an ambitious e-Mongolian strategy, using ICT to integrate more closely into the regional and global economy. To help the country in this endeavour, UNESCAP held a national seminar in Ulaanbaatar, from 1 to 2 August. [3 August 2007]

Using Space Technology to Fight Against Avian Influenza
Space technology can help countries in Asia-Pacific fight against avian influenza – a major threat to the region. UN is taking steps to promote the application of the technology in an integrated early warning system for avian influenza. UNESCAP is hosting a meeting on space technology and avian influenza from 1 to 3 August in Bangkok. [1 August 2007]

UN-sponsored Meeting to Promote Intraregional Trade in Asia-Pacific
Over the past decade, the Asia-Pacific region has witnessed rapid economic growth driven by strong external demand. During this period, intraregional trade in Asia has also grown considerably. However, there is still room for Asian countries to strengthen their trade relationships. UNESCAP is convening 1-3 August an Expert Group Meeting on Promoting Trade between Asian Subregions in Kunming, China. [1 August 2007]

UN Secretary-General Appoints Noeleen Heyzer of Singapore as Executive Secretary of ESCAP
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of Noeleen Heyzer of Singapore as Executive Secretary of ESCAP. Ms. Heyzer, currently Executive Director of the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), is the first woman to head ESCAP [31 July 2007]

Regional Forum Explores Win-Win Solutions of Climate Change and Economic Growth
UNESCAP , in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, is co-hosting the 17 th Asia-Pacific Seminar on Climate Change, to be held from 31 July to 3 August 2007, in Bangkok. The focus of the seminar will be on development goals and climate change. Special attention will be given to initiatives which reduce greenhouse gas emissions while advancing development objectives. [27 July 2007]

UN Forum Discusses Social, Health and Economic Consequences of Population Ageing in Asia
UNESCAP, in collaboration with the UNFPA and UN-DESA, is holding a Seminar on the Social, Health and Economic Consequences of Population Ageing in the Context of Changing Families from 25 to 27 July in Bangkok. [25 July 2007]

Forum addresses intellectual property rights and their effect on development
With the emergence of effective medicines that combat HIV and a wide range of other diseases, a massive industry has emerged which supplies cheap copies of these medicines to people who could not otherwise afford them. This constitutes a major dilemma for those who wish to protect intellectual property rights while safeguarding the health of the poor. In an effort to address these issues, UNESCAP, in cooperation with WIPO, is holding the High Level Forum on Intellectual Property Rights and Trade. [23 July 2007]

UNESCAP/ADB/UNDP Regional Action Plan Urges Governments to Pay More Attention to the Social Agenda
Participants, at a sub-regional development forum, have called on North and Central Asian governments to channel the benefits of strong economic growth in recent years to lagging social sectors, by improving educational and health care services. [20 July 2007]

UNESCAP/ADB/UNDP Open Regional MDG Forum with a Call by Kyrgyz Prime Minister to Forge Partnerships in Achieving MDGs
A regional development forum, sponsored by UNESCAP, UNDP and ADB, opened today in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The objective of the forum is to develop a sub-regional plan of action to tackle the challenges in achieving MDGs in North and Central Asia. The forum intends to build stronger partnerships and networks across a large spectrum of stakeholders from all over the region. [19 July 2007]

Asia-Pacific Examines Ways to Scale Up Responses to Climate Change
With consensus among scientists and policymakers emerging regarding climate change, countries in Asia and the Pacific need to scale up their responses urgently to avoid the worst consequences predicted. Business and the financial sector have a key role to play. The message came from UN-sponsored meeting which opened today in Seoul. [18 July 2007]

Conference on Happiness Examines Different Approaches to Development
The Asia-Pacific region has shown enviable economic growth as measured by GDP. However, this growth has come at a heavy environmental cost and has been accompanied by a host of social problems, calling into question whether GDP-driven development brings people more happiness. To examine these issues, UNESCAP is co-sponsoring an International Conference on Happiness and Public Policy which will be held 18-19 July at UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. [17 July 2007]

Kim of UNESCAP receives medal from Russia for Contribution to International Cooperation
Kim Hak-Su, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, was presented today with the “Medal for Contribution to International Cooperation” by the Russian Federation. Mr. Kim, who is completing his seven-year term at the end of this month, received his medal at a simple ceremony at his office in Bangkok from Mikhail V. Baranov, Charge d’Affaires of the Russian Embassy to Thailand [16 July 2007]

Central Asia to Develop Action Plan to Reach the Millennium Development Goals
Despite progress in reducing income poverty and promoting education for girls, Central Asian countries still have one of the highest proportion of population undernourished in Asia and the Pacific, and is also falling behind in meeting some other Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), such as curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. To enable these countries to address the challenges they face towards achieving the MDGs by the deadline of 2015, UNESCAP will bring together around 100 delegates from 13 countries at the North and Central Asia MDG Forum, which will be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 19-20 July 2007. [16 July 2007]

UN Meeting to Promote Global Women’s Rights Treaty in Asia-Pacific
Despite the fact that the vast majority of the countries in Asia-Pacific have ratified a global convention on women’s rights, the level of legal protection of women varies greatly within the region, and often falls short of what the international law requires. A United Nations meeting in Bangkok, 18-20 July, will look at ways to promote gender equality in the region through integration of the international norms – as enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) -- into national legislation. [13 July 2007]

In Asia, a Huge Drop in Poverty Comes with Rising Inequality - UN Report Points to Widening Economic Disparities
Buoyed by rapid economic growth, Asia has made dramatic progress in the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, halving the proportion of people living on the equivalent of a dollar a day, according to a United Nations report released today. [2 July 2007]

UN Mid-Point Progress Report on Development Goals Paints Mixed Picture
UN will publish the most comprehensive global assessment on progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on Monday, 2 July, with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launching the report in Geneva. The Asia-Pacific regional launch will take place in Bangkok at 1100 at the United Nations Conference Centre. [28 June 2007]

Asian-Pacific Mayors Exchange Experience on Greening Cities
Mayors and administrators from around 25 Asia-Pacific countries have come together in Kitakyushu to share experience of mitigating pollution and improving environment. [26 June 2007]

Outgoing Executive Secretary shares words of wisdom with young staff members
The Young Strategic Discussion Group (YSDG) of ESCAP had its final meeting last week with Mr. Kim Hak-Su, current Executive Secretary whose tenure will end on 31 July 2007, at which he reminded the junior professionals in attendance of the importance of maintaining and continuously improving their expertise. [26 June 2007]

UNESCAP and IOM Strengthen Cooperation on International Migration
UNESCAP and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a general framework for cooperation and coordination between the two organizations on international migration issues that are of growing importance to countries of the region. [20 June 2007]

UN meeting addresses high unemployment in Pacific island countries
A UN meeting aimed at creating much needed jobs in the Pacific island countries opened in Suva, bringing together experts from across the Pacific and from UN and donor agencies. The meeting will also promote an international strategy on helping small island countries to develop. [5 June 2007]

Governments, Business and Consumer Groups Join Forces to Create “Green Business” in Asia-Pacific
Government policymakers, business leaders and representatives of consumer groups from across the Asia-Pacific region are gathering in Bangkok from 5 to 7 June 2007 to discuss ways to create and promote “green business” in the region. [4 June 2007]

Forum to ‘SYNERGIZE’ Economic Growth, Forest Protection
Environmental and economic policy makers from 22 Asian and Pacific countries gathered in Bangkok at the opening of a two-day forum aimed at protecting forests in the face of expanding development. [28 May 2007]

CS63 Concludes in Almaty with Endorsement of Regional MDG Road Map
At the conclusion of UNESCAP's 63rd Commission Session in Kazakhstan, members endorsed a regional road map aimed at helping poor countries falling behind to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. The Commission also called on the region to take steps towards universal health coverage, and adopted the Almaty Declaration which “marks a milestone in reaffirming the central role of ESCAP in fostering regional and sub-regional cooperation.” [23 May 2007]

UNESCAP Urges Booming Asia-Pacific to Invest More in Health
At its annual Commission Session taking place in Almaty, UNESCAP members focused on the region's low levels of investment in health systems, which threaten to undermine the region’s long-term development. [22 May 2007]

Journalists from Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, India & the Philippines win UN MDG Media Awards
The winners of the First Asia-Pacific Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Media Awards were honoured today at UNESCAP's annual meeting in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The awards are jointly sponsored by UNESCAP, UNDP and the Asian Development Bank to encourage media reports which put a human face to the MDGs. [22 May 2007]

Asia-Pacific Ministers Overwhelmingly Support MDG 'ROAD MAP'
In Almaty Government ministers from across the region expressed support for a “road map” to help poor countries lagging behind to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. The blue-print aims to assist ‘off-track’ countries achieve the eight development goals by 2015. [21 May 2007]

CS63: Ministerial Meeting Opens in Almaty
Despite impressive economic growth, the Asia-Pacific region still faces daunting challenges in achieving the MDGs. This message was underscored by UN Secretary-General Ban K-moon, UNESCAP Executive Secretary Kim Hak-Su and the President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan at the opening of Ministerial segment of the 63rd Commission Session in Almaty. [21 May 2007]

Business Forum Opens with Calls for Greater Integration of Central Asian Economies
How to diversify the region’s economies and increase their international competitiveness are two of the topics to be addressed at the Asia-Pacific Business Forum which opened today in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The APBF is one of the events organized in conjunction with UNESCAP's 63rd Commission Session. [18 May 2007]

First UNESCAP Annual Meeting in Central Asia Opens in Almaty
UNESCAP's 63rd Commission Session opened today in Kazakhstan, with Mr. Kim Hak-Su, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, and the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr. Marat Tazhin, presiding over the Session. The occasion marked the first time that UNESCAP is holding its annual meeting in Central Asia. [17 May 2007]

Regional Forum on Least Developed Countries Discusses Energy and Migration
Energy security and international migration are the two issues discussed at a special Asia-Pacific regional forum on least developed countries (LDCs) and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) which opened today in Almaty. [15 May 2007]

Asia-Pacific Nations to Discuss Underinvestment in Health at Annual Gathering
Despite its impressive economic growth, the Asia-Pacific region faces a severe shortfall in investment in health which threatens to undermine its long-term development. The issue will be taken up by the 62 member governments of UNESCAP at its annual session to be held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from 17 to 23 May 2007. [11 May 2007]

Asia-Pacific Business Forum 2007 to Focus on Central Asia
Over 250 key business leaders, government officials, academics and civil society representatives will gather together at the 4^th Asia-Pacific Business Forum during the 63rd Commission session of UNESCAP in Almaty, Kazakhstan, 18-19 May 2007. [4 May 2007]

IPCC and ESCAP pledged to work together to address climate change in Asia-Pacific
The heads of IPCC and ESCAP have pledged to work together to address climate change in the region. Dr. Rajendra K Pachauri, Chairman of IPCC, and Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, met on 2 May, at ESCAP headquarters in Bangkok where IPCC Working Group III is holding an important meeting this week. [2 May 2007]

ESCAP Film wins Bronze Prize at UN Documentary Film Festival
UNESCAP won the Bronze Prize for short documentary at the 3rd Annual United Nations Documentary Film Festival for its film ‘A Future Within Reach’. [30 April 2007]

Pacific Region Tackles New Era in Urban Management
UNESCAP's Pacific Operations Centre (UN-EPOC), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Local Government Pacific Project and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, organized a Pacific Regional Workshop on Urban Management, from 23 to 25 April 2007, in Nadi, Fiji. [27 April 2007]

60th Anniversary Commission Session of UNESCAP to be held in Almaty in May
The 63rd Session of UNESCAP will be held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from 17 to 23 May 2007. It will be the first time UNESCAP’s highest decision-making body meets in Central Asia. The annual high-level meeting will also mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the UN’s regional arm for Asia-Pacific. [25 April 2007]

UNESCAP examines ways to end harmful traditional and cultural practices against women in the Asia-Pacific region
UNESCAP is organizing a two-day expert group meeting to examine how the Asian and Pacific region can strengthen policies and strategies to reduce violence against women. For the first time, the focus is on addressing harmful traditional and cultural practices. [25 April 2007]

UN-APCAEM to hold an International Seminar on Agricultural Engineering
More than 40 experts from 9 member countries of the UNESCAP/APCAEM will gather in Beijing, for the International Seminar on Restructuring and Strengthening Research and Development (R&D) for Agricultural Engineering, from 27 to 28 April 2007. [20 April 2007]

Exchange Rate Management Biggest Challenge in 2007: UNESCAP Survey
Management of exchange rates is the biggest challenge facing Asia-Pacific economies in 2007, UNESCAP said today at the launch of its annual Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific entitled “Surging Ahead in Uncertain Times.” [enlarge photo] [ goto Survey 2007 website] [18 April 2007]

UN-APCICT Governing Council to Meet for Its Second Session
The Governing Council of UNESCAP's Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT) is holding its Second Session at it headquarters in Incheon, Republic of Korea, from 16 to 17 April 2007. [16 April 2007]

Economic and Social Survey for Asia and the Pacific 2007 to Be Launched on 18 April
What will drive growth in the Asia-Pacific region if the US economy slows down in 2007? Ten years after the Asian financial crisis, is the region once again becoming more vulnerable to shocks? Has the region learnt to live with high oil prices? These are some of the questions answered in the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2007 which will be launched in 21 cities on 18 April. [11 April 2007]

UNESCAP Marked 60th Anniversary with Pride and Commitment
UNESCAP marked 60 years of service to the region today with a commemoration in Bangkok. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent a video message and special guests included HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont of Thailand, and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen. The event also featured a dance performance and singing by all heads of UN agencies based in Bangkok and ESCAP staff members. [28 March 2007]

Amartya Sen Given UNESCAP Lifetime Achievement Award
Economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen was conferred an Award for Lifetime Achievement today by the Bangkok-based UNESCAP as part of the organization’s 60th anniversary commemoration. [28 March 2007]

Pacific Islanders With Disabilities Face Negative Attitudes, Prejudices, Ignorance, Apathy
A UN-backed Pacific-wide meeting aimed at making Pacific island societies more inclusive for people with disabilities opened today in Nadi, Fiji. [28 March 2007]

Regional Meeting Points Way Forward to Tackle Asia-Pacific Infrastructure Gap
The Asia-Pacific region faces a serious issue of underinvestment in infrastructure. The time has come to take solutions from academic discussion to political decision-making. It is also time to consider means of setting up a regional mechanism to utilize the large amount of savings of the region for much needed investment. The appeal comes today at the end of a meeting in New Delhi [22 March 2007]

UNESCAP to Celebrate 60th Anniversary on 28 March
UNESCAP will commemorate its 60^th anniversary on 28 March with a special programme of activities scheduled for the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. Special guests include HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen. The theme of the celebration is “Building an Asia-Pacific Century.” [21 March 2007]

Asia-Pacific to Tackle Underinvestment in Infrastructure at New Delhi Meeting
As the Asia-Pacific economies grow rapidly, a lack of infrastructure is becoming a bottleneck for further growth in many countries. To address the issue, UNESCAP is holding a regional meeting in New Delhi, India, 21-22 March to estimate that the requirement of infrastructure investment in the region is over $600 billion annually but falls short by about US$200 billion every year. [19 March 2007]

Invitation to the Commemoration of World Water Day, 22 March 2007
In commemoration of the World Water Day (WWD), UNESCAP, in cooperation with other UN agencies, will organize a special event on 22 March 2007 at UNCC. This year’s global theme is focused on ‘Coping with Water Scarcity’ which highlights how critical water is for sustainable development, including for the alleviation of poverty and hunger, and an indispensable resource for human health and well-being. [19 March 2007]

Nobel Laureate AMARTYA SEN to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, the Bangkok-based UNESCAP will present the first ever UNESCAP Award for Lifetime Achievement on 28 March to one of Asia’s most celebrated economists and Nobel Laureate, Professor Amartya Sen. [16 March 2007]

Asia-Pacific MDG Awards Opened for Web-Based Material
The regulations for the Asia-Pacific Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Media Awards have been expanded to include internet-based materials. Responding to requests from the media, the organizers have decided to include internet-based materials in the 1st MDG Media Awards, which honour outstanding reporting/writing on the MDGs in print, radio and TV. [16 March 2007]

UN Official Calls on Asian Economies to Change Growth Patterns
While developing economies in Asia and the Pacific are projected to grow by an impressive 7.3 per cent in 2007, such growth is driven by high resources consumption and can not be sustained in the long run, warns Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, in Bangkok today at the opening of a Workshop on Developing Sustainability Strategies in Asia. [8 March 2007]

Commemoration of International Women’s Day in Bangkok
To commemorate the International Women’s Day on 8 March, the UN family in Thailand will organize a special event at the UNCC in Bangkok. This year’s global theme is "Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women". [7 March 2007]

Forum Stresses the Urgent Need for ICT Capacity-Building in Asia and the Pacific
A senior UN official calls today on countries in Asia and the Pacific to take urgent actions to address a lack of human resources in information and communication technology (ICT), warning that inadequate capacity in the field could slow down the region’s development. [5 March 2007]

UN/ADB Regional Action Plan Calls on Governments to 'Reach the Unreached'
Participants at a UN/ADB development forum which closed today in Hanoi, have called on East and South-East Asian governments to do more to 'reach the unreached' by improving educational and health care services. [2 March 2007]

UN /OECD Meeting to Promote Sustainable Development Strategies in Asia
Rapid economic growth in Asia and the Pacific has come at a heavy environmental cost, and countries in the region are in urgent need to develop policies with a long-term perspective. In response to this challenge, UNESCAP, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) are jointly organizing a "Workshop on Developing Sustainability Strategies in Asia" in Bangkok from 8 to 9 March 2007. [2 March 2007]

UN/ADB Open Regional Development Forum with Call to Tackle Inequalities in East, South-East Asia
A regional development forum, sponsored by the United Nations and Asian Development Bank, opened today in Hanoi, with a call for East and South-East Asian governments to tackle inequalities both within and across borders in region. [1 March 2007]

UN-APCICT Holds Major Forum on ICT Capacity-Building
Experts from about 50 countries in Asia and beyond will gather in Incheon, Republic of Korea, 5-6 March 2007, for a forum on capacity-building in information technology organized by the recently established UN Asia and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development. [28 February 2007]

East, South-East Asian Nations to Tackle Road Blocks to Development Goals at Forum in Hanoi
East and South-East Asia, two of the world’s most dynamic regions, are known to have made significant progress in achieving the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). None of the countries in the two regions are on track to meet all the goals by the target date of 2015. [27 February 2007]

UNESCAP Warns Region against False Economic Security
10 Years After Asian Financial Crisis
UNESCAP warned East and South-East Asian governments not to be lulled into false security by the current economic boom, as some of the risks which preceded the massive financial crisis ten years ago could be seen. [26 February 2007]

UNESCAP: Corporate bond markets in local currencies could help raise funds in region
The development of corporate bond markets in local currencies will facilitate the raising of long-term and large-scale funds, this according to experts at a UNESCAP-sponsored workshop in Bangkok held from 14-15 February. [20 February 2007]

ESCAP Provides Training for TV Journalists to Raise Awareness of MDGs
Television broadcast journalists from 13 Asia Pacific countries began a specialized training programme in Bangkok today, designed to enhance their skills in reporting on the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). [7 February 2007]

DEADLINE FOR ASIA-PACIFIC MDG MEDIA AWARDS EXTENDED
Due to requests from media networks, the deadline for the submission of entries to the 1st Asia-Pacific MDGs Media Awards has been extended to 15 April 2007. The Awards honour outstanding reporting/writing on the MDGs in print, radio and TV. [5 February 2007]

UNESCAP highlights urgency of pension solution for Asia’s elderly poor
A regional seminar in Bangkok urges Asia-Pacific governments to offer basic pension plans for the growing millions of elderly poor. [26 January 2007]

UNESCAP REPORT: ASIA-PACIFIC ENVIRONMENT AT BOILING POINT
If Asian and Pacific societies are to continue their much needed economic growth, they will have to shift towards ecologically efficient, ‘green growth’ patterns, concludes the latest State of the Environment in Asia and the Pacific report, published by ESCAP. [22 December 2006]

Experts discuss ongoing fertility transition in Asia, changing marriage patterns
Asia, one of the most diverse regions in the world, is not only diverse geographically, politically, culturally or in terms of social and economic development but also tremendously heterogeneous in terms of levels of fertility and marriage patterns. [20 December 2006]

UN Day for South-South Cooperation observed in Bangkok
The United Nations commemorated the third annual UN Day for South-South Cooperation in Bangkok today by bringing together representatives from member states, UN and other international agencies, civil society organizations and academia. [19 December 2006]

ESCAP forecasts Asia-Pacific region is poised for impressive economic growth in 2007: But downside risks are increasing
Developing countries across Asia and the Pacific can expect another year of impressive growth in 2007 but should be wary of dangers ahead, says ESCAP. GDP growth in 2007 is currently projected to be a strong 6.9 per cent, only slightly less than the spectacular 7.1 per cent growth in 2006. [14 December 2006]

Enhancing Capacity to Respond to Natural Disasters
A Regional Workshop on Disaster Communications for the Asia and Pacific Region, co-organized by UNESCAP and ITU, opened today at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. The meeting will focus on improving rapid response in emergency situations, especially in the region's least developed, developing and small islands developing states. [12 December 2006]

2007 Regional Economic Forecast Unveiled by UNESCAP in Bangkok
Amidst the downside risks of a slowing global economy, the possibility of a s supply-side oil shock and a disorderly adjustment in global imbalances, the outlook for 2007 for the Asian and Pacific region is one of continued dynamism, says a year-end report by UNESCAP [11 December 2006]

New Look for MDG Asia-Pacific Website
The UNESCAP/UNDP/ADB website for the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) project has been overhauled with a fresh, new, look including user-friendly, interactive MDG features and tools. [7 December 2006]

UN commemorates Human Rights Day 2006 in Bangkok
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in cooperation with UNESCAP will commemorate International Human Rights Day on 11 December in Bangkok with the theme "Fighting Poverty: a Matter of Obligation, Not Charity" [6 December 2006]

UN urged to broker closer links between Asia-Pacific countries
In its inaugural meeting held in Suva, Fiji, the Working Group on Pacific Island Developing Countries urged UNESCAP to broker closer links between Asia-Pacific countries, so that Pacific island developing countries could benefit from the economic dynamism of Asia. [24 November 2006]

Ministerial conference adopts crucial declarations at its conclusion
At the close of the Ministerial Conference on Transport today, Ministers adopted two comprehensive declarations (Transport Development ; Road Safety) that will shape the future of the transportation in Asia-Pacific for the next five years. [13 November 2006]

18 Nations Sign Trans-Asian Railway Network Agreement
18 UNESCAP members signed the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network at a formal ceremony held as part of the Ministerial Conference on Transport in Busan. [13 November 2006]

Senior Officials Conclude Session: Propose Two Declarations, Forum of Asian Transport Ministers
The Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Ministerial Conference on Transport concluded today in Busan, ROK. Officials adopted a report outlining a vision of an international integrated intermodal transport and logistics system in Asia-Pacific. [8 November 2006]

Senior Officials Prepare Ground for Ministerial Meeting
At the Ministerial Conference on Transport, senior officials from 43 UNESCAP countries continued to prepare the ground for more than 50 Ministers expected to attend the Ministerial Meeting scheduled for 10-11 November. [7 November 2006]

Ministerial Conference on Transport opens in Republic of Korea
UNESCAP's Ministerial Conference on Transport opened with senior officials tackling a wide agenda aimed at developing a comprehensive strategy to address the region's growing transport needs. [6 November 2006]

ASIA-PACIFIC RESEARCHERS TO BOOST REGIONAL KNOWLEDGE ON TRADE REFORMS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
UNESCAP and WTO will jointly organize a two-day workshop in Macao, China aimed at boosting regional knowledge on trade reforms in developing countries and launch the Macao Regional Knowledge Hub project. [27 October 2006]

Asia-Pacific Transport Ministers to develop regional action plan
Transport Ministers and senior officials from across the region are expected to develop a comprehensive strategy to address Asia-Pacific's growing transport needs when they meet at UNESCAP’s Ministerial Conference on Transport, 6-11 November in Republic of Korea. [25 October 2006]

Anti-poverty theme highlights UN Day on October 20 in Thailand
The UN family in Thailand will celebrate 61 years of the United Nations on 20 October at the United Nations Conference Centre by focusing on the role of the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs) in reducing poverty. [18 October 2006]

UN Report Says Many Asian Countries Falling Short of MDG Targets
The Asian and Pacific region as a whole is on track to achieve most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), but progress in many individual countries is slow and performance on some vital targets is unsatisfactory, according to a new report released today. [17 October 2006]

Secretary General-designate pledges to 'Bridge the divide'
Reform, buliding trust and enhanciing coherence and coordination ,top of the agenda for Ban Ki-Moon, the UN's next secretary-general. [17 October 2006]

UN IN ASIA PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON POVERTY WITH GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT
The 2006 UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in Bangkok will be held in conjunction with the "Stand Up Against Poverty Campaign"; which aims to set an official Guinness World Record for the most number of people to Stand Up Against Poverty. [13 October 2006]

South Asia MDG Forum opens with urgent call to cut down maternal mortality and reduce poverty
Over 100 experts gathered in Nepal today to try to build a clear and workable road map toward realizing the Millennium Development Goals which are in need of revitalization. [11 October 2006]

‘IRON SILK ROAD’ TREATY SIGNALS NEW ERA FOR COOPERATION
Asian Ministers of Transport will give reality to the dream of connecting their capital cities, ports and industrial centres by rail when they gather on 10 November in Busan to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network. [6 October 2006]

Education the key at UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction
Empowering vulnerable communities to better prepare for natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region through education is the theme of this year’s UN Disaster Reduction Day on 11 October. [5 October 2006]

‘ROAD MAP’ TO ERADICATE EXTREME POVERTY IN SOUTH ASIA
More than 100 delegates from eight different countries meeting in Kathmandu next week at the MDG South Asian Forum are expected to develop a ‘road map’ to eradicate extreme poverty in South Asia by 2015. [5 October 2006]

ESCAP FORECASTS THAI GDP AT 4.7% IF NEW INTERIM GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS POLITICAL STABILITY
In a new economic analysis of the aftermath of the military coup in Thailand, ESCAP predicts that GDP growth could reach 4.7% in 2007 if the new interim government maintains political stability and reduces uncertainty in government spending, especially in infrastructure investment. [2 October 2006]

MDG Media Awards to be launched in Kathmandu, Nepal
The ESCAP / UNDP / ADB / AIBD initiative will recognize distinguished reporting on the Millennium Development Goals. [22 September 2006]

NEW DIRECTOR OF ESCAP ICT TRAINING CENTRE APPOINTED
ESCAP has appointed Hyuen-Suk Rhee as Director of the Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communications Technology for Development (APCICT), located in Incheon City, Republic of Korea. Ms. Rhee will take up her duties on 25 September 2006. [21 September 2006]

UN INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY EXAMINES ROLE OF RELIGION IN PEACE
The link between peace and religion is the theme of this year’s UN International Day of Peace at the UNESCAP. [21 September 2006]

ADDITIONAL 100 MILLION POOR EXPECTED IN LDC COUNTRIES
Only some LDCs have made good progress on socio-economic development with annual average economic growth rates reaching nearly 6 per cent. [21 September 2006]

More regional cooperation needed on migrant worker issues”
While the economic benefits of migration are apparent, its social costs remain a source of concern, cautions Mr. Kim Hak-Su, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP. [15 September 2006]

UNESCAP appoints Hervé Berger to head its Pacific Island Office in Suva, Fiji
UNESCAP is pleased to announce the appointment of Hervé Berger as the Head of UNESCAP’s Pacific Operations Centre (UN-EPOC) in Suva, Fiji. Mr. Berger took up his duties on 11 September 2006. [15 September 2006]

THAI AIRWAYS SIGN AGREEMENT WITH UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES IN THAILAND
A MoU on THAI Corporate Partnership Program has been signed by the United Nations Agencies represented in Thailand, Thai Airways, and the American Express (Thai) on 7 September 2006 at the Headquarters of Thai Airways International in Bangkok. [8 September 2006]

Asian Governments should stay on alert for financial downturn: UNESCAP
UNESCAP is issuing a warning to Asian governments to reduce exposure to the impact of a sudden or unexpected market downturn, urging a mood of protection and preparation rather than the celebratory atmosphere of today’s prosperity. [31 August 2006]

Establishment of Community e-Centers in South Asia
The ADB and UNESCAP signed a MOU yesterday for the establishment of 20 pilot Community e-Centers (CeC) in South Asia. The project will be jointly implemented by ADB and UNESCAP and funded by the Japan Fund for Information and Communication Technology (JFICT) of ADB. [29 August 2006]

Remembering Baghdad bombing victims
A minute of silence will be observed at 10:30 a.m. today at UNESCAP on the 3rd Anniversary Observance of the 19 August 2003 Baghdad Bombing. [18 August 2006]

Major UN Meeting on Information Society Measurements in Asia-Pacific
A Joint UNCTAD-ITU-UNESCAP Regional Workshop on Information Society Measurements in Asia-Pacific is being organized at UNCC in Bangkok to share "best practices" in ICT measurement at the regional level. [25 July 2006]

UNESCAP calls for increased efforts to develop ‘end-to-end’ tsunami early warning systems in region
In the aftermath of the recent Pangandaran tsunami, the UN’s regional commission in Bangkok is calling for increased regional and national efforts to ensure effective development of ‘end-to-end’ tsunami early warning systems in the Asia-Pacific region. [24 July 2006]

ECOSOC holds dialogue with Executive Secretaries of UN Regional Commissions
At a recent Economic and Social Council dialogue with the five UN Regional Commissions, UNESCAP Executive Secretary Kim Hak-Su told the meeting that in many countries around the world, employment had not kept pace with economic growth. [12 July 2006]

UNESCAP Warns of HIV/AIDS Danger to Asia-Pacific Youth
UNESCAP is urgently calling on Asia-Pacific governments to target young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Young people are the hardest hit – half of all new HIV infections are among youth, warns the report. [28 June 2006]

First MOU between UNESCAP and Korean water supply company
UNESCAP has signed an MOU with the Korea Water Resources Corporation covering regional water resource management, as well as disaster risk management. [21 June 2006]

Global Alliance for ICT and Development announces members of Steering Committee, Strategy Council
Universal access to phones and internet services are top on the agenda at the first ever International UN technology meeting from 19 – 20 June in Kuala Lumpur. [19 June 2006]

Asia’s First Training Centre for ICT for Development Opens in the Republic of Korea
UNESCAP opened today its first Information and Communication Technology for Development Training Centre in Incheon, Republic of Korea which aims to improve knowledge and productivity for long-term economic growth and sustainable development of the region. [16 June 2006]

UNESCAP Signs MOU with Microsoft
UNESCAP signed MOU with Microsoft pledging support for the UN’s first information communications technology (ICT) training center for government officials in the Asian and Pacific region, inaugurated today in Incheon, Republic of Korea. [16 June 2006]

Early warning system to prevent further deaths from tsunamis
A Regional Workshop in Bangkok for Tsunami Early Warning Systems in the Indian Ocean region has brought together over 130 experts from over 20 countries bordering the Indian Ocean. [15 June 2006]

Role of Public Policy in Encouraging Sustainable Consumption, Green Growth discussed
The role of public policy in providing sustainable consumption choices for a resource saving society and green growth is being discussed at the 2nd Green Growth Policy Dialogue from 23 to 25 May 2006 in Beijing, China. [24 May 2006]

UN Secretary-General to give keynote address at High-Level Panel on His Majesty the King and Human Development
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will deliver the keynote address at a high-level panel on the contributions of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej to human development in Thailand on 26 May at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. [24 May 2006]

UN gathers ideas on financing highway infrastructure and road safety
A meeting on how to finance highway infrastructure and improve road safety will be held by the UNESCAP on 8-10 May 2006 in Bangkok. The Asian Highway network comprises of more than 141,000 kilometres of standardized roadways spanning 32 Asian countries with linkages to Europe. [4 May 2006]

Launch of the State of the Environment in Asia and the Pacific 2005 Report
UNESCAP will launch a new report urging immediate action to "green" the Asia-Pacific’s economic growth patterns as the current rate of regional growth is unsustainable on Friday, 28 April, in Bangkok. [26 April 2006]

Jakarta Declaration adopted at the conclusion of ESCAP's 62nd session
The 62nd Commission session ended today with Ministers and senior officials from over 50 countries adopting the Jakarta Declaration which takes the region a step closer towards financing for crucial infrastructure development. [12 April 2006]

PACIFIC LEADERS URGE GREATER FOCUS ON SUBREGION
Pacific island leaders have called for greater support to the subregon’s development efforts and regional cooperation in the Pacific. [11 April 2006]

ESCAP urges more investment in infrastructure.
A Ministerial Roundtable at the 62nd ESCAP Commission session in Jakarta has unanimously concluded that the infrastructure needs of the Asia-Pacific region— in the energy, ICT, transport and water sectors — have been badly neglected and need more investment. [11 April 2006]

UNESCAP EXAMINES ABUSE, EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN MIGRANTS
The gender dimensions of international migration and the human and labour rights violations of women migrants in the Asia-Pacific region are under examination at the 62nd ESCAP Commission Session in Jakarta. [11 April 2006]

Radical measures urged to fight poverty: 62nd Commission Session Ministerial Meeting opens today
Governments in the region must intervene with radical measures to address rising inequality, high levels of youth unemployment, and work quickly to rescue the 130 million children working instead of schooling. The appeal was made in Jakarta. [10 April 2006]

Commission session continues in Jakarta
Senior officials at UNESCAP's 62nd Commission Session continued working today to lay the ground work for Monday's Ministerial level 62 nd Commission meeting. [7 April 2006]

UNESCAP's 62nd commission session opens
 UNESCAP’s 62nd Commission Session began today with senior officials from more than 50 of its 62 members tackling a wide agenda that includes energizing the global economy, the growing threat of regional unemployment and underemployment, and enhancing regional cooperation in infrastructure development. Officials are meeting from 6-8 April prior to the Ministerial Meeting scheduled for 10-12 April. [6 April 2006]

UNESCAP’s Economic and Social Survey 2006 Launched Today
UNESCAP launched its annual Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2006 under the theme ‘Energizing the global economy’ with a special chapter on the growing threat of regional unemployment and underemployment. [30 March 2006]

GENERATING CREATIVE INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FOR PACIFIC ISLAND VULNERABLE GROUPS
The Ninth Session of UNESCAP’s Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries will meet in Jakarta, Indonesia from 4-5 April 2006 to discuss the generation of creative income employment opportunities for vulnerable groups in the Pacific. [29 March 2006]

UNESCAP Initiating Review of Developing Country Options for Climate Change Actions beyond the Kyoto Protocol
Experts from Asian countries will gather to review the options for developing country actions to reduce green house gas emissions in Bangkok on 29 March 2006. [28 March 2006]

UNESCAP’s Economic and Social Survey 2006 to be launched in Singapore and 15 cities
UNESCAP will be launching its annual Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2006 in Singapore and 13 other cities in the region as well as at UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva, on 30 March 2006. [22 March 2006]

ASIA-PACIFIC SUFFERS LOWEST PER-CAPITA FRESH WATER AVAILABILITY: UN
An international meeting on the future of the Asia-Pacific region’s water resources has highlighted the region’s distinction for having the lowest per-capita fresh water availability in the world. [22 March 2006]

UNESCAP COMMEMORATES WORLD WATER DAY 2006
UNESCAP will commemorate World Water Day on 22 March 2006 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. The theme for this year is "Water and Culture and Emerging Challenges in UNESCAP Region" [20 March 2006]

62nd Commission Session, 6-12 April 2006, Jakarta
UNESCAP's 62nd Commission Session, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, is scheduled to be held 6-12 April 2006 at the Jakarta Convention Centre. This year’s theme topic is "Enhancing Regional Cooperation in Infrastructure Development, including that related to Disaster Management." [17 March 2006]

ASIA-PACIFIC BUSINESS FORUM SET FOR 7-8 APRIL IN JAKARTA
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi are among the high-profile speakers at the Asia-Pacific Business Forum , to be held from 7-8 April at the Jakarta Convention Centre. [17 March 2006]

Least Developed Countries Urge Transparency in AID Efforts
The Meeting of the Regional Review on the Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2001-2010 concluded with LDCS calling on their trading partners to provide bound, duty- and quota-free access to all exports, and to simplify rules of origin. [16 March 2006]

Least developed countries meet to review programme of action in Bangkok
Some 60 representatives of the region's least developed countries will gather in Bangkok to conduct a mid-point review of their progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. [10 March 2006]

The Commemoration of International Women's Day
In commemoration of the International Women's Day, UN Women’s Day Task Force on Gender will organize a special event on Wednesday, 8 March 2006 at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. This year’s global theme is Women in Decision-making. [3 March 2006]

Water conservation workshop opens in Tehran
An International Workshop on Innovations in Water Conservation, co-organized by UNESCAP's Water Resources Section, the Regional Centre on Urban Water Resources Management-Tehran, and the Tehran Province Water and Wastewater Company opened today in the Islamic Republic of Iran. [21 February 2006]

India to fund study on Asia-Pacific infrastructure financing options
During a State visit to India, UNESCAP Executive Secretary Kim Hak-Su and Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce, agreed that India would fund a study covering financing instruments and institutions for infrastructure development in the Asia-Pacific region. [15 February 2006]

WHO, UNESCAP LAUNCH CHRONIC DISEASES REPORT
WHO projections show that 388 million lives will be lost in the next 10 years to chronic diseases - and almost 270 million of these deaths will be in the UNESCAP region. [13 February 2006]

REPUBLIC OF KOREA, UNESCAP ESTABLISH NEW ICT TRAINING CENTRE
The Republic of Korea and UNESCAP signed an Agreement today in Bangkok to establish a new ICT training centre to be located in the Republic of Korea. [31 January 2006]

First UN Holocaust Memorial Day observed in Bangkok
The first ever official UN Holocaust Memorial Day will be commemorated on Friday 27 January 2006 in Bangkok with the exhibition "Auschwitz – The Depth of the Abyss". [25 January 2006]

UNESCAP to Host Regional Launch of World Economic Situation and Prospects 2006
UNESCAP will host the regional launch of the UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects 2006 on 26 January at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok. A senior UNESCAP economist will present an analysis and forecast of the economies of East Asia and South Asia, as well as discuss global economic growth. [23 January 2006]

UN Meeting Touts New Ideas for Industry, Energy, Climate Change and Pollution
The UN Regional Implementation Meeting for Asia and the Pacific ended with a pledge make changes to the region's energy use, industrial development, air pollution and climate change policies. [23 January 2006]

Major UN Meeting on Energy, Climate Change and Air Pollution
The UN Regional Implementation Meeting for Asia and the Pacific on 19-20 January will focus on energy use, industrial development, air pollution and climate change. [18 January 2006]

2005: Solidarity in Response to Disasters
No jubilation marked the start of 2005. Instead, much of the region was plunged in shock and grief, as the enormity of the toll extracted by the Indian Ocean tsunami unfolded. [12 January 2006]

MAJOR PROJECTS IDENTIFIED FOR UPGRADING ASIAN HIGHWAY
UNESCAP, together with its member states, has identified major priority projects for the upgrading and development of the Asian Highway network. Around US$25 billion worth of investment is already committed. [16 December 2005]

UN TO UNVEIL PROSPECTS FOR ASIA-PACIFIC REGION IN 2006
Mr Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, will present a year-end report on "Key Economic Developments and Prospects in the Asia-Pacific Region" which is designed to review the region’s economic performance in 2005 and provide prospects for 2006-2007, at 9.30 a.m. on 14 December at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. [12 December 2005]

Sweden joins multi-donor Tsunami Regional Trust Fund
The Government of Sweden contributed US$ 2.5 million to join a multi-donor regional trust fund to support tsunami early warning arrangements in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. The trust fund is being managed by UNESCAP. [8 December 2005]

UN commemorates Human Rights Day in Bangkok
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the Regional Office for Asia-Pacific of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights will commemorate Human Rights Day on 9 December at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. [8 December 2005]

UNESCAP ASKS MEDIA TO RECONSIDER DISABILITY STEREOTYPES
As part of its annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Person, scheduled for 2 December at UN Conference Centre in Bangkok, UNESCAP will ask the media to consider how it may be stereotyping people with disabilities. [30 November 2005]

UNESCAP CLOSES OFFICE IN VANUATU, RELOCATES TO FIJI
After 21 years of service in Port Vila, Vanuatu, UNESCAP closed its Pacific Operations Center on 25 November 2005, and moved to Suva, Fiji [28 November 2005]

Agreement on Trans-Asian railway to be finalized
An intergovernmental meeting will be held from 28 to 30 November 2005 in Bangkok to finalize a draft agreement with the objective of formalizing the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) Network. [25 November 2005]

Sustainable tourism as key to reduce poverty
A high-level meeting on tourism will be held at Bali, Indonesia, from 7 to 9 December 2005 to explore the potential of tourism industry for poverty reduction, environmental protection, and cultural reservation and help its employees better prepare for crisis. [22 November 2005]

Phuket Meeting Focuses on Impact of Tsunami on Vulnerable Groups, Women
A three-day regional workshop on the impact of the Indian Ocean tsunami on "vulnerable groups" and women opened today in Phuket, Thailand. Participants will identify lessons learned, and develop forward-looking recommendations and collaboratively-developed policy guidance. [21 November 2005]

UNESCAP Launches ‘Green Growth’ Initiative in Seoul
UNESCAP and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea launched the Seoul Initiative on Environmentally Sustainable Economic Growth (Green Growth) today in Seoul. The Republic of Korea will fund and support the Initiative. [10 November 2005]

UNESCAP SOCIO-ECOMOMIC POLICY BRIEF ON AN EFFECTIVE REGIONAL RESPONSE TO THE THREAT OF A PANDEMIC
UNESCAP is launching a new series of its research and analytical work entitled "UNESCAP Socio-Economic Policy Briefs". They will provide concise policy-oriented analyses and recommendations on current economic and social issues in the Asia Pacific region. [3 November 2005]

MINISTERS RENAME BANGKOK AGREEMENT TO 'ASIA-PACIFIC TRADE AGREEMENT'
Ministers meeting at the First Session of the Ministerial Council of the Bangkok Agreement today in Beijing are expected to formally change the name of the Bangkok Agreement to "Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement" or APTA. [2 November 2005]

Asian and Pacific countries to discuss emerging social challenges
The social and economic implications of epidemics such as the avian influenza will be on the agenda of UNESCAP’s Committee on Emerging Social Issues when it meets for the second time at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok from 1 to 3 November. [31 October 2005]

Getting Around Cities' Focus of UN Meeting
“Getting around cities - sustainable urban transport, air quality and integration” will be the focus of a two-day workshop which opened today at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. [25 October 2005]

Animated Homage to UN’s 60th Anniversary - United Nations Day in Bangkok, 24 October 2005
The United Nations as seen through the lens of young people and animation specialists in the region will be the focus of attention at the 60th Anniversary observance in Bangkok on United Nations Day, 24 October at the United Nations Conference Centre. (view photo) [21 October 2005]

Thailand Claims Major Prizes in UN 60 Regional Animation Comp
Thai entrants to the region-wide US$15,000 "Short Animation Competition for the 60th Anniversary of the United Nations" have won first prize in both categories. Entries came from countries around the region including Australia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. [18 October 2005]

Largest ever International Conference on Disabled Rights at UNESCAP
Basic human rights for disabled people are the focus of a large international conference on "Disability: A Global Perspective on Rights to Education and Livelihood" from 17-18 October in Bangkok involving participants from 80 countries. [17 October 2005]

NEW URBAN REALITY SEEN AS OPPORTUNITYTO ACHIEVE MDGS IN ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
At the close of the 4th Asia-Pacific Urban Forum today a 'new urban reality' - where more than half the population in Asia-Pacific will live in cities and towns by the year 2025 - was called an opportunity to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). [17 October 2005]

UNESCAP URGES URBANIZATION OF POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE MDGs
UNESCAP today urged the region's mayors and local officials to tailor poverty-reduction strategies to the region's cities and towns in order to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals or MDGs. [13 October 2005]

UNITED NATIONS SASAKAWA AWARD FOR DISASTER REDUCTION RECOGNISING ASIAN EXPERTISE
The US$40,000 United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction was awarded in Asia for the first time ever to Mr. Batchulluun of the Mongolian government’s National Emergency Management Agency. [7 October 2005]

GOVERNMENT-BUSINESS DIALOGUE HELD IN ADVANCE OF WTO MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
'Delivering on the WTO Round: A High-level Government-Business Dialogue on Development,' jointly organized by UNESCAP and ITC, opens tomorrow in Macao. The two-day meeting set for 4-6 October, is being held in advance of December’s Hong Kong WTO Ministerial Conference. [3 October 2005]

THREE THAI ‘CITIES WITHOUT SLUMS’ TO BE RECOGNIZED AT WORLD HABITAT DAY 2005
Three ‘cities without slums’ in Thailand – Udon Thani, Chantaburi, and Surin - will be recognized and awarded plaques by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anna Tibaijuka, and UNESCAP Executive Secretary Kim Hak-Su as part of World Habitat Day 2005 scheduled for 5 October in Bangkok. [29 September 2005]

THAILAND KICK STARTS UNESCAP TSUNAMI REGIONAL TRUST FUND
UNESCAP’s Executive Secretary and the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs signed a trust fund agreement today to support development of a regional tsunami early warning system. Thailand is contributing US$ 10 million to the fund which will be managed by UNESCAP. [26 September 2005]

INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY OBSERVED ON 20 SEPTEMBER
UNESCAP, in collaboration with the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace in Thailand, observed International Peace Day today in Bangkok. The commemoration included a round-table discussion focusing on the promotion of peace based on the UN's "In Larger Freedom" report. [20 September 2005]

The 2005 World Summit
"The 2005 World Summit is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the world to come together and take action on grave global threats that require bold global solutions. It is also a chance to revitalize the United Nations itself. It is, in short, an opportunity for all humankind", said Mr. Kofi Annan. [15 September 2005]

UNESCAP RECEIVES US$ 1 MILLION FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA FOR TECHNICAL COOPERATION IN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
The Government of the Republic of Korea has provided the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) with a US$1 million contribution for technical cooperation in tsunami affected countries. [9 September 2005]

UN YOUTH FORUM 2005 GIVES YOUTH A VOICE
Youth representatives will gather at UNESCAP to let the region know what’s important to them and how they can make a difference. The "Young Voices for Change" United Nations Youth Forum programme will feature panel discussions by young people and experts on the “In Larger Freedom” report’s issues dealing with human rights, development, security and UN reform. [8 September 2005]

UN/ADB REPORT: IN ASIA MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS WITHIN REACH
A new report launched today in Manila by UNESCAP, UNDP, and ADB says that while many Asian and Pacific countries and territories are making progress towards achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), none of the region’s developing countries is on track to achieve all of the goals. [7 September 2005]

UNESCAP, PARTNERS LAUNCH MAJOR DEVELOPMENT REPORT
UNESCAP, UNDP, and ADB will launch a major development report on 7 September, one week ahead of the 2005 World Summit in New York. "A Future Within Reach" uses the latest data to track the movement of UNESCAP members for each of the eight Millennium Development Goals, and assesses whether the goal will be met by the 2015 deadline. [6 September 2005]

LEADERS OF ASIA-PACIFIC’S SUBREGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, UNESCAP LOOK TO HARNESS SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION
The leaders of Asia-Pacific’s most esteemed subregional organizations and UNESCAP will meet for two days from 5-6 September 2005 in Kathmandu, Nepal to discuss ways to increase cooperation among the agencies. [2 September 2005]

UNESCAP asserts importance of gender equality at Anniversary of World Conference on Women
Ten years after the Fourth World Conference on Women was held in Beijing, China, leaders in gender, development and policy have gathered for four days to commemorate the Conference’s anniversary. [29 August 2005]

Asian Nations Call for Migration Dialogue
Representatives from twelve Asian countries and fifteen international agencies and NGOs today called for improved regional cooperation and the mainstreaming of international migration in national policy development in the Asia-Pacific region. [26 August 2005]

UN Seminar to Examine Social Implications of Migration
A regional seminar focusing on the social implications of international migration opened today in Bangkok. Jointly organized by UNESCAP, UNFPA, the International Organization for Migration, and the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, the seminar will be held from 24-26 August. [24 August 2005]

UNESCAP, UNDP launch joint LDC report
UNESCAP Executive Secretary Kim Hak-Su and Hafiz Pasha, Director of UNDP's Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, presided over the regional launch of its recent joint publication, "Voices of the Least Developed Countries of Asia and the Pacific," in Jakarta as part a 3-day Regional Ministerial Meeting on MDGs in Asia and the Pacific. [3 August 2005]

UN MESSENGER OF PEACE VIJAY AMRITRAJ TO VISIT TSUNAMI AREAS
Former world-class tennis champion and UN Messenger of Peace Vijay Amritraj will visit Thailand from 2-4 August to meet with victims of last year’s tsunami in Phuket as well as senior UN and Government officials in Bangkok. [28 July 2005]

UNESCAP calls for more investment in rural safty nets
Sustainable Agricultural Development in Asia was the focus of a two-day meeting organized by UNESCAP regional institution Centre for Alleviation of Poverty through Secondary Crops’ Development in Asia and the Pacific in Bogor, Indonesia. [28 July 2005]

US$15,000 UN 60th Anniversary Asia-Pacific Animation Competition
A short animation competition for the 60th Anniversary of the United Nations is being promoted by the United Nations in Bangkok and the Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA) of the Thai Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. [13 July 2005]

Executive Secretaries of UN regional commissions to discuss Secretary-General’s report
Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Fouad Siniora opens a round table organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to discuss the report of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, “In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All”, at the United Nations House in Beirut. [10 July 2005]

Regional groups offer mixed picture of progress towards development goals
In the annual dialogue with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the heads of the major groups – Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Western Asia and Africa – detailed the status of efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the regional level. [8 July 2005]

Regional Poverty Reduction the aim of expert UNESCAP meeting
Poverty reduction strategies for Asia-Pacific region are the focus of a two-day UNESCAP meeting in Bangkok from 6-7 July 2005. An expert group will discuss progress made during the last decade and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of targets aimed at reducing a host of socio-economic ills such as extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. [7 July 2005]

COMBATING POVERTY AND MAKING GLOBALIZATION WORK FOR ALL
Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP will be attending the meeting of the Executive Secretaries of the five UN regional commissions, hosted by UNESCWA, at the UN House, Beirut, on 7 and 8 July 2005. [4 July 2005]

The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network comes into force on July 4, 2005
The landmark agreement aims to complete 141,000 kilometres of standardized roadways spanning 32 Asian countries with linkages to Europe. "The Agreement marks a major milestone in regional cooperation that will substantially improve opportunities for trade and tourism", said Mr Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP. [29 June 2005]

Ministers of the Greater Mekong Subregion to Address East-West Economic Corridor Conference
UNESCAP, in collaboration with the ADB and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Business Forum, is organizing the “East-West Economic Corridor Conference: Investment Opportunities,” in Bangkok on 23-24 June 2005, to discuss ways and means of maximizing the investment and trade opportunities. [22 June 2005]

Disaster Management the Focus of Collaborative Forum in Bangkok
The first meeting of a group of experts will gather for three days on 22-24 June at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The High-level Expert Group on Technical Options for Disaster Management Systems: Tsunamis and Others is composed of civil defence policy-makers and system developers from the Asia-Pacific region. [22 June 2005]

ASIA-PACIFIC LAUNCH OF THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS REPORT 2005
UNESCAP launched The Millennium Development Goals Report 2005, a global report card on progress towards the MDGs. Executive Secretary Mr. Kim Hak-Su briefed journalists on Asia-Pacific’s record. Asia has done an impressive job halving poverty, but development is uneven. [15 June 2005]

Building an Effective Information Society
The High Level Asia-Pacific Conference for the World Summit on the Information Society opened today in Tehran. The Conference is expected to adopt the Regional Action Plan towards an Information Society for Asia and the Pacific, and the Tehran Declaration on Building an Information Society. [30 May 2005]

ICT Development Centre to open in Republic of Korea
A landmark resolution to establish the first regional Training Centre for Information and Communications Technology (APCICT) for Development in the Republic of Korea was approved at the close of ESCAP’s 61st Commission Session. [18 May 2005]

UNESCAP Head Warns of Crippling Costs of Asia-Pacific Infrastructure
The Asia-Pacific region’s infrastructure needs are overwhelming, both in social and physical infrastructure, UNESCAP's Executive Secretary Mr. Kim Hak-Su warned delegates of the Ministerial Segment of the 61st Commission Session of UNESCAP. [17 May 2005]

61st Commission Session begins with Tsunami Concerns
Abject poverty, wide income disparities and lack of development provide a fertile feeding ground for transnational organized crime such as drug trafficking, arms trafficking and human trafficking, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Chaturon Chaisang told delegates attending the opening session of the Ministerial Segment of the 61st Commission Session today. [16 May 2005]

Concerns about ageing, health and poverty mark opening of 61st Commission Session
The 61st Commission Session began today with senior officials from 48 member governments tackling a wide agenda that includes the effectiveness of UNESCAP’s new initiatives to how members can address their obligations to the elderly as the region’s population ages. [12 May 2005]

Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Review (APTIR)
The APTIR inaugural issue (Vol. 1, No. 1) was published by Trade and Investment Division of UNESCAP in April 2005. It is a bi-annual, peer-reviewed journal on emerging issues on trade, investment and enterprise development in the region. [11 May 2005]

ASIA-PACIFIC BUSINESS FORUM 2005 OPENS ON 13 MAY
With region still reeling from last year’s destructive tsunami, business leaders will gather in Bangkok from 13-15 May to discuss the role of corporate responsibility in the tsunami recovery effort as well as ensuring sustainable economic and social development by improving the climate for business. [10 May 2005]

SPECIAL BODY MEETS IN BANGKOK
The Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries will meet in Bangkok from 10-11 May 2005 to consider the role of trade, debt relief and aid for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and ICT for meeting development challenges. [6 May 2005]

REGION’S BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT LEADERS TO FIND WAYS TO RAISE DEVELOPMENT CASH
Developing countries in the region rank as the fastest growing regional economic bloc in the world but they need more cash and resources to maintain this performance for the future. Fresh ideas on how to mobilize the international community to raise crucial heavy investment in social and economic infrastructure will occupy the participants of UNESCAP’s Sixty-first Session. [5 May 2005]

Improving Disability Statistics
Improving disability statistics in the Asia Pacific region is the focus of a workshop by UNESCAP and the WHO from May 3rd to 4th. Statisticians are discussing testing protocols and instruments for measuring disability statistics to assess both individual and environmental factors. [3 May 2005]

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY AT THE ASIAN-AFRICAN SUMMIT
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan met a dozen leaders from UNESCAP membership at the Asian-African Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia on 22-23 April. Mr Annan was assisted by UNESCAP Executive Secretary Mr. Kim Hak-Su when he briefed the leaders on the September Summit and UN reform program in Larger Freedom which details initiatives in development, security, human rights and the rule of law and UN reform. [25 April 2005]

Regional Shocks Detailed by UNESCAP's Economic and Social Survey
The 2005 Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific: Dealing with Shocks was launched on Monday, 25 April 2005 in Bangkok by UNESCAP Executive Secretary Mr. Kim Hak-Su. The Survey details both economic and social trends in the region, noting the impact of both unexpected events like the tsunami disaster and bird flu and continuing challenges such as persistent high oil prices, a flat US dollar and an ageing population. [25 April 2005]

Asian Highway Agreement Comes into Force
With Cambodia, China, Japan, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and Viet Nam having signed definitively, the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network will come into force on 4 July 2005. [12 April 2005]

CAPSA GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETS TO ENHANCE LIVING CONDITIONS OF RURAL POOR
The newly-constituted Governing Council of UNESCAP's CAPSA met for the first time in Bogor today. At the top of the agenda was an ambitious three-year plan to revitalize CAPSA as the leading institute in the region for poverty alleviation through agriculture, particularly secondary crops. [5 April 2005]

FOUNDATION STONE LAID FOR ENERGY RESOURCE AND TRAINING CENTRE
The foundation stone for the first 5P Resource and Training Centre was laid today in Cinta Mekar, Subang, West Java, Indonesia by UNESCAP Executive Secretary Mr. Kim Hak-Su. He also switched on a second generator at a UNESCAP-sponsored micro hydro-power plant there. [4 April 2005]

Fresh Resolve, Initiatives for Tackling Environment
Environment Ministers adopted UNESCAP Regional Implementation Plan for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific (2006-2010) and the Seoul Initiative on Environmentally Sustainable Economic Growth. [29 March 2005]

Seoul Environment Conference to set "Green Growth" Agenda
The Ministerial Segment of the Ministerial Conference on the Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific opened today in Seoul with a challenge: how to enhance development without hurting the environment.
||| Slide Show |||   [28 March 2005]

UNESCAP LAUNCHES THE INTERNATIONAL DECADE FOR WATER ON WORLD WATER DAY 2005
UNESCAP, in cooperation with the Government of Thailand, is launching the International Decade on Water "Water for Life" 2005-2015 on World Water Day, 22 March 2005 at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. [17 March 2005]

International Women's Day
UNESCAP and the inter-agency Thematic Working Group on Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality will host a joint event examining the role of women's human rights in the context of natural disasters to commemorate the International Women's Day on 8 March 2005 at UNCC, Bangkok. [6 March 2005]

UN Secretary-General renews Mr. Kim Hak-Su's appointment as UNESCAP Executive Secretary
The United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has renewed Mr. Kim Hak-Su's appointment as Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for two more years. [2 February 2005]

FIRST BIODIVERSITY PARK OF ITS KIND LAUNCHED IN RAWALPINDI
The first biodiversity park of its kind in the world was officially opened today by representatives of UNESCAP, the Government of Pakistan and the private sector in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The project is a follow up of the World Summit on Sustainable Development. [31 January 2005]

Mr. Michael Douglas, UN Messenger of Peace visits UN in Bangkok
Ms. Keiko Okaido, Deputy Executive Secretary and Officer-in-Charge, a.i. of UNESCAP welcomes Mr. Michael Douglas, UN Messenger of Peace during his visit to UN Headquarters in Bangkok on 21 January 2005. Ms. Okaido discusses the work of UNESCAP and Mr. Douglas’ role as a Messenger of Peace. [23 January 2005]

unescap: let us work together to reduce losses from natural disasters
Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, addressed the World Conference on Disaster Reduction on January 20 with a keynote speech focusing on working together to reduce losses from natural disasters in the Asia Pacific Region. [21 January 2005]

Ms. Margaret Wahlstrom meets with the Heads of UN Agencies in Bangkok
Ms. Margaret Wahlstrom, Special Coordinator of the UN Secretary-General for Humanitarian Assistance to the Tsunami-Affected Communities visits Bangkok from 18 to 21 January 2005. She meets with all Heads of UN Agencies based in Bangkok on 19 January 2005 to exchange information concerning the Tsunami disaster. [20 January 2005]

mr. kim hak-su visits india, 17-18 January 2005
Mr. Kim Hak-Su visits India to further discuss the work of UNESCAP with senior officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Forests, as well as to meet with the Minister of Commerce and Industry to invite him to participate in the annual UNESCAP conference in May. [20 January 2005]

DISASTER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM WOULD HAVE PREVENTED MASS DEATH TOLL
Current losses from the tsunami would have been much lower if the Indian Ocean had a similar disaster warning system to the Pacific, said Mr. Kim Hak-Su at an International Meeting on Small Island Developing States. [12 January 2005]

unescap in jakarta to study ways to help tsunami victims
Mr Kim Hak-Su, UNESCAP's Executive Secretary, is in Jakarta to offer the organzation's expertise in mid- and long-term recovery efforts for the countries affected by the Tsunami disaster, eight of which are UNESCAP's member countries. UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan is leading a high-level team of UN officials to launch an appeal in Jakarta for the victims of the tragedy. [6 January 2005]

region to experience steady growth in 2005
In spite of the turbulent and volatile economic global scenario UN economists and eminent thinkers in the region predict that the region will continue to experience solid growth in 2005. See detail report.
[13 December 2004]

un commemorates international human rights day
The focus of International Human Rights Day 2004 is human rights education. The Asia-Pacific Regional Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is commemorating on 9 December with speeches, singing and a human rights forum.
[8 December 2004]

Kim Hak-Su at world congress of the international confederation of free trade unions
UNESCAP Executive Secretary Mr. Kim Hak-Su delivered a keynote presentation on behalf of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, at the opening of the 18th World Congress of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) on 5 December 2004. [7 December 2004]

unescap celebrates international day of disabled persons
Understanding and support for disability issues is top of the agenda of the UN International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December 2004. UNESCAP will celebrate the day with speeches, an exhibition, a forum and documentary screenings. [2 December 2004]

Drafting of Intergovernmental Agreement on Trans-Asian Railway Network begins
A regional meeting to draft an Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network opened today in Bangkok, with representatives from over twenty countries. The Agreement aims to coordinate development of railway infrastructure and services across the UNESCAP region. [22 November 2004]

GOVERNMENT FORUM TACKLES NEW KNOWLEDGE ORDER
The Microsoft Government Leaders Forum – Asia heard today that economic disparities in the region would persist unless governments embraced the new world order. The Forum focused on how governments could work together to foster information and communication technology development. [19 November 2004]

DELEGATES STRENGTHEN EFFORTS TO REDUCE COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN
 At a three-day meeting in Bangkok which concluded yesterday, representatives from more than 20 countries in East Asia and the Pacific agreed to strengthen efforts to reduce demand for the commercial sexual exploitation of children [11 November 2004]

Public Concerns About Globalization
The need to respond to public concerns about the social impact of globalization and structural adjustment is a key focus of the Global Forum on Trade and Structural Adjustment. The Forum is being organized by UNESCAP, OECD, World Bank and the Government of Thailand from 3-4 November 2004 [4 November 2004]

Improving International Trade and Investment High on Agenda
Open trade and investment policies for countries of the region is high on the agenda of the inaugural session of the subcommittee on International Trade and Investment being organized by UNESCAP from 27-29 October 2004 which was opened by Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary [28 October 2004]

United Nations Day Celebrates International Year of Rice
The UN family in Bangkok observed UN Day 2004 on 22 October with a special emphasis on the International Year of Rice. Among the participants was Thai Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, who opened a series of exhibitions at the UNCC [22 October 2004]

Journalists Awarded Prize for Outstanding Reporting on Emergencies, Disasters
H.E. Bhokin Bhalakula, Minister of the Interior, Royal Thai Government, Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP and Dr. Suvit Yodmani, Executive Director, Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) jointly inaugurated the Annual Journalism Award for Outstanding Reporting on Emergencies and Disasters on 13 October 2004 for the observance of the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction. [14 October 2004]

Subcommittee Meeting on Information, Communication and Space Technology (ICST)
UNESCAP has started a focused thrust on community e-centres to share best practices, build capacity and demonstrate pilot projects, Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary, told delegates attending the First Session of the Subcommittee on Information, Communications and Space Technology today [13 October 2004]

ADB Joins UNESCAP, to Help Region Speak with One Voice on MDGs
Supporting the Achievement of the MDGs in Asia and the Pacific (Phase II) - the second regional MDG report is scheduled for launching in September 2005 with the theme "institutional change as a requirement for achieving the MDGs." The report will be designed to "speak with one Asia Pacific voice" at the meeting where many world leaders will review progress of implementing the MDGs. [30 September 2004]

International Fruit/Vegetable Exposition in Yantai, China
The Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Mr. Kim Hak-Su, attended the Sixth International Fruit/Vegetable Processing Technology and Industrialization Exposition and Symposium held in Yantai from 23-24 September 2004. More than 30 countries from the region took part.  [27 September 2004]

Regional Beijing +10 Meeting Concludes with BANGKOK COMMUNIQUE
A regional meeting to review progress since the 1995 Women’s Conference concluded today with the issuance of the Bangkok Communiqué which sets out gains made over the past ten years, identified gaps, and recognizes challenges that lay ahead for the region. [20 September 2004]

Partnerships Seen as Key to Gender Equality
Government Ministers and representatives responsible for gender equality and women's empowerment gathered in Bangkok today to take stock of achievements since the ground-breaking women's conference almost ten years ago and identify common factors hampering women's advancement in the region. more.... [7 September 2004]

UNESCAP, Infrastructure Development Institute Sign MOU
UNESCAP and Japan’s Infrastructure Development Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding today in Tokyo to promote and develop the Asian Highway. The agreement was signed by UNESCAP's Executive Secretary Mr. Kim Hak-Su and IDI's President, Mr. Eiki Aramaki.
[1 September 2004]

Model UN Conference focuses on MDGs
In a keynote address to the Model UN Conference in Beijing, UNESCAP Executive Secretary Mr. Kim Hak Su told participants that young people can help achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). University students from some 28 universities around the globe are attending the four-day meeting in Beijing, China from 19-21 August. [20 August 2004]

UN Remembers Staff Killed in Baghdad
The UN paid tribute to its fallen and injured colleagues at a ceremony today to commemorate the first anniversary of the 2003 bombing of UN Headquarters in Iraq. UN staff, diplomats, and representatives of the Thai armed forces attended the memorial. [19 August 2004]

ART FOR ALL: ALL FOR HEALTH Opens at UNCC
"Art for All: All for Health," an event featuring 400 students working with international artists, opens tomorrow at the UN Conference Centre. The project brings together children with and without disabilities through integrated programmes of visual, performing, and literary arts. [29 July 2004]

UNESCAP Publication wins award
A UNESCAP publication, "Social Safety Nets for Women", has been named a winner of the "Notable Government Documents 2003" Award, presented by the Library Journal, a publication of the American Library Association. The study, carried out by Gender and Development section of ESCAP, examines social protection systems and crisis-designed social safety nets in six Asian countries. [26 July 2004]

Annan Urges Action Against AIDS at Bangkok Conference
The Secretary-General opened on Sunday evening the 15th International AIDS Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, saying that the world is not on track to begin reducing the scale and impact of AIDS by 2005. He urged leaders to scale up infrastructure to support both treatment and prevention; to empower women and girls to protect themselves against the virus; and to provide stronger leadership at every level to fight the disease. [12 July 2004]

First Session of Subcommittee on Poverty Reduction Practices Opens
H.E. Mr. Ly Thuch, Minister for Rural Development in Cambodia, opened the first session of Subcommittee on Poverty Reduction Practices yesterday. The Subcommittee will advise UNESCAP on ways to create an enabling environment for successful poverty reduction practices. [1 July 2004]

Treatment Urged for Drug Users
Treatment for young drug offenders must take into account the individual’s future in society, said UNESCAP Executive Secretary Mr Kim Hak-Su on the occasion of the observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 28 June. Government officials, young people and inmates of rehab centres gathered in the UNCC Bangkok today to discuss ways to help dependents with long-term care. His Excellency Mr Phongthep Thepkanjana, Minister of Justice of Thailand and Mr Akira Fujino, Representative of UNDOC regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific also gave keynote addresses. [28 June 2004]

Jeffrey Sachs: Poor Must Be Rescued to Ensure Safer Future in Region
Special Advisor to UN Secretary-General, Professor Jeffrey Sachs said the poor must be rescued from their plight and encouraged the region to achieve many of the Millennium Development Goals. He was speaking at a public lecture at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok organized by the UNDP, UNESCAP and Thailand's National Economic and Social Development Board.H.E. Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh opened the lecture. The lecture was part of the UN Millennium Project Task Force on Poverty and Economic Development who are meeting here 24-26 June 2004. [24 June 2004]

UNESCAP co-organizes Regional Workshop on implementing e-Government
A regional workshop on implementing e-Government opened today at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok. The week-long meeting is co-organized by UNESCAP, Asian Development Bank Institute and the Government of France. During the meeting, participants will discuss the current status and trends of implementing e-Government, benefits and issues associated with implementing e-Government strategy, ways to design e-Government for the poor and legal aspects among others. [31 May 2004]

ADB and UNESCAP Signed MOU on Future Cooperation
Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and Mr. Tadao Chino, President of the Asian Development Bank, signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on future cooperation by the two regional organizations. [18 May 2004]

Informal Sector Accounts for 14 to 30 Percent of GDP
A Statistics workshop organized by UNESCAP will look at bringing the region's informal sector, and other economic activities which escape meaurement, into the mainstream economy. [10 May 2004]

60th Commission Session Closes in Shanghai
The historic sixtieth session of UNESCAP ended today with unanimous adoption of the Shanghai Declaration consisting of a wide range of future-oriented strategies to strengthen and sustain the progress of this vast region. [28 April 2004]

Launch of UNESCAP Survey in Hong Kong
Despite the SARS crisis and the war in Iraq, the Asia-Pacific region continued to show robust growth in 2003, according to UNESCAP's annual Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2004. The Survey was launched in Hong Kong today. [16 April 2004]

Genocide in Rwanda Remembered
UNESCAP staff, senior embassy officials and the Ambassador of South Africa observed a minute of silence on 7 April for the 10th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda. The event was part of a worldwide UN observance to remember the 800,000 Rwandans killed in the 1994 genocide. [8 April 2004]

Newly Renovated Library at UNESCAP
Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP and Mr Moon Jong Nam, Chairperson of the Advisory Committee of Permanent Representatives open the newly-renovated library today. Inaugurated today was the new online catalogue, EBISNET , and a number of new electronic information products, an improved UN Official Document System (ODS).[ [23 March 2004]

Enhanced Support Given to GMS and Vietnam
Her Excellency Vice President Truong My Hoa of Vietnam holds talks with Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, Mr. Kim Hak-Su, during the latter's visit to the country on 4-7 March. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and key senior officials welcomed the enhanced support the UNESCAP had given to cooperation programmes in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and Vietnam. [10 March 2004]

HIV/AIDS the focus of International Women's Day
UNESCAP will co-host the observance of International Women's Day 2004 on 8 March at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. Focusing on Women and HIV/AIDS, this year's event hopes to raise awareness about the devastating impact of the illness on women in the region. [7 March 2004]

UNESCAP, UNDP call for strengthened paretnerships
At a sub-regional workshop in Kathmandu on the Millennium Development Goals, UNESCAP and UNDP urged stronger alliances and partnerships among all stakeholders to meet the MDGs in Asia and the Pacific by 2015. The two partners also signed a 5.4 million dollar project agreement to begin the second phase of their collaboration on the MDGs [29 February 2004]

Experts to Take Pulse of South Asia's Development Goals
The first UN report assessing Asia and the Pacific's regional progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is launched today at a two-day workshop being held at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal. [28 February 2004]

UNESCAP-UNHABITAT agreement
Mr. Kim Hak-Su, the Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ms. Anna Tibajuka, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, today signifying greater cooperation between the UN agencies in improving the living conditions for people in the Asia-Pacific region. [26 February 2004]

Ministers Arrive for Food Security Talks
A high-level roundtable on food security and the eradication of poverty co-organized by UNESCAP commenced in Bangkok today, bringing together regional agricultural ministers and the heads of ASEAN, SAARC and the Pacific Islands Forum-Forum Island Countries (PIF-FIC). [23 February 2004]

Regional Statistics Meeting Opens
UNESCAP's Deputy Executive Secretary, Ms. Keiko Okaido (left) and H.E. Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee (centre), Thai Minister of Information and Communication Technology, gave opening addresses at the opening of the first session of the Subcommittee on Statistics in Bangkok today. [18 February 2004]

Poor More Vulnerable to Communicable Diseases
The prevalence of underweight children and the proportion of people below the poverty line show a “disturbing picture,” said UNESCAP Executive Secretary, Mr Kim Hak-Su, when he opened a two-day sub regional workshop on the Millennium Development Goals in Manila today. [4 February 2004]

UNESCAP Issues Economic Forecast for 2004
UNESCAP released its latest assessment of the region's economy today at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. The annual Bulletin on Asia-Pacific Perspectives 2003/2004 examines the effects on the region's outbreak of the SARS epidemic, trade expansion in the region and implications for SME financing. [19 December 2003]

Combating Human Trafficking in Asia
A resource guide to combating human trafficking in Asia will be launched by UNESCAP on 19 December 2003 at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. The publication provides a comprehensive framework for using legal and other instruments to combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children. [17 December 2003]

"Know Your Human Rights"
With this year’s theme for Human Rights Day, 10th December, focusing on “Know Your Human Rights”, a special youth forum is being organized at UN Conference Centre in Bangkok to raise awareness about child sexual exploitation and human rights challenges in the Asia-Pacific region among students. [9 December 2003]

UNESCAP Calls for Strengthening of Ties with ADB
UNESCAP will accord high priority to information, communications technology (ICT) in all its future work programmes. Executive Secretary Mr Kim Hak-Su said ICT is one of the main driving forces of the globalized world economy while attending a meeting of regional commissions in Geneva today. [9 December 2003]

More Investment in ICT Needed
High costs and insufficient investment continue to plague efforts to increase access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in developing and least developed countries, according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. [4 December 2003]

A Voice of Our Own
The International Day of Disabled Persons will be commemorated on 3 December at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok by UNESCAP and Disabled People International Asia Pacific. The 2003 observance will focus on giving a voice to the human experiences of disabled persons. [2 December 2003]

Agreement Signed Between Government of China and UNESCAP to Open Agricultural Centre
The new headquarters for the Asian and Pacific Centre for Agricultural Engineering and Machinery (APCAEM) will open in Beijing this month following the historic signing of the first Host Country Headquarters Agreement between the Government of China and UNESCAP in Bangkok on 19 November 2003. [19 November 2003]

Key Meeting to Discuss Costs, Benefits of Globalization Begins in Bangkok
The inaugural session of UNESCAP’s Committee on Managing Globalization will meet from 19 to 21 November 2003 at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok. The Committee will address globalization-related issues in the areas of trade and investment, transport and tourism, information, communication and space technology, and environment and sustainable development. [18 November 2003]

New Transport Education Network
UNESCAP will implement a project to form a network of centres of education, training and research in transport planning and policy development and logistics in the region. [14 November 2003]

Trans-Asian Railway: New, Exciting Phase Unveiled
The dream of having an efficient rail service between North-East Asia and Europe came a step closer over the weekend with the first cargo train departing China for Mongolia. The initiative is part of UNESCAP?s program to improve transport links across the region. [10 November 2003]

New HIV/AIDS Partnership
UNESCAP, the Thai Ministry of Public Health and the Thailand Business Coalition on AIDS signed a landmark agreement on a new HIV/AIDS programme at the Ministry?s office in Bangkok today. [7 November 2003]

High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development
The Executive Secretary, Mr Kim Hak-Su, addressed the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development on 29-30 October at New York HQ underlining key issues and challenges of the UNESCAP region with special reference to regional financial market development including Asian Bond Market. Briefing to UNESCAP member states on strengthening the cooperation for future activities was also held with a highlight on the 60th Commission session to be held in April 2004 in Shanghai. [5 November 2003]

ESCAP/CDPF Regional Seminar on an International Convention on Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities, 4-7 November 2003, Beijing, China
[4 November 2003]

Marketing Organic Agricultural Produce to Alleviate Rural Poverty
An expert group meeting organized by UNESCAP and the China Green Food Association opens 27 October 2003 in Changyuan County, Henan Province, China. Participants will exchange information, experience and best practices on effective marketing systems for green and organic agricultural produce. [27 October 2003]

United Nations celebrates 58 years
UNESCAP celebrated the 58th anniversary of the United Nations last week with a vibrant market, beautiful choir and a somber flag-raising ceremony in Bangkok. Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Mr Korn Dabbaransi, was among the guests. [24 October 2003]

Peruvian President Visits UNESCAP
The President of the Republic of Peru, H.E. Mr Alejandro Toledo, his wife Mrs Eliane Karp-Toledo and Mr Kim Hak-Su look at a model of the ‘dream’ housing estate made by Bangkok street kids. President Toledo made an official visit to UNESCAP on 18 October. [22 October 2003]

China's Space Mission to Benefit Region
China's successful manned space mission - only the third of its kind in the world in forty years - drew praise from UNESCAP's Executive Secretary Mr Kim Hak-Su, today. Mr Kim congratulated the Government of China on the successful and historic launch of its space mission. [17 October 2003]

Poverty Day at UNESCAP
The United Nations in Bangkok will be observing the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Friday, 17th October with the emphasis on promoting awareness for the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries. [16 October 2003]

Seafarers Targeted in New HIV/AIDS Training Programme
A new multimedia computer-based training programme aimed at raising awareness of HIV/AIDS among seafarers will be launched on 17 October 2003 as part of a regional forum on maritime manpower being held by UNESCAP at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. [16 October 2003]

UNESCAP to Promote Rights and Dignity of People with Disabilities
UNESCAP holds a regional workshop on elaborating a comprehensive and integral Convention on the protection and promotion of the rights and dignity of people with disability from 14 to 17 October 2003, at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. [13 October 2003]

Committee Boosts Poverty Reduction Efforts
The three-day inaugural session of UNESCAP's Committee on Poverty Reduction concluded today with the formulation of a concrete roadmap towards reducing poverty in the Asia-Pacific region. [10 October 2003]

Asia Accounts for 70 Percent of Deaths from Disasters
Increased public awareness and greater access to information is the key to natural disaster prevention and response, according to experts meeting for the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction at the UN Conference Center in Bangkok today. [8 October 2003]

Youth to Ask for More Opportunities at APEC
More than 60 young delegates from 14 countries have gathered at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok this week to discuss the increasing social and economic disparity within the Asia-Pacific region ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) leaders’ summit. [6 October 2003]

First Thai National Summit of Women Mayors and Councillors
UNESCAP and the Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security will hold the first Thai National Summit of Women Mayors and Councillors at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok from 2-3 October 2003. [1 October 2003]

UN Honours Staff Killed in Baghdad
The United Nations has decided to rename its annual training programme for young journalists in honour of Reham Al-Farra, one of the staff members killed in last month?s terrorist bombing of the UN?s headquarters in Baghdad and the first female daily political columnist in her native Jordan. [30 September 2003]

Joint Efforts Gets Boost in Nepal
Alleviation of poverty in the region through renewed joint efforts to cope with globalization especially in areas of ICT and finance for development received a priority focus during an official call on Prime Minister of Nepal, H.E. Surya. B. Thapa by the Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, Mr Kim Hak-Su in Kathmandu, where a revitalization of regional economic cooperation has equally been addressed with SAARC and UNDP. [25 September 2003]

Bhutan and UNESCAP to Strengthen Co-operation
The Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, Mr Kim Hak-Su, is currently carrying out an official visit to Thimphu with an aim of strengthening cooperation between the organization and Bhutan.The visit is expected to enhance collaboration in key areas of interest including trade, investment, transport, tourism, information and communication technology, environment, statistics and social issues. [22 September 2003]

International Day of Peace observed
The United Nations in Bangkok observed the International Day of Peace on Friday, 19 September with an emphasis on peace, development and non-violence. The general public, media, civil societies including NGOs and students attended. [19 September 2003]

Poverty reduction, full employment high on experts' agenda
Leading experts from government ministries, NGOs, research institutes, and the UN family of agencies and programmes will meet in Bangkok from 16 to 18 September as a follow up to the World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen in 1995. Major issues on the agenda include poverty reduction, full employment, social integration, all with an emphasis on the rights and accessibility to social development for vulnerable groups. [16 September 2003]

Experts Meet to Assess State of Region's Environment
Environmental experts meeting to prepare for UNESCAP's next State of the Environment report, have found the region's environment continuing to deteriorate despite improvements in many countries' economic and social development. [15 September 2003]

Protecting Marginalized Women Workers
Women working in the informal sector, including agricultural workers, vendors and petty traders, are among the most vulnerable groups to exploitation in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a United Nations meeting in Bangkok this week. [12 September 2003]

Water Crucial to Asia-Pacific Development
Access to safe drinking water and efficient sanitation is one of the most fundamental challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region, according to Mr David Jezeph, Chief of the Water Resources Section at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. [9 September 2003]

40% of Disabled in Region Live in Severe Poverty
The inaugural session of UNESCAP’s Committee on Emerging Social Issues heard startling figures on the number of disabled people living in severe poverty. A prominent Japanese advocate for people with disabilities, Senator Eita Yashiro, told the gathering, “It is estimated that 400 million persons with disabilities live in the Asian and Pacific region. Among them, about 160 million are still suffering from severe poverty.” [5 September 2003]

UNESCAP Members Vow to Fight Terrifying Challenge of AIDS
The 59th Commission Session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific concluded today with firm commitments from members to urgently address profound social problems, especially poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and deadly infectious diseases. [4 September 2003]

59th Commission Session: Governments Warned Not To Ignore HIV/AIDS
Governments from around the region discussed strategies to prevent HIV/AIDS devastating Asia and the Pacific the same way as in Africa. UNESCAP’s Executive Secretary Mr. Kim Hak-Su, President Festus Mogae of Botswana and the UN Special Representative on HIV/AIDS in Asia, Dr. Nafis Sadik, urged delegates to tackle the problem before it unravels decades of development success. [2 September 2003]

Second Phase of 59th Commission Session Opens
A deadly epidemic, if not dealt with in the most effective and expeditious manner, may be more dangerous to the world than the impact of war, said Mr. Korn Debbaransi, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand in opening the second phase of the 59th annual UNESCAP Commission Session. Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, warned it was essential for countries to have contingency plans to deal with unforeseen events including public health crises and terrorism, which could occur at any time. [1 September 2003]

Tourism to Boost Poverty Efforts in Nepal
A regional seminar organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) will discuss ways to better direct the tourism industry in Nepal towards poverty reduction. [26 August 2003]

Experts to Discuss Links Between Migration and Development
An expert group meeting on migration and development this week will discuss the widespread phenomenon of globalization and its implications for internal and international migration in the Asia-Pacific region. [26 August 2003]

Landmark Transport Conference Seeks to Expand Regional Cooperation
The first ministerial level international conference on transit transport cooperation between landlocked and transit developing countries and the donor community in Kazakstan (28-29 August) will examine ways to improve transport links and increase trade. [25 August 2003]

Managing Globalization in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan will be the focus of the United Nation’s globalization management programme this month with the organization of the first capacity building seminar in Bishkek between the 25th and 26th of August. [22 August 2003]

UN Staff Mourn Iraq Colleagues
United Nations staffers based in Bangkok observed a minute's silence on Wednesday in memory of their colleagues who died in the UN's office in Iraq on Tuesday 19 August, 2003. [22 August 2003]

Technology to Help Poor
An expert group meeting on space technology discussed ways to use satellite communication to alleviate poverty in the Asia-Pacific region this week. [20 August 2003]

Experts Meet in Bangkok to Formulate Action Plan on Poverty Mapping and Monitoring
A multidisciplinary group of policy-makers, scientists, academicians, information technologists, and development practitioners is meeting from 18-20 August 2003 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, to formulate an action plan to strengthen poverty mapping and monitoring. [18 August 2003]

UNESCAP Promotes Participation of Women with Disabilities
Regional training workshops for women with disabilities to promote their participation in the process of the elaboration of an international convention on the rights of persons with disabilities opened today at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. [18 August 2003]

Art for All: Towards Inclusive Society
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) hosted the opening of the annual "Art for All" event at the UN Conference Center in Bangkok on the 8th of August. [14 August 2003]

Digital Roadmap for the Region
Delegates at the Expert Group Meeting on Regional Roadmap towards Information Society for Asia and the Pacific (13-15 August) expressed urgent concern over the lack of access that developing countries have to new technology and the increasing gap between the digital ?haves? and ?have-nots?. [14 August 2003]

ECOSOC Addresses Regional and International Concerns
The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has decided to amend two paragraphs of the terms of reference of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) to allow Timor-Leste to become a full member of the Commission during their annual meeting in July. [8 August 2003]

UNESCAP Calls for More Regional Countries in WTO
UNESCAP has called on the inclusion of more Asia-Pacific countries in the World Trade Organization (WTO) following Cambodia’s recent completion of its membership negotiations. [31 July 2003]

Progress in Agricultural Trade Needed: UNESCAP
International trade tariffs and agricultural subsidies continue to block trade expansion in developing Asia-Pacific countries, according to a senior trade official at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). [31 July 2003]

Urgent Environmental Action Needed in North-East Asia: UN Workshop
Over 1200 plant and animal species in North-East Asia are under threat of extinction as a result of human activities, according to an environment workshop organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok this week. [21 July 2003]

UNESCAP, WMO Work together on Weather, Climate and Water
UNESCAP and The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperative activities in the fields of meteorology in the Asian and Pacific region. The signing ceremony took place at the WMO headquarters in Geneva yesterday. [17 July 2003]

First ASEAN/UNESCAP Workshop on Classifications
The first joint ASEAN/UNESCAP workshop on statistical classifications for members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) concluded in Bangkok this month at the United Nations Conference Centre with a commitment by delegates to improve the comparability of statistics in the region. [9 July 2003]

Myanmar to Consider Water Recommendations
The Myanmar government is considering establishing an urgent national water apex body following a United Nations-sponsored water management workshop in Yangon last month. [8 July 2003]

Transport: Designing Cities for People, Not Cars
Transport problems are getting worse, rather than better with economic development, according to regional and international transport experts at a United Nations workshop in Bangkok last week. [2 July 2003]