Step Closer to UN ESCAP Revitalization

Commission members to consider at annual meeting in May

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) -- High-level government officials from 34 UN ESCAP Member States have proposed structural and thematic changes to UN ESCAP's work.

The Ministers will be asked to consider the proposals, aimed at revitalizing the UN programme through changes to its committee structures, at the 58th Commission Meeting to be held in Bangkok, 16th - 22nd May, 2002.

Under the proposals, three thematic committees would be established focusing on poverty reduction, managing globalization, and addressing emerging social issues.

Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UN ESCAP, called the outcome of this week's three-day meeting "rewarding and significant."

"The deliberations have served to reaffirm our collective commitment to the revitalization of this unique institution, and to the realization of my 'Vision 2005'", Mr. Kim said.

Mr. Kim has made 'reform and revitalization' of UN ESCAP one of his main priorities during his term, which expires in 2005.

******