United Nation Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Press Release.............................. UNESCAP News Services

29 August 2003
Press Release No: N/17/2003

EVENTS AT A GLANCE

Calendar of events taking place during the 59th Commission session of the
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
(Phase II) at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok from 1 to 4 September 2003.

I. Monday, 1 September

10:00-10:30 hrs.		Opening of the 59th Commission session by H.E. Mr. Korn Dabbaransi, Deputy Prime of Thailand in the ESCAP Hall. (Opening statements/messages by UN Secretary-General, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and UNESCAP Executive Secretary)
10:30-10:40 hrs.	(photo-op)	Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand opens the exhibition on "Dare to Care" and is welcomed by a Thai self-help group of People Living with HIV/AIDS that is participating in the UNESCAP "Partners for Health" project.
11:00-12:00 hrs. and 14:00-17:00 hrs.		UNESCAP Executive Secretary delivers his Policy Statement and policy issues for the UNESCAP region to be addressed by Ministers from the region. (ESCAP Hall)

II Tuesday, 2 September

09:00-12:00 hrs.

Ministerial Round Table on HIV/AIDS. (Conference Room 2)A special multimedia presentation on HIV/AIDS in Asia-Pacific by UNESCAP Executive Secretary Dr Kim Hak-Su highlighting the need for governments to initiate urgent and comprehensive action against the pandemic before it is too late. A Key note Address will be delivered by H.E. Mr. Festus Mogae, President of Botswana. With an adult HIV prevalence rate of 38.8 % by the end of 2001, Botswana is one of the world's most HIV/AIDS affected countries. H.E. Mr. Mogae has been recognized as one of Africa's leading statesmen in the fight against HIV/AIDS

UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS in Asia, Dr Nafis Sadik, will also address the gathering of ministers and top officials from Asia-Pacific countries.

12:30-13:44 hrs.

(photo-op)

The launch of a HIV/AIDS advocacy kit designed to help governments combat the pandemic through a multisectoral and multi-ministerial approach. H.E. Mr Miles Kupa, Australian Ambassador to Thailand and Mr Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP will jointly launch the advocacy kit titled " To Care To Dare: Fight HIV/AIDS Save Lives". (Reception Hall)

A 45-minute theatre performance by the Wan Smolbag theatre group from Vanuatu. Renowned throughout the Pacific for their innovative combination of information and entertainment the Wan Smolbag performance will touch on many aspects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. (Light lunch will be served.)

14:00-15:00 hrs.

Ministerial Round Table on Millennium Development Goals Report. (Closed Door)

III. Thursday, 4 September

		Closing Press Conference (Venue and time will be announced later).
14:00-17:00 hrs.		Adoption of the report and report of the Commission.

Security Note: Media are invited to cover most events as listed here,
however, please be aware that as security will be very tight, proper
identification and passes must be obtained on Registration.
Your cooperation is much appreciated.

Further information : Chief, UN Information Services, Second Floor (Block B)
of UN Building (Room No. 0251) or Press Suite on the Ground Floor of the
UNCC. < http://www.unescap.org/59/index.asp >

29 August 2003 Press Release No: N/17/2003

EVENTS AT A GLANCE

II Tuesday, 2 September

III. Thursday, 4 September

Security Note: Media are invited to cover most events as listed here, however, please be aware that as security will be very tight, proper identification and passes must be obtained on Registration. Your cooperation is much appreciated.

* *** *

29 August 2003
Press Release No: N/17/2003

Security Note: Media are invited to cover most events as listed here,
however, please be aware that as security will be very tight, proper
identification and passes must be obtained on Registration.
Your cooperation is much appreciated.