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

Date 28 October 2005
Press Release No: N/57/2005

Committee on Emerging Social Issues, 1-3 November 2005, Bangkok

Asian and Pacific countries to discuss emerging social challenges
Avian flu on agenda

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) – 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. Participants are expected to discuss ways to draw on each other’s strengths to fight the danger of a possible pandemic.

The Committee will also focus on the regional follow-up to internationally agreed commitments on social development, in three key areas; socially vulnerable groups (including youth, people with disabilities, elderly persons, migrants and the family institutions); gender and development; and health and development.

Addressing emerging health risks, tackling issues related to international migration, enhancing the social integration of vulnerable groups and examining progress towards gender equality and social development will top the agenda of the Committee.

About 80 representatives of countries in the Asian and Pacific region, international organizations and civil society are expected to attend the Committee which was established in 2003 to assist countries in the region in designing and implementing effective policies and strategies to promote equal opportunities for all social groups and the overall improvement of the quality of life.

The Committee reviews and analyzes major development trends to identify emerging social development challenges that have an impact on the region. It meets every two years.

A panel discussion will be held on Tuesday 1st November from 9.30 to 12.00 hours on the topic of “Enhancing regional cooperation to address emerging social challenges”. The panel will discuss challenges in four areas: youth unemployment, social protection, mental health and the avian influenza.

High profile panelists, including Ms. Corazon de la Paz, President of the International Social Security Association and CEO of the Social Security System of the Philippines will share their expert views on emerging challenges to social development in the region, suggesting measures to enhance regional cooperation.

Other members of the panel include Mr. Antonius Budi Tjahjono, Rapporteur, Youth Consultative Group of the United Nations Secretary General’s Youth Employment Network, Geneva; Mr. Tak Shing Lee, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, China; Dr. Somchai Peerapakorn, National Professional Officer, Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Thailand, Bangkok.

As a side event, a presentation of awards from a logo design competition on the theme “successful ageing” has been organized by the Japan-based non-governmental organization Earth Identity and will be held in conjunction with the Committee during a ceremony on 1st November at 18.15 hours. The 24 winning entries will be displayed in the United Nations Conference Centre (first floor) from 1- 3 November.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Your or your representatives are cordially invited to attend the opening session on 1st November 2005 from 9.00 to 12.00.

Exclusive interviews with the panel speakers can be arranged upon request.

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Wanphen Sreshthaputra-Korotki
Emerging Social Issues Division
UNESCAP, UN Building
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Tel: +(66-2) 288-1586
Fax: +(6602) 288-1030
E-mail: sreshthaputra-korotki@un.org

For media inquiries, please contact:
David Lazarus, Chief
UN Information Services
UNESCAP, UN Building
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Tel: +(66-2) 288-1861/66
Fax: +(6602) 288-1052
E-mail: unisbkk.unescap@un.org

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