Note: This page is for delegates, government officials and other members of government delegations participating in the 79th session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). For general information concerning all participants please refer to the Information Note Section.
PART I: Guide to participation
This guide includes information to assist delegates attending the Commission session with their preparations and to facilitate their participation. The document includes useful information on paperless meetings, order of speakers, and the discussions conducted each agenda item.
The seventy-ninth session of the Commission will take place from 15 to 19 May 2023 in a hybrid modality at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok and online.
Letter of credentials and online registration
Each delegation is required to submit a letter of credentials, duly signed by the appropriate authority of the respective Government, at the earliest convenience but before Thursday, 11 May 2023. Only delegates who appear on the letter of credentials will be able to participate and be recognized in the list of participants.
Letters of credential can be sent via email to the Office of the Executive Secretary at the following address: <[email protected]> with a copy to the Commission secretariat team at <[email protected]>, <[email protected]> and <pethaiba[email protected]>. Originals may be sent to the Office of the Executive Secretary at the address below.
Office of the Executive Secretary of ESCAP
Executive Office Suite, United Nations Conference Centre
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
Rajdamnern Nok Avenue
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Each delegate who appears in the aforementioned letter of credentials is required to register online as soon as possible but no later than Thursday, 11 May 2023 at https://indico.un.org/event/1003482/ to facilitate the issuance of name badges and ensure the accuracy of the list of participants.
Only registration of accredited delegates will be accepted. Please note that registering online prior to the meeting is mandatory in accordance with standard United Nations security procedures to facilitate security clearance and entrance to the premises.
Online participation
All delegates are encouraged to participate in person. However, if in-person participation is not possible, delegates may participate through the videoconferencing platform Zoom.
Owing to the limited number of connections available, the online participation via Zoom of members, associate members and Member States of the United Nations that are permanent observers of the Commission will be prioritized.
Based on availability, connections will be made available for observer organizations that would notify the secretariat of their interest to speak under a specific agenda item at <[email protected]> by Friday, 28 April 2023. Tentative speaking slots will be assigned based on the availability of connections and confirmed during the meeting based on time availability and taking into account the speaking order of United Nations intergovernmental meetings.
All other delegates may follow the proceedings via the live broadcast on the Commission website at https://www.unescap.org/events/commission79.
Country interventions
To participate in deliberations, delegates are requested to complete the speaker request form to identify which members of the delegations participating online will have a speaking role during the session. The secretariat will send a link to the Zoom session only to those accounts identified on the form. Please note that the Zoom link is not transferable. Delegations attending in person may request to speak by raising their flag or informing the presiding conference room officers.
Delegations wishing to deliver their country statement under agenda item 2(a) (general debate on the theme topic, “Accelerating climate action in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development”), are kindly requested to inscribe on the speakers list by Friday, 5 May 2023, using the speaker request form.
Country statements may need to be summarized and focused on the theme topic, as the delivery time will be limited to three minutes. Prepared texts of longer statements may be circulated.
Delegations are also encouraged to provide statements to the secretariat prior to delivery in electronic format. Statements will be used to facilitate interpretation and drafting of the report of the Commission. Statements will be posted to the Commission website after delivery unless requested otherwise.
For delegates participating online, a guide to using the Zoom videoconferencing platform will be shared in due course. Zoom users will also be invited to a test-run prior to the session to familiarize themselves with Zoom, test the connection and ensure a smooth online participation. All Zoom users are strongly encouraged to join the test-run, especially those who will join the Zoom platform from a meeting room, so they can see if the meeting room’s conference/AV system is adequately linked to Zoom.
Documents and interpretation
Pre-session documents are available in the four official languages of the Commission (Chinese, English, French and Russian) and will be posted on the official documents page of the Commission website (under agenda and official documents) when they are issued. The annual report will be available on the Commission website in all languages following the session.
The session will be conducted in the four official languages of ESCAP – Chinese, English, French and Russian – with live simultaneous interpretation available in the conference room and via the Zoom videoconferencing platform. Details on how to choose an interpretation on Zoom will be provided in the Zoom participation guide. Participants following the proceedings via the live webcast on YouTube may also be able to choose among the four official languages of ESCAP.
International sign-language interpretation and live captioning services in the four official languages of ESCAP will also be available simultaneously throughout the session in the secretariat’s continuous efforts to improve accessibility of the Commission.
Paperless meetings
Please note that, in accordance with ongoing efforts of the United Nations towards a paperless Secretariat, printed official meeting documents are no longer provided for member State and associate member delegations except only upon explicit request. In such cases only one set of printed official meeting documents will be provided.
Decisions and resolutions
The Commission will consider a list of decisions under each agenda item. The details on the deliberations under each agenda item are provided in the sections below.
In light of the hybrid format of the session, all negotiations on draft resolutions and draft decisions will be undertaken by the Informal Working Group on Draft Resolutions and will be concluded no later than two weeks in advance of the session and in accordance with the practice adopted by the Commission at its seventy-sixth, seventy-seventh and seventy-eighth sessions, with the use of the silence procedure. Please refer to the note by the secretariat on the process for negotiation and adoption of resolutions at the session. No meeting on draft resolutions and draft decisions will be scheduled as a part of the official programme during the session. Delegations wishing to submit draft resolutions are requested to submit the proposed text to the Executive Secretary in writing at least six weeks before the start of the Commission session (Monday, 3 April 2023).
The draft decisions and draft resolutions will be presented for formal adoption by the Commission under agenda item 9.
Elections to the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT)
At the seventy-ninth Commission session, the Commission will elect new members to the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) on Tuesday, 16 May 2023 from 11.00 to 13.00 hours Bangkok time (UTC+7) at the United Nations Conference Centre Bangkok.
In accordance with the rules of procedure of ESCAP, the elections will be conducted by secret ballot and delegates will need to be present in the room to cast their vote. Delegations that are not represented in Bangkok and are unable to send a representative to Bangkok may consider including in their delegation a Bangkok-based representative that shall exercise their voting right. Only duly accredited and registered participants will be allowed to cast a vote.
All members and associate members seeking election or re-election to the Governing Council are requested to complete a nomination form and submit it to the Secretary of the Commission by 16:00 hours Bangkok time (UTC+7) on Friday, 21 April 2023. Detailed information and the nomination forms are available in on the Commission website at https://www.unescap.org/events/commission79#CouncilElection
Liaison officers
The liaison officers are secretariat staff members who shall be assisting members and associate members of the Commission in addition to their regular duties in the substantive servicing of the Commission session. Delegations may contact the liaison officers should they need assistance. The staff members whose names appear in the list of liaison officers shall serve as liaison officers to members and associate members of the Commission.
PART II: Side event and Climate Solutions Fair
Delegations and stakeholders interested in organizing side events linked with the theme of the session, “Accelerating climate action in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development” and/or participating in the Climate Solutions Fair, are requested to complete the Side Event Form and Submission Form for the Climate Solutions Fair electronically and return it by Monday, 17 April 2023 to the following email address:<[email protected]>. Organizers will be responsible for all logistical arrangements.
As slots for the side events are limited, priority will be given to members, associate members and observer countries on a first-come, first-served basis. Events with multiple co-organizers/partners are particularly welcome.
PART III: Contributions to ESCAP Programme of Work and Regional Institutions
With the support of member State donors and partners, ESCAP has, over the years, contributed considerably to the development of Asia and the Pacific by establishing several key regional institutions; negotiating crucial agreements; undertaking quality normative and analytical work; advocating policies to address critical and emerging issues; and building capacities of its members to address development challenges facing the region.
At the Commission session every year, members and associate members of ESCAP indicate their support, both in-kind and financial, to the ESCAP programme of work and the regional institutions.
The contributions to the ESCAP programme of work supplement regular budget resources and help us address development challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region.
ESCAP's regional institutions (APCICT, APCTT, APDIM, CSAM and SIAP) are hubs of capacity building in focused areas directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They also act as a platform for exchanging good practices among member States, fostering South-South cooperation. The viability of these regional institutions is largely dependent on the financial and in-kind contributions provided by their host Governments as well as the voluntary contributions made by other donors. In its resolution 71/1, the Commission encouraged all members and associate members of ESCAP to make the necessary regular annual contributions to the regional institutions.
In this regard, we would like to invite all members and associate members to consider making or increasing their pledge for financial support to the ESCAP programme of work and the regional institutions at the seventy-ninth session of the Commission.
Please make your pledge by filling out the pledging form.
Please email the form to [email protected], with a copy to escap-oes-[email protected] or announce your pledge during the deliberations on Agenda item 5 (b): Overview of partnerships, extrabudgetary contributions and capacity development.
The ESCAP secretariat expresses its appreciation to member and associate members for the commitment and ongoing support to the work of ESCAP.
Further information can be obtained by contacting:
Ms. Zeynep Orhun Girard
Chief, Capacity Development and Partnerships Section
Strategy and Programme Management Division
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Office: +66 22 88 1672
E-mail: [email protected]
PART IV: Visa exemption request
Delegates from countries with no Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General may request for visa exemption for participants attending the Commission session.
To request for the exemption, delegates are requested to complete the Request for Visa Exemption Form and return it via email along with the documents mentioned in the form to the email addresses indicated, by 28 April 2023.
Kindly note that this arrangement is subject to change in accordance with the host country’s requirements upon the delegates’ arrival. For more information, please refer to the form or email [email protected]
PART V: Protocol arrangement
ESCAP provides the following protocol arrangements for delegates at the ministerial level and above from a member state which does not have a diplomatic mission in Thailand:
- Airport transfer
- Transfer between hotel and meeting venue
- Airport VIP Lounge (if available)
- Police escort and police lead car (only for Head of State/Head of Government)
Should there be a requirement for additional police escort, the cost shall be borne by the requesting country. Delegates are responsible for securing hotel reservations and the cost of their accommodation.
In order to facilitate arrangements, delegations are requested to complete the Protocol Arrangement Form and return it via email to addresses indicated in the form, at least two weeks before the start of the session, on Friday 28 April 2023.
Part VI: Detailed guide to participation by agenda item
Agenda item 1: Opening of the session
Supporting documents:
1) Provisional Agenda (ESCAP/79/1/Rev.2)
2) Annotated Provisional Agenda (ESCAP/79/1/Add.1)
Agenda item 1 of the provisional agenda includes (a) opening addresses; (b) election of officers; and (c) adoption of the agenda.
Scheduled to begin at 10:00 hours on Monday, 15 May 2023, the session will be opened by the Chair of the seventy-eighth session of the Commission, who will also deliver a statement in that capacity, highlighting key work of ESCAP since the Commission last met in May 2022.
The Chair will also preside over the election of officers of the seventy-ninth session. In line with its rules of procedure and usual practice, the Commission will elect, from among its members, a Chair and two Vice-Chairs of the session.
If the plenary so decides, the rule may be applied differently to enable the Commission to elect more than two Vice-Chairs, as has been the practice at previous sessions, in which case the Commission may elect a bureau of officers composed of a Chair and several Vice-Chairs.
Following the election of officers, the Chair of the seventy-ninth session will present the provisional agenda of the session before the Commission for adoption.
After the agenda is adopted, the Chair will invite the Executive Secretary to deliver her welcome and policy address. Other high-level dignitaries may also be invited to address the Commission.
The Chair will then invite special remarks by Heads of State/Government of ESCAP member States on the theme of the session. These special remarks will set the scene for the deliberations of the session and provide a vision from the region on how to accelerate ambitious climate action in Asia and the Pacific while highlighting opportunities and practical solutions towards net-zero pathways.
Special remarks by the Heads of State/Government will be followed by interventions by selected keynote speakers from academia, private sector and civil society.
All deliberations will be webcast live and statements delivered will be made available on the Commission website for download.
Agenda item 2: Theme topic, “Accelerating climate action in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development”
(a) General debate;
(b) Strengthening subregional cooperation;
(c) Catalysing climate financing and investment.
Supporting documents:
1) Summary of the theme study on accelerating climate action in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development (ESCAP/79/2)
2) Report of the Governing Council of the Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia on its seventeenth session (ESCAP/79/3)
3) Subregional cooperation to accelerate climate action in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development (ESCAP/79/4)
Agenda item 2 (a) will start from afternoon of Monday, 15 May 2023 and will continue during the morning of Tuesday, 16 May 2023.
At the outset, the secretariat will present key findings and recommendations of the study prepared by the secretariat on the theme topic of the session.
With regards to the general debate or “country statements” on the theme topic, Ministers and Heads of Delegations may wish to focus their country statements on the recommendations of the theme study which describes the transformations that are needed in Asia and the Pacific to transition to a net zero future in support of sustainable development and identifies policies and actions needed in various sectors of the economy (e.g. energy, transport, trade, industry) to support the global climate agenda while also realizing broad economic, social and environmental benefits. The theme study also describes climate finance needs in the region and addresses data gaps for better monitoring. Country statements may focus on sharing experiences and initiatives that address both the causes and the impacts of climate change and how to accelerate climate action in Asia and the Pacific to reduce emissions in line with the 1.5-degree goal. Country statements may also draw attention on how enhanced regional cooperation can foster, bolder climate action for sustainable development.
In view of time constraints, country statements may need to be summarized and focused on the theme topic, as the delivery time will be limited to three (3) minutes. Prepared texts of longer statements may be circulated and will be posted to the Commission website unless requested otherwise.
Delegations wishing to deliver country statements under agenda item 2(a) are requested to inscribe on the speakers list by Monday, 5 May 2023, by submitting the speaker request form.
Delegations are also encouraged to provide statements to the secretariat at <[email protected]> prior to delivery in electronic format, if possible. Statements will be used to facilitate interpretation and drafting of the report of the Commission. Statements will be posted to the Commission website after delivery unless requested otherwise.
Guest keynote speakers will be invited to provide brief remarks on specific dimensions of the theme topic for the session.
The consideration of agenda item 2 (b) of the provisional agenda will start in the afternoon of Tuesday, 16 May 2023 and will feature a dialogue on the subregional dimensions of the theme of the session. The secretariat will introduce the agenda item, reflecting on the role of subregional cooperation in advancing regional climate priorities through cooperation and highlighting the key areas of cooperation between subregional organizations and ESCAP.
The introduction will be followed by a dialogue with the Heads of subregional organizations from across the Asia-Pacific region focusing on outlining the climate action priorities in each subregion, highlighting the key areas of cooperation between subregional organisations and ESCAP as well as identifying potential cooperation areas among subregions. Moreover, the dialogue will allow heads of subregional organizations to discuss a key priority (climate action) for the United Nations ahead of the annual meeting of heads of regional organizations to be convened by the United Nations Secretary-General.
The Chair will then open the floor to delegations for brief country interventions.
Agenda item 2(c): Special session: Catalyzing climate finance and investment will start in the morning of Wednesday, 17 May 2023 and will serve as the second edition of Regional Forum on Climate Initiatives to Finance Climate Action and the Sustainable Development Goals. The session will discuss best practices and successes from across the ESCAP region in improving the policy and regulatory environment to support greater inflows of finance, particularly in mobilizing private finance and the use of sustainable financial instruments, towards climate mitigation, adaptation and transition as well as actions that ministers can take in building a positive and stable regulatory environment for finance to be directed at climate action, including sustainable bond frameworks and monitoring mechanisms, amongst other issues.
The secretariat and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will introduce the agenda item.
The introduction will be followed by a dialogue with minsters of finance from across the region. The Chair will then open the floor for brief country interventions
Under agenda item 9, the Commission is expected to adopt a resolution on the theme topic of the session and adopt decisions to:
Take note of the following documents:
(a) Summary of the theme study on accelerating climate action in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development (ESCAP/79/2)
(b) Subregional cooperation to accelerate climate action in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development (ESCAP/79/4)
(c) Report of the Governing Council of the Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia on its seventeenth session (ESCAP/79/3)
Agenda item 3: Special Body on Least Developed, Landlocked Developing and Small Island Developing States
Supporting document:
Summary of the Asia-Pacific Countries with Special Needs Development Report 2023: Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Seamless and Sustainable Connectivity (ESCAP/79/5)
Under agenda item 3, the Special Body will consider the role of transport, energy and digital connectivity as a catalyser of sustainable development, including climate action in least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States of Asia and the Pacific.
The secretariat will present the findings and recommendations of Asia-Pacific Countries with Special Needs Development Report 2023: Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Seamless and Sustainable Connectivity. The report examines how regional cooperation on seamless and sustainable connectivity can facilitate a long-term transformation towards a net zero carbon emissions future. Recognizing ongoing efforts and existing initiatives and considering the large financing gaps in the countries in special situations, the document underscores the need to seek synergies between transport, energy and digital connectivity initiatives in the region.
The consideration of the agenda item will include a high-level panel discussion with ministers from least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) or small island developing States (SIDS) in Asia and the Pacific.
The Chair will then open the floor for brief country interventions.
Under agenda item 9, it is anticipated the Commission will adopt decisions to:
Take note of the following document:
Summary of the Asia-Pacific Countries with Special Needs Development Report 2023: Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Seamless and Sustainable Connectivity (ESCAP/79/5)
Agenda item 4: Review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific and issues pertinent to the subsidiary structure of the Commission
Supporting documents:
- Summary of progress in the implementation of Commission resolutions (ESCAP/79/6)
- Report on the Tenth Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (ESCAP/RFSD/2023/6)
- Summary of round table discussions (ESCAP/RFSD/2023/6/Add.1)
- Report of the Committee on Social Development on its seventh session (ESCAP/CSD/2022/5)
- Report of the Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (ESCAP/MIPAA/IGM.3/2022/3)
- Outcome document entitled “Accelerating Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002, to Build a Sustainable Society for All Ages in Asia and the Pacific” (ESCAP/MIPAA/IGM.3/2022/3/Add.1)
- Report of the High-level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Final Review of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013–2022 (ESCAP/APDDP/2022/3)
- Asia-Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Disability-Inclusive Development towards 2030 (ESCAP/APDDP/2022/3/Add.1)
- Trends in social development: the future of work in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/79/7)
- Report of the Committee on Environment and Development on its seventh session (ESCAP/CED/2022/4);
- Ministerial declaration on protecting our planet through regional cooperation and solidarity in Asia and the Pacific, 2022 (ESCAP/CED/2022/4/Add.1)
- Report of the Governing Council of the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization on its eighteenth session (ESCAP/79/8)
- Enabling cities to take climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (ESCAP/79/9)
- Report of the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management on its seventh session (ESCAP/79/10)
-
Update on the financial situation of the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (ESCAP/79/10/Add.1)
- Early warning and action for all by 2027: transformative adaption for a riskier Asia-Pacific region (ESCAP/79/11)
- Accelerating the just energy transition to make progress in achieving net-zero-emissions targets in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/79/12)
- Report of the Committee on Transport on its seventh session (ESCAP/CTR/2022/6)
- Enhancing the environmental sustainability of transport systems to support climate action in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/79/13)
- Securing public debt sustainability while pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (ESCAP/79/14)
- Report of the Third Ministerial Conference on Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/MCREI/2022/5)
- Report of the Committee on Trade, Investment, Enterprise and Business Innovation on its first session of (ESCAP/CTIEBI(1)/8)
- Report of the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology on its eighteenth session (ESCAP/79/15)
- Harnessing trade, investment, innovation and technology transfer for climate action (ESCAP/79/16)
- Report of the Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation on its fourth session (ESCAP/CICTSTI/2022/6)
- Report of the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/MCSASD/2022/3)
- Jakarta Ministerial Declaration on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/MCSASD/2022/3/Add.1)
- Report of the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development on its seventeenth session (ESCAP/79/17)
- Promoting digital transformation in Asia and the Pacific through the Action Plan for Implementing the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Initiative, 2022–2026 (ESCAP/79/18)
- Report of the Committee on Statistics on its eighth session (ESCAP/CST/2022/8)
- Report of the Governing Council of the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific on its eighteenth session (ESCAP/79/19)
- Getting everyone in the picture for more effective climate change action (ESCAP/79/20)
- Annual reports of international and intergovernmental organizations provided to the Commission (ESCAP/79/INF/1)
Consideration of agenda item 4 will start with an overarching presentation by the secretariat on the progress of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific.
The Commission will then consider each sub-item in order. The Chairs of the subsidiary bodies of the Commission that have met in between sessions will present the outcomes of these meetings, highlight actions requested of the Commission as well as key discussions at the subsidiary body under the relevant sub-item.
In their statements, member States may address the points for action in the reports of the subsidiary bodies and in the notes by the secretariat on the specific subitems, as well as provide further guidance.
Members and associate members are also invited to review the progress of implementation of ESCAP resolutions, as pertinent to their national context, and provide further guidance. Discussions under this agenda item will be webcast live.
Under agenda item 9, it is anticipated the Commission will endorse through resolutions the following documents:
- Ministerial declaration on protecting our planet through regional cooperation and solidarity in Asia and the Pacific, 2022 and the Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution annexed to it (ESCAP/CED/2022/4/Add.1).
- Jakarta Declaration on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2023–2032 (ESCAP/APDDP/2022/3/Add.1)
- Jakarta Ministerial Declaration on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/MCSASD/2022/3/Add.1).
Moreover, the Commission is expected to adopt decisions to:
Endorse the following documents:
(a) Report on the Tenth Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (ESCAP/RFSD/2023/6)
(b) Report of the Committee on Social Development on its seventh session (ESCAP/CSD/2022/5)
(c) Report on the High-level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Final Review of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013–2022 (ESCAP/APDDP/2022/3)
(d) Report of the Governing Council of the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization on its eighteenth session (ESCAP/79/8)
(e) Report of the Committee on Environment and Development on its seventh session (ESCAP/CED/2022/4)
(f) Report of the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management on its seventh session (ESCAP/79/10)
(g) Report of the Committee on Transport on its seventh session (ESCAP/CTR/2022/6)
(h) Report of the Third Ministerial Conference on Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/MCREI/2022/5)
(i) Report of the Committee on Trade, Investment, Enterprise and Business Innovation on its first session (ESCAP/CTIEBI(1)/8)
(j) Report of the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology on its eighteenth session (ESCAP/79/15)
(k) Report of the Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation on its fourth session (ESCAP/CICTSTI/2022/6)
(l) Report on the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/MCSASD/2022/3)
(m) Report of the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development on its seventeenth session (ESCAP/79/17)
(n) Report of the Committee on Statistics on its eighth session (ESCAP/CST/2022/8);
(o) Report of the Governing Council of the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific on its eighteenth session (ESCAP/79/19)
(p) Report on the Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (ESCAP/MIPAA/IGM.3/2022/3) and the outcome document entitled “Accelerating Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002, to Build a Sustainable Society for All Ages in Asia and the Pacific” (ESCAP/MIPAA/IGM.3/2022/3/Add.1).
Take note of the following documents:
(a) Summary of round table discussions (ESCAP/RFSD/2023/6/Add.1);
(b) Summary of progress in the implementation of Commission resolutions (ESCAP/79/6);
(c) Trends in social development: the future of work in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/79/7);
(d) Enabling cities to take climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (ESCAP/79/9);
(e) Update on the financial situation of the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (ESCAP/79/10/Add.1);
(f) Early warning and action for all by 2027: transformative adaption for a riskier Asia-Pacific region (ESCAP/79/11);
(g) Accelerating the just energy transition to make progress in achieving net-zero-emissions targets in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/79/12);
(h) Enhancing the environmental sustainability of transport systems to support climate action in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/79/13);
(i) Securing public debt sustainability while pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (ESCAP/79/14);
(j) Harnessing trade, investment, innovation and technology transfer for climate action (ESCAP/79/16);
(k) Promoting digital transformation in Asia and the Pacific through the Action Plan for Implementing the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Initiative, 2022–2026 (ESCAP/79/18);
(l) Getting everyone in the picture for more effective climate change action (ESCAP/79/20);
(m) Annual reports of international and intergovernmental organizations provided to the Commission (ESCAP/79/INF/1).
Agenda item 5: Management issues
Supporting documents:
- Proposed programme plan for 2024 (ESCAP/79/21)
- Overview of partnerships, extrabudgetary contributions and capacity development (ESCAP/79/22)
Agenda item 5 of the provisional agenda will review the work programme of ESCAP and begin with a presentation by the secretariat, followed by consideration by the Commission subitem-by-subitem. The Chair will open the floor for brief country interventions for each subitem.
Under agenda item 5 (a), the Commission will review the proposed programme plan for 2024.
Under agenda item 5(b), members and associate members will have the opportunity to announce their intended contributions for 2023. Delegations intending to pledge contributions are requested to complete and submit the pledging form available on the Commission website.
Under agenda item 9, it is anticipated the Commission will adopt decisions to:
(a) Endorse the proposed programme plan for 2024;
(b) Take note of the note by the secretariat on the overview of partnerships, extrabudgetary contributions and capacity development (ESCAP/79/22) and thank members and associate members for their pledges.
Agenda item 6: Activities of the Advisory Committee of Permanent Representatives and Other Representatives Designated by Members of the Commission
Supporting document:
Report of the Advisory Committee of Permanent Representatives and Other Representatives Designated by Members of the Commission (ESCAP/79/23)
Agenda item 6 of the provisional agenda will review the intersessional activities of the Advisory Committee of Permanent Representatives and Other Representatives Designated by Members of the Commission as presented by the Rapporteur of the Advisory Committee. After the presentation, the floor will be opened for country interventions.
Under agenda item 9, it is anticipated that the Commission will adopt a decision taking note of the report of the Advisory Committee of Permanent Representatives and Other Representatives Designated by Members of the Commission.
Agenda item 7: Dates and venue of and theme topic for the eightieth session of the Commission (2024)
Supporting document:
Dates and venue of and theme topic for the eightieth session of the Commission (2024) (ESCAP/79/24)
Under agenda item 7 of the provisional agenda, the Commission will decide on the dates and venue of the eightieth session of the Commission, to be held in 2024, as well as the theme topic to be considered by the Commission at that session.
Following the presentation of the agenda item by the secretariat, the floor will be opened for country interventions.
Under agenda item 9, it is anticipated the Commission will adopt a decision fixing the dates of its eightieth session to be held in 2024. Through the same decision the Commission will determine the theme for its eightieth session.
Agenda item 8: Other matters
Agenda item 8 of the provisional agenda provides the opportunity for members and associate members to raise other matters not covered under the items above. Discussions on this agenda item will be webcast live.
The Chair will also announce the result of the elections for the Governing Councils of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT).
Agenda item 9: Adoption of the report of the Commission on its seventy-ninth session
Supporting documents:
1) Draft report to be adopted by the Commission: Organization of the seventy-ninth session of the Commission (ESCAP/79/L.1)
2) Draft report to be adopted by the Commission: Statement of programme budget implication of actions and proposals of the Commission (ESCAP/79/L.1/Add.1)
3) Draft resolutions to be adopted by the Commission
4) Draft decisions to be adopted by the Commission
Under agenda item 9, the Commission will consider for adoption the report of its seventy-ninth session.
Pursuant to paragraph 7 of the annex of Commission resolution 78/2 of 27 May 2022 on “A conference structure of the Commission to advance sustainable development”, the report of the Commission will be composed of its decisions and resolutions.
The draft record of proceedings of the Commission session, prepared by the secretariat, will be circulated among members and associate members for comments within fifteen days of the conclusion of the session.
Following the adoption of the report, the Executive Secretary will deliver a closing statement. The Chair may also deliver a closing statement before formally closing the session.
The theme study sets out the transformations that are needed for Asia and the Pacific to transition to a net-zero-carbon future in support of sustainable development. It provides an outline of the regional context of climate change and identifies policies and actions that could be taken in various sectors of the economy to support the global climate agenda, while also making broad economic, social and environmental gains. To close the emissions gap in key sectors, efforts must be made to transition away from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy. Low-carbon mobility and logistical solutions are crucial for accelerating innovation, developing technologies and tapping into greener fuels. The move towards low-carbon transport options requires an integrated approach to land use and urban planning, as Asia and the Pacific is rapidly motorizing. Furthermore, Governments need to boost their climate-smart trade and investment sectors so that they can decarbonize industries that are currently notable for exporting carbon-intensive goods. Trade and investment should be utilized as force multipliers to combat climate change but are still missing from the existing regional climate landscape. The theme study also contains information on climate-related financing needs in the region and addresses data gaps for better monitoring. Given the carbon neutrality commitments from the majority of Asia-Pacific countries, the report recommends strengthening regional policy dialogue and technical cooperation on low carbon, climate-resilient transition.
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