Bangkok--17 May--UN
Asia-Pacific countries began deliberations here today at an annual UnitedNations forum to review policy options for deepening integration within theregion to maintain its dynamism while making it inclusive and sustainable,amidst continuing global economic uncertainty.
Representatives of 60 governments in the region are attending the 68thsession of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia andthe Pacific (ESCAP) against a backdrop of stalling growth in developedcountries together with high and fluctuating commodity prices threateningAsia-Pacific economic dynamism and progress towards internationaldevelopment goals.
“If 2011 has shown us anything, it is that Asia and the Pacific is againconfronted by a deeply challenging external environment, and that the pathto shared future prosperity can best be travelled together,” United NationsUnder-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Dr. Noeleen Heyzersaid in her address to the Senior Officials Segment of the Commissionsession.
“Regional solutions, through regional cooperation, are the way for us toforge more sustainable economic growth, close development gaps, and lifttens of millions of people out of poverty. Let’s work together for aninclusive, resilient and sustainable future for Asia and the Pacific —where we grow together and share collective prosperity.”
The 17 to 23 May ESCAP Session which has as its theme ‘Growing together —Economic integration for an inclusive and sustainable Asia-Pacific century’will focus on a four-track strategy to promote shared, sustainable andinclusive growth in the region by promoting market integration, physicalconnectivity, financial cooperation and joint action to address commonvulnerabilities arising from shrinking resources and climate threats.
The ESCAP Session comprises the 17 to 19 May Senior Officials Segmentfollowed by a high-level Ministerial Segment from 21 to 23 May.
The senior officials meeting will finalise recommendations for politicalendorsement by Asia-Pacific countries during the ministerial segment whichwill be opened by the Prime Minister of Thailand. The Prime Minister ofSamoa and senior government leaders from other Asia-Pacific countries willattend the Commission session next week which will feature two high-levelpanel discussions on regional economic integration and promoting inclusivedevelopment amidst global economic and financial turbulence.
A high-level consultation on 23 May will provide Asia-Pacific developingcountries an opportunity to help articulate a regional perspective for theupcoming G20 Mexico Summit.
For more information on the 68th session of the Commission see
http://www.unescap.org/commission/68/
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Francyne Harrigan
Chief, Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section, ESCAP
T: (66) 2 288 1864, E:
[email protected]