Bangkok--18 Sep--UNISBKK The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) will be holding an observance of the International Day of Peace on 21 September at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. The International Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly, has been observed since 1981 as a day of global ceasefire. Today, Peace Day events are held by the UN, governments, and civil society across the world. The Bangkok observance will include a video message from Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, statement by Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary ofUNESCAP, and a panel discussion under the theme of Climate Change and Peace. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Bhichit Rattakul, former Governor of Bangkok and Executive Director of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre. The panellists come from academia, international organisations and the media. Mr. Ban recently noted that global warming can lead to increased poverty, forced migration and vulnerability to conflict in affected areas. The panel iscussion takes place just days before world leaders gather in New York to ttend a special meeting on climate change convened by Mr. Ban. The high-level event on 24 September, entitled “The Future in Our Hands:Addressing the Leadership’s Challenge of Climate Change”, is expected to help build momentum ahead of the upcoming negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention in Bali this December. Note to journalists: you are invited to cover the observance of International Day of Peace on Friday, 21 September, starting at 8:30 in Room 4, UN Conference Centre, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok. A tentative programme is attached for your information. In order to facilitate your entry and parking, we would appreciate it if you could confirm your attendance together with your transportation details (plate number, make, model & colour) to [email protected] or fax: 02 288 1052. For further information, please contact: Brian Thomson UN Information Services Bangkok Tel: +(66-2) 288-1869, Fax: +(66-2) 288-1052 E-mail: [email protected]