Asia-Pacific countries assemble to explore regional connectivity for shared prosperity
4 August 2014
ESCAP’s Annual Session live webcast
Bangkok: Asia-Pacific countries will convene in Bangkok this week for the annual policy session of the United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), focusing on the role of regional connectivity in
supporting economic growth and development, particularly through the three dimensions of sustainable development:
social, economic and environmental.
Senior government officials from over 40 member countries and associate member countries will meet at the 70th session
from 4 to 6 August ahead of the Commission’s high-level ministerial segment from 7 to 8 August to be attended by Heads
of State and senior ministers.
The Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Security, Timor-Leste, H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, the Prime Minister of
Bhutan H.E. Tshering Tobgay, H.E. Lord Tu'ivakano, Prime Minister of Tonga and the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Thailand, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow will address the opening of the ministerial segment. More than 30 ministers
from Asia and the Pacific are expected to participate in the ministerial segment.
Ministers from Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Pakistan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Solomon
Islands and Tonga will be among key speakers at panel discussions during the high-level session this week, focusing on
steering the region towards equitable, environment-friendly and resilient growth.
The ESCAP session is being held against the backdrop of high public debt levels and declining international development
assistance, which has affected Asia-Pacific growth and contributed to rising income inequality, both within and between
countries in the region.
A Ministerial Round Table on the theme of the 70th session, “Regional connectivity for shared prosperity”, on the
opening day of the ministerial segment will focus on transport, ICT and energy connectivity and multi-sectoral and
cross-border cooperation.
At a media launch on 6 August, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Dr. Shamshad
Akhtar will present the key findings of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2014, the flagship
publication of ESCAP outlining the latest macroeconomic projections and policy advice for the region.
On the second day of the ministerial segment, Asia-Pacific government leaders and policymakers will join a panel
discussion on sustainable development and development finance to suggest policy options for addressing existing and
emerging vulnerabilities.
Follow us: Live Webstreaming and Social Media Coverage
Key events during the week, including all panel discussions, will be
webcast live at http://www.unescap.org/commission/webcast
The ministerial segment will be webcast in four languages (English,
Chinese, French and Russian)
The Commission session can also be followed on social media using the hash
tag #CS70.
For more information about the Commission session visit:
ENDS