The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 79th session in Bangkok
today, with global and regional leaders calling for urgent action to combat climate change and its dire impacts.
They urged countries in the region to meet their nationally determined contributions, intensify development of
climate-sensitive technology, nurture policy environments supporting both industrial diversification and low-emission
transport, as well as increase investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
“Asia and the Pacific can set the pace of climate action in the decades to come. Most countries in the region have
already pledged carbon neutrality goals towards mid-century. But we need to accelerate action, with steep reductions in
emissions within the next few years,” said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his opening message.
Climate change poses major challenges to all strands of sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. The region
includes 13 of the 30 countries most vulnerable to climate impacts and without concerted action, it could see an
additional 7.5 million people fall into poverty by 2030.
“Each one of us and every aspect of our world is being affected. Those who are most exposed and have the fewest
resources to respond to climate change, however, are the most vulnerable,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United
Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP. She added that the integrated nature of climate change
calls for holistic, multisectoral solutions as well as targeted support.
Fekitamoeloa Katoa Utoikamanu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Tourism of Tonga who was elected Chair of the 79th session, underscored that inclusive intergovernmental platforms such as ESCAP are a
lifeline for the Pacific. “While the Pacific small island developing States contribute less than 0.03 per cent of the
world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, they are amongst the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In this
regard, ESCAP is an important platform to advocate for regional and global action to achieve their climate goals.”
“The IPCC clearly demonstrates that the lower the emissions in 2030, the lower the challenge in limiting global warming
to 1.5°C after 2030. Integrated planning, coherent policies, and economic stimulus investments designed to meet both the
Sustainable Development Goals and climate challenges can generate significant co-benefits and speed up progress,” said
Lachezara Stoeva, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
“We used to say that the choices we make will define the future for the generations after us. Now we have to say that
the choices we make will decide whether there will be a future for the generations after us,” shared Csaba Kőrösi,
President of the United Nations General Assembly. He added, “We are not lacking in ideas and plans; it is high time we
realized them.”
Heads of State and Government from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mongolia, Palau, the Philippines, Samoa, Thailand, Tonga,
Tuvalu and the Cook Islands also addressed the opening session. While voicing grave concerns about the complexities and
growing threats of climate change on sustainable development, they expressed their optimism for shared solidarity and
cooperation towards building a resilient, sustainable and prosperous future for all.
More than 880 participants from 61 member States, associate members and permanent observers as well as representatives
from academia, international organizations, youth, business and civil society are attending the session this week.
It is expected to culminate on Friday with the adoption of ten resolutions covering, among others, recommendations for
accelerated climate action, ocean protection, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, supporting countries in
special situations, promoting digital cooperation and inclusion, the use of space applications for sustainable
development, advancing sustainable urban development and launching a new decade of persons with disabilities.