This gathering of ministers of environment and of development is an agenda-setting forum to assess the state of sustainable development, identify regional perspectives and priorities, and decide concerted actions in response to imperatives posed by global and regional environment challenges. It is co-organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The event is based on the recognition that the Asia and Pacific region continues to face persistent development challenges in terms of poverty alleviation, better access to basic services, sustainable use of natural resources and enhanced social inclusiveness. This situation is exacerbated by emerging risks and uncertainties including the food, energy and financial crisis as well as climate change threat. In addition, the region remains particularly susceptible to natural disasters, which are likely to increase in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change impacts.  

dates: 27 September – 2 October 2010   venue: Independance Hall   location: Astana, Kazakhstan   contact: Official Secretariat of MCED6 Conference – UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Shao Li   phone: +(6 62) 288 1234   fax: + (6 62) 288 1059   e-mail: lis@un.org   www: http://mced6.org/en/