The 66th Commission Session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), which convened from 13-19 May 2010, in Incheon, Republic of Korea, adopted the Incheon Declaration at its close. The event gathered representatives from 53 regional countries and nine associate States for a Senior Officials Segment from 13-15 May, and a Ministerial Segment from 17-19 May. The Declaration calls for countries to strengthen and adopt green growth strategies in response to the global economic crisis of the past two years and to seek to create a more sustainable development path. It also urges governments to use incentives to encourage the private sector to pursue more environmentally friendly practices for both existing business as well as foster the development of sustainable technologies, products and services.
The Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries was held during the Senior Officials Segment on 13 May 2010. Participants discussed the particular challenges of the Pacific island nations, including the threat of climate change, vulnerability to natural disasters, and the high cost caused by small isolated areas and population size. These challenges were met with specific declarations of support from a number of the region’s countries. [66th Commission session web site] [UNESCAP press release, 19 May 2010]