17 May 2010: The 66th Commission Session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) is convening from 13-19 May 2010, in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The event is gathering representatives from 53 regional countries and nine associate States and comprises a Senior Officials Segment from 13-15 May, and a Ministerial Segment from 17-19 May.
During the Ministerial Segment, a Ministerial Roundtable convened under the theme “A Supportive Financial System and Green Growth for Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the Asia-Pacific Region.” According to Noeleen Heyzer, UNESCAP Executive Secretary, there is an opportunity for the “Asia-Pacific to emerge as a leader in the global economy, in the realm of social progress, and in safeguarding our global environment.” She underlined the region’s vulnerability to: the financial, food and fuel crises; natural shocks and disasters; and the increasing threat of climate change.
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 Website] [UN Press Release] [UNESCAP Press Release]