Opening of the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Overview of the opening session of the meeting.

On April 21, in Bangkok, Thailand, the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) officially opened.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Ambassador Pham Viet Hung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to ESCAP and Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand.

At the opening ceremony, President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly Philemon Yang, President of the Economic and Social Council Bob Rae, and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed sent video messages, emphasizing the role of multilateralism and international cooperation in the context of the world and the region facing many challenges.

United Nations officials called on the Asia- Pacific region to take the lead in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, promote the diversification of international financial mechanisms, share experiences in building human-centered governance systems, strengthen cooperation to improve urban infrastructure, and enhance resilience.

UN Deputy Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana expressed her hope that member countries would join hands to promote green growth, equitable transition, investment in innovation and response to climate change.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung spoke at the discussion session.

Speaking at the Ministerial discussion session on “Current and emerging policy issues on sustainable and inclusive development in Asia-Pacific”, Ambassador Pham Viet Hung shared that, besides challenges, the region also has favorable conditions to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and continue to be a driving force for global economic growth.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation, sharing experiences and mobilizing financial resources for development, with the participation of the private sector and development partners.

The head of the Vietnamese delegation emphasized that in the new development period, the country focuses on prioritizing science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation, investment in people, ensuring gender equality and social security, promoting green growth, protecting the environment and responding to climate change.

Affirming Vietnam's strong support for multilateral mechanisms, the role of the United Nations and ESCAP, Ambassador Pham Viet Hung suggested that ESCAP promote its leading role in promoting regional cooperation in the fields of science and technology, enhancing information and knowledge sharing on emerging issues and proposing cooperation initiatives on new technologies, including artificial intelligence.

To adapt to the rapid urbanization in the Asia-Pacific region, Ambassador Pham Viet Hung proposed strengthening regional cooperation in planning, management and financial mobilization for sustainable urban development.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/khai-mac-khoa-hop-81-uy-ban-kinh-te-xa-hoi-chau-a-thai-binh-duong-cua-lien-hop-quoc-311937.html