SPECIAL FEATURES ON CRITICAL ISSUES FACING THE REGION

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, UN ESCAP, has launched the first in a series of feature articles relating to the upcoming 58th Commission Session, being held 16 - 22 May, at the United Nations Conference Centre, in Bangkok, Thailand.

The articles cover some of the most pressing social and economic problems facing the Asia and Pacific region, home to 60 per cent of the world's population.

Ministers and representatives from 61 member countries and territories are expected to attend the Commission Session, and will be discussing, in depth, many of the issues raised in this series of articles.

Feature articles scheduled for release:

1 May: Globalization in Asia and the Pacific - A bittersweet experience
3 May: People with disabilities in Asia and Pacific - Deep rooted stigmatization
6 May: HIV/AIDS- "Need for Urgent Attention" in Asia and Pacific
8 May: Fight to survive: Small Island States seek alternative energy sources.
10 May: Asia's Ageing Population - The clock is ticking
14 May: Gender disparity - Women face persistent inequality in Asia and Pacific
(Note: Following day (15 May) is International Day of Families)
17 May: Asia's Space Race

All these articles, as well as news releases, will be available on the UN ESCAP website: http://www.unescap.org/unis/press_releases.htm

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