UNESCAP marks 60th anniversary with pride and commitment

Heads of United Nations agencies in Bangkok heartily singing “Unity in Diversity” to the tune of the well-known song “We are the world” (Photograph by Han Htay Aung).

UNESCAP marked 60 years of service to the region on 28 March with a celebration held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon sent a video message and special guests included Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. The event also featured a dance performance and singing by heads of United Nations agencies in Bangkok.
“Throughout these six decades, UNESCAP has worked closely with the peoples of the Asia-Pacific region in their endeavour to build freedom from fear and freedom from want”, said Mr. Ban. “Today, this region of four billion people is a powerhouse for global economic growth”.
“Building an Asia-Pacific Century” was chosen as the theme for the 60th anniversary celebrations. “It is our privilege to serve the people of the region, and to be associated with their success”, said UNESCAP Executive Secretary, Kim Hak-Su. “On this historic occasion, we rededicate ourselves to building an ‘Asia-Pacific Century”.
The keynote address was delivered by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. “Since its inception, ESCAP has been assisting Member States by fostering regional cooperation and providing technical assistance in economic and social development”, she said. “As people are the real wealth of nations, the aim of development is to expand the choices that people have to lead their lives in dignity”.
Princess Sirindhorn continued: “Despite significant economic and social progress in Asia and the Pacific over the course of the past six decades, we cannot be complacent. Some 680 million people still live in extreme poverty. There is still much work ahead for ESCAP. As the only intergovernmental forum in the entire Asia-Pacific region with universal membership, ESCAP is our platform for articulating the voice of this region on development issues”.
As part of the celebrations, Nobel laureate in economics Amartya Sen received UNESCAP’s first ever Award for Lifetime Achievement. Professor Sen gave a special lecture before the ceremony, on the topic of “Asian Immensities” (see below).
UNESCAP was founded as the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) on 28 March 1947. ECAFE moved its headquarters from Shanghai to Bangkok in 1949.
Note: See related story about the First Parliament of Asia, page 3.