WMO and UNESCAP join forces on climate, water
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCAP cemented their cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding in Geneva (Switzerland) last month. The memorandum strengthens UNESCAP and WMO’s joint efforts in the field of meteorology, including hydrology and water resources, training and research, environment monitoring and sustainable development in the Asian and Pacific region. The Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, Mr Kim Hak-Su, said; "the scientific knowledge and capacity-building activities of WMO in its fields of competence are an asset for UNESCAP in helping the Asia-Pacific countries protect their environment and promote sustainable development."

First ASEAN/ UNESCAP workshop on classifications
The first joint ASEAN/UNESCAP workshop on statistical classifications for members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) concluded in Bangkok on the 11th of July with a commitment by delegates to improve the comparability of statistics in the region. Over 20 statisticians from government statistical offices, UNESCAP, the ASEAN Secretariat, UN Headquarters and the Australian Bureau of Statistics participated in the workshop aimed at updating the classifications process and reviewing the effectiveness of classifications programs, like the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC). Of particular concern to participants was the lack of consistency in statistical processes across ASEAN countries.

Urgent environmental action needed in North-East Asia: UN
Over 1200 plant and animal species in North-East Asia are under threat of extinction as a result of human activities, according to Mr. Ravi Sawhney, the Director of the Environment and Sustainable Development Division at UNESCAP. Speaking at the first meeting of the Working Group on Nature Conservation in North-East Asia between the 21st and 22nd of July, Mr. Sawhney urged governments from the region to take immediate action to save one of the most unique natural landscapes in the world. The World Resource Institute estimates that there are 52,191 known species of flora and fauna living in North-East Asia, 21,001 of which are unique to the region (2001). For example, the Arctic Fox can only be found in the Russian Arctic region in North-East Asia.

Visitors to UNESCAP pass 7000 mark
A record number of people have officially participated in the UNESCAP Visitors’ Programme with over 7000 individuals taking part since 2001. In July alone, 395 official visitors arrived at UNESCAP, including students from Golden Gate University (San Francisco), the American School of Bangkok, Webster University (Hua Hin) and representatives from the Thai military and police force. Visitors have ranged in age and background from six-year-old Bangkok primary school students to senior international government officials. The United Nations Information Services (UNIS) would like to extend its gratitude to UN officials who have facilitated the programme and who have often participated as guest speakers.

Progress in agricultural trade needed: UNESCAP
International trade tariffs and agricultural subsidies continue to block trade expansion in developing Asia-Pacific countries, according to a senior trade official at UNESCAP. Speaking at the joint World Trade Organization (WTO) / UNESCAP Regional Training Workshop on Multilateral Negotiations on Agriculture, Mr. Ravi Ratnayake, Director of the Trade and Investment Division, said “no major progress” had been made in improving trade conditions for developing countries in the agricultural sector. While the campaign to reform agricultural trade received a boost in July with Cambodia clearing most hurdles to its WTO membership, Mr. Ratnayake said major obstacles still remain in the form of protectionist national policies. The workshop was held between 21-23 July to prepare regional governments for trade negotiations at the Fifth WTO Ministerial Conference in Cancún, Mexico in September 2003.

Art for All: Towards Inclusive Society
UNESCAP is proud to host the opening of the annual Art for All event at the United Nations Conference Center on the 8th of August. The Art for All project brings together children with and without disabilities through integrated programmes of visual, performing, and literary arts. First organized in 1999, over 150 local and international students are expected to participate in this year’s event, organized with the support of Chulalongkorn University, the Thai Ministry of University Affairs and Culture, the Government Lottery Office and UNESCAP. The students, accompanied by at least 30 art instructors, will attend a four-day art camp in Thailand’s Saraburi Province. The art works produced during the camp will result in an exhibition.


UNESCAP Calendar