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UNESCAP
eNews Bulletin United Nations Economic
and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |
May 2004
60th Commission Session Hailed as Historic Beginning
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The historic 60th
session of UNESCAP ended on 28 April with the unanimous adoption of
the Shanghai Declaration consisting of a wide range of future-oriented
strategies to strengthen and sustain progress in the region, particularly
in the three thematic areas of poverty reduction, globalization and addressing
emerging social issues. Asia and Pacific ministers also adopted another
six resolutions to combat the economic and social ills that threaten to
cloud the otherwise fast growing economic prospects of the region. Opening
the ministerial segment of the Commission Session were Mr.
Kim Hak-Su (right), and Mr. Zeng Qinghong, Vice President of China.
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Green light given to Asian Highway Network
The signing of the Asian Highway Agreement was one of the highlights of the Commission Session with over 20 countries signing the treaty on 26 April. The highway network is expected to run through 32 regional countries and encompass more than 140,000 kilometers. Mr. Nikorn Chamnong, Deputy Minister of Transport of Thailand, signs the Asian Highway Agreement in Shanghai, China as part of UNESCAP's Commission Session. With him are Mr. Kim Hak-Su (standing right), and Mr. Palitha Kohona, Chief of the UN's Treaty Section.
The signing of the Asian Highway Agreement was one of the highlights of the Commission Session with over 20 countries signing the treaty on 26 April. The highway network is expected to run through 32 regional countries and encompass more than 140,000 kilometers. Mr. Nikorn Chamnong, Deputy Minister of Transport of Thailand, signs the Asian Highway Agreement in Shanghai, China as part of UNESCAP's Commission Session. With him are Mr. Kim Hak-Su (standing right), and Mr. Palitha Kohona, Chief of the UN's Treaty Section.
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High-level panel gives vision for the future
The High-Level Visionary Panel Meeting for Asia and the Pacific 2020 gathered on the opening day of the Ministerial Segment on 26 April to discuss the future direction of the region. The panelists were Ms. Jenny Shipley, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Fidel Ramos, former President of the Philippines, Mr. Qian Qichen, former Vice Premier of China, Mr. Anand Panyarachun (pictured right), Chairman and former Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Farooz Ahmad Khan Leghari (pictured left), former President of Pakistan, Sir Peter Kenilorea, Former Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, and UNESCAP's Mr. Kim Hak-Su, who moderated the panel.
The High-Level Visionary Panel Meeting for Asia and the Pacific 2020 gathered on the opening day of the Ministerial Segment on 26 April to discuss the future direction of the region. The panelists were Ms. Jenny Shipley, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Fidel Ramos, former President of the Philippines, Mr. Qian Qichen, former Vice Premier of China, Mr. Anand Panyarachun (pictured right), Chairman and former Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Farooz Ahmad Khan Leghari (pictured left), former President of Pakistan, Sir Peter Kenilorea, Former Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, and UNESCAP's Mr. Kim Hak-Su, who moderated the panel.
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First business forum moulds partnerships
As part of the 60th Commission, business leaders throughout the region met in Shanghai, China to attend the first Asia-Pacific Business Forum. The event aimed to provide a platform for networking and forming partnerships on an Asia-Pacific wide basis. Mr. Fu Chengyu, President and CEO of China National Offshore Oil Corporation, took part in a panel discussion on regional business opportunities for the region to emerge as the future global business hub.
As part of the 60th Commission, business leaders throughout the region met in Shanghai, China to attend the first Asia-Pacific Business Forum. The event aimed to provide a platform for networking and forming partnerships on an Asia-Pacific wide basis. Mr. Fu Chengyu, President and CEO of China National Offshore Oil Corporation, took part in a panel discussion on regional business opportunities for the region to emerge as the future global business hub.
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Special meetings give Commission unique edge
The Commission Session featured an unprecedented number of side events which focued on UNESCAP areas of expertise. They included: an event on Sustainable Development featuring the Pro-Poor Public Private Partnership Project, a panel on Least Developed Countries, a Statistics event on "Challenges in International Comparison", and the High-Level Panel on Knowledge Economy Development which included a segment on Disaster Management (photograph).
The Commission Session featured an unprecedented number of side events which focued on UNESCAP areas of expertise. They included: an event on Sustainable Development featuring the Pro-Poor Public Private Partnership Project, a panel on Least Developed Countries, a Statistics event on "Challenges in International Comparison", and the High-Level Panel on Knowledge Economy Development which included a segment on Disaster Management (photograph).
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Art Troupe turning 'disability' into 'possibility'
The China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe headlined the cultural side events programme with a performance on 22 April. The Troupe, consisting of visual or hearing impaired performers, was established in 1987 to turn "disability and need" into "possibility and outstanding talent". Mr. Kim Hak-Su, UNESCAP Executive Secretary, received a souvenir gift from a member of the Troupe.
The China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe headlined the cultural side events programme with a performance on 22 April. The Troupe, consisting of visual or hearing impaired performers, was established in 1987 to turn "disability and need" into "possibility and outstanding talent". Mr. Kim Hak-Su, UNESCAP Executive Secretary, received a souvenir gift from a member of the Troupe.
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UNESCAP
staff honored with UN 21 Award
Mr. Prasong Ongpreechakul (left), became the first UNESCAP staff member to receive the UN 21 Award on 30 April from Mr. Kim Hak-Su.. The award is given to UN staff who have successfully initiated internal reforms to improve the working environment within the organization. Mr. Prasong, a Human Resources Officer, was honored as one of a team of 13 UN staffers around the world who helped to streamline the new performance appraisal system, ePAS.
Mr. Prasong Ongpreechakul (left), became the first UNESCAP staff member to receive the UN 21 Award on 30 April from Mr. Kim Hak-Su.. The award is given to UN staff who have successfully initiated internal reforms to improve the working environment within the organization. Mr. Prasong, a Human Resources Officer, was honored as one of a team of 13 UN staffers around the world who helped to streamline the new performance appraisal system, ePAS.
Up-coming
Events
- World Press Freedom Day (3 May)
- International Day of Families (15 May)
- World Telecommunication Day (17 May)
- World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (21 May)
- International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May)
- International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers (29 May)
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World No-Tobacco Day (31 May)
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