BANGKOK – The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 75th session in Bangkok on Monday, with global and regional leaders calling for greater empowerment and inclusion of marginalized groups to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
According to a press statement of UN ESCAP, officiating the session, Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach to sustainable development. “Development is an integrated work with dimensions and issues to address including healthcare, education and employment. Development work should not last only a few years but go on as long as possible. People who live in underdeveloped areas also deserve to be happier and live better.”
The 75th session of the Commission is being held under the theme ‘Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.’ A flagship report Closing the Gap launched to coincide with the annual meeting assesses whether disadvantaged groups such as rural populations, persons with disabilities and women have been effectively included in development.
