The 80th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) commenced today in Bangkok. The Maldives delegation at the 80th Commission Session is led by Dr. Hussain Niyaaz, Secretary, Economic and Development Cooperation. The session will be held from 22-26 April 2024 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.
The theme for the 80th Commission Session is “Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific” and provides an opportunity to strengthen region-wide cooperative action on leveraging digital innovation for the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In his remarks, Secretary, Economic and Development Cooperation highlighted the ambitious development agenda of the Government of Maldives which stems from innovation, sustainability and inclusivity. This includes the plans to establish smart and resilient urban centers throughout the Maldives, the “Ras Malé Eco-City project, the prioritization of e-government platforms and the utilization of artificial intelligence across various services.
Secretary, Economic Cooperation will also participate in a side event co-hosted by Maldives with Indonesia, Fiji and France entitled “Accelerating Ocean-Based Climate Action” held on the sidelines of the Session.
This year’s Session follows a thematic study undertaken by UNESCAP, which examines existing digital innovations that have accelerated progress towards sustainable development and explores ways to build on their successes. Delegations from ESCAP member countries and associate members, as well as independent organizations, are participating in the Commission Session.
Secretary, Economic, and Development Cooperation Dr. Hussain Niyaaz is accompanied by Ms. Aishath Shiruma Ahmed, First Secretary, Ms. Aishath Shahula, First Secretary and Ms. Siyana Shiyam, Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Maldives in the Kingdom of Thailand.