Foreign Secretary Ahmed Latheef is participating in the Seventy-Ninth Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

The Seventy-Ninth Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific is being held from 15 to 19 May 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The theme of the 79th Commission Session is “Accelerating climate action in Asia and the Pacific for Sustainable Development”.

The annual UNESCAP Commission session this year will be an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation on climate change.

This year’s session follows a thematic study undertaken by UNESCAP which outlines the pathways that the Asia Pacific region needs to follow to transition to a net-zero-carbon future in support of sustainable development. The study also sets out the regional context of climate change and identifies policies and actions that could be taken in various sectors of the economy to support the global climate agenda.

Delegations from ESCAP member countries and associate members as well as independent organizations is participating in the Commission Session. The thematic discussions is on seeking ways to strengthen co-operative opportunities for the region.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that as an active member of ESCAP, the Maldives will advocate on the need for sustainable, adequate climate financing to address the gaps in climate action and to conduct more climate risk analysis and planning.

The ministry highlights that the Maldives will endeavor to enhance solidarity in tackling the global climate crisis.