A delegation from Maldives has actively participated in the 80th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Secretary of Economic and Development Cooperation Dr. Hussain Niyaaz is leading the Maldives delegation at the 80th Session of ESCAP, which kicked off in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday.

The session will proceed through April 26 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok.

Themed around “Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific”, the 80th commission session provides a platform to strengthen region-wide cooperative action on leveraging digital innovation for the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Secretary Niyaaz shed light on the ambitious development agenda of the Maldivian government, stemming 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.

Dr. Niyaaz will also participate in an event being co-hosted by Maldives, Indonesia, Fiji and France on the sidelines, titled “Accelerating Ocean-Based Climate Action”.

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.

Participating in the commission session are delegations from ESCAP member countries and associate members, as well as independent organizations.

Dr. Niyaaz is accompanied by First Secretary Aishath Shiruma Ahmed, First Secretary Aishath Shahula and Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Maldives in the Kingdom of Thailand, Siyana Shiyam.