The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is hosting the Sixty-ninth Session of ESCAP between 25 April to 1 May 2013 at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. The meeting consists of a Senior Officials Meeting Segment during 24 – 27 April 2013 and a Ministerial Meeting  Segment during 29 April - 1 May 2013. The theme topic for this year’s meeting is “Building Resilience to Natural Disasters and Major Economic Crises.”

                  The annual meeting provides a platform for member states to meet and discuss wide ranging issues affecting the region including macro-economic policies, trade and investment, the environment, social development, and disaster risk reduction. The meeting is designed to enhance and strengthen cooperation between member states with the common goal of achieving sustainable development. The outcome from the discussions will assist the governments of member states in the formulation of relevant policies.

                  Mr. Plodprasop Suraswadi, Deputy Prime Minister, on behalf of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of Thailand, will open the Ministerial Segment of the Meeting on 29 April 2013 and deliver opening remarks.

                  After the opening session, a Ministerial Panel on “Sustainable Development and the Development Agenda Beyond 2015” is scheduled. Mr. Jullapong Nonsrichai, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of  Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, will attend the panel as the Head of the Thai Delegation. In the afternoon, Vice Minister Jullapong will attend the meeting on policy issues for the Asia-Pacific Region and deliver Thailand’s country statement.

                  The day will conclude with a welcome reception for delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region, hosted by Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at Vidhesamosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

                  On 30 April 2013 from 17.15-18.15 hrs., H.E. Mr. Pichet  Wangthep-anukroh,  Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be attending and delivering remarks as a panelist at the ESCAP Side Event: Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disasters and Climate Preparedness under the theme “Towards Resilient Coastal Communities: Results and Opportunities for Regional Cooperation at ESCAP.

                  On 30 April 2013 from 17.30-18.30 hrs.,  Mr. Jan Eliasson, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, will pay a courtesy call on Vice Minister Jullapong  Nonsrichai at Buakaew Room,  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And the day will conclude with a welcome dinner for Mr. Eliasson hosted by Vice Minister Jullapong.