United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has held its 76th Commission Session on virtual platform, for the first time in the history, amid the COVID-19 pandemic stressing regional cooperation. 

Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand and Permanent Representative to the ESCAP Md Nazmul Quaunine was elected chair of the 76th Commission of UNESCAP. 

Thailand was elected as the Vice-Chair on Thursday, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. 

The theme of the 76th Commission’s session is "Promoting economic, social and environmental cooperation on oceans for sustainable development”. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was scheduled to attend the meeting in Bangkok and deliver keynote speech; however, as the Session is taking place virtually, the Prime Minister delivered her message through a video message. 

In her message, the Prime Minister stressed regional cooperation for capacity building of developing countries for sustainable use of marine resources.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand and PR to UNESCAP Nazmul Quaunine upon his election as the Chair thanked 53 member countries of the ESCAP for reposing their confidence in Bangladesh in electing him as the Chair. 

He underscored the commitment of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the regional and multilateral engagements and cooperation and Bangladesh’s very active participation in and contribution to the works of the UNESCAP. 

Besides, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha, Fiji Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano also sent their video messages in the opening Session. 

In the session, the Asia Pacific nations have agreed to cooperate in addressing the socio-economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemics and adopted a resolution.

The video message of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and chairing the Commission’ Session by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand and the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UNESCAP have greatly elevated  the profile and visibility of Bangladesh in the 53-member annual conference of the largest UN body of the Asia Pacific Region. 

A seven-member Bangladesh delegation, led by Secretary, Maritime Affairs Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Md. Khurshed Alam participated in and contributed to the session through projecting Bangladesh‘s positions in different agenda items and Commission’s outcome.