The Office will facilitate matters related to cooperation in significant issues by ESCAP members China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation.
“There is great potential for the six countries to work together, particularly in areas such as low-carbon green growth, MDG achievement and energy security,” Dr. Heyzer said. “Strengthening subregional cooperation in East and North-East Asia will contribute to greater stability, economic and social advancement, and environmental sustainability across the entire Asia-Pacific region.”
The Mayor of Incheon, Ahn Sang-soo, welcomed the announcement and noted that the city had set for itself the goal of hosting some 30 UN organizations and agencies, thereby creating a cluster of UN and international agencies in Songdo International City. “[We are] continuing to work hard at attracting large numbers of international organizations and UN agencies to the city,” he said.
East and North-East Asia contains the most dynamic economies in the world as well as countries struggling to fight hunger, malnutrition and high maternal child mortality. Another critical challenge confronting the subregion is environmental sustainability.
As the UN’s regional development arm in Asian and the Pacific, ESCAP promotes inclusive and sustainable economic and social development among its 62 member countries and territories. The establishment of the subregional office was approved by the General Assembly in 2008 as part of the Secretary-General’s efforts to strengthen the development pillar of the United Nations. Two more subregional offices are planned for South and South-West Asia and for North and Central Asia, while the existing Pacific subregional office in Suva, Fiji, will also be strengthened.
For media queries, please contact:
Mr. Hak-Fan Lau
Chief, UN/ESCAP Information Services
Bangkok, Thailand
+66 2 288 1866
Ms. Hyeun-Suk Rhee
Director, UN-APCICT
Incheon, Republic of Korea
+82 32 245 1700