Asia Pacific

A WFP truck convoy travelling to the northern Vanni region of Sri Lanka in October 2008

Ban calls Sri Lanka's president as humanitarian crisis worsens in conflict zone

6 February 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke to the president of Sri Lanka by telephone yesterday about the worsening humanitarian crisis in the northern area of the country where some 250,000 civilians are trapped by fighting between Government forces and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon received the Sustainable DevelopmentLeadership Award from H.E. Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

World cannot afford to ignore climate change, Ban says at New Delhi summit

5 February 2009
The world must tackle the growing threat of climate change, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a sustainable development summit in New Delhi today, stressing that the crisis threatens to roll back development gains and lead to further economic and social misery.
UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie shares a laugh with Karenni refugee children in Ban Mai Nai Soi camp in northern Thailand during a one-day visit (February 2009).
UNHCR/K. McKinsey

UN Ambassador Angelina Jolie voices support for Myanmar refugees in Thailand

5 February 2009
Hollywood star and Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations refugee agency Angelina Jolie has called on the Thai Government to allow greater freedom of movement for tens of thousands of refugees confined to makeshift camps after fleeing neighbouring Myanmar.

Nepal: UN rights office welcomes progress in enforced disappearance case

5 February 2009
The United Nations human rights office in Nepal today welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to order police to name top officials regarding the 2003 enforced disappearances of five students, calling on the Government to bring those behind such acts to justice.

UN-backed forum aims to help Cambodia continue growth in face of economic crisis

5 February 2009
The effects of the global financial collapse and market meltdown may threaten impressive gains to Cambodia’s economic growth and poverty reduction over recent years, delegates at a United Nations-supported forum heard today.
Special Adviser on Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari

Myanmar: Ban calls on Government, opposition to resume substantive talks

5 February 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the Myanmar Government and the opposition to resume substantive talks leading to national dialogue and reconciliation, after being briefed by his Special Adviser on the outcome of his latest visit to the South-East Asian nation.
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto

Ban to set up independent probe into assassination of former Pakistani leader

5 February 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will establish an independent Commission of Inquiry to determine the facts and circumstances of the December 2007 assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Population issues key to fighting poverty, other ills in Asia, UN-backed forum agrees

5 February 2009
Population policy, reproductive health and gender equality remain central to reducing poverty in the Asia and the Pacific region despite recent economic growth, specialists agreed at a conference convened by United Nations agencies in Bangkok this week.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits Afghanistan

On surprise visit, Ban reaffirms UN support for Afghanistan

4 February 2009
Making a surprise stop in Afghanistan today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pledged the United Nations’ strong support for development and the consolidation of peace and stability in the strife-torn nation.

Ban arrives in Pakistan for first official visit, meets with top officials

4 February 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived today in Islamabad for his first State visit to Pakistan, holding talks with senior officials and meeting with United Nations personnel in the South Asian nation.