Timor-Leste admitted to UN economic and social commission for Asia-Pacific

Timor-Leste was admitted today to the regional arm of the United Nations responsible for promoting economic and social development through cooperation and integration in Asia and the Pacific.

The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok concluded the first phase of its 59th annual session by unanimously admitting Timor-Leste as a full member, bringing its total membership to 62, including nine associate members.

Delegates also considered programme changes of ESCAP for this year and plans for the following two years. “The new work programme uses a results-based framework with emphasis on the achievement of the desired outputs. We have sharpened the focus of the programme of work to achieve greater impact,” ESCAP Executive Secretary Kim Hak-Su said.

Other important issues addressed included a briefing on transit transport in multi-landlocked and transit developing countries ahead of a major August ministerial meeting in Kazakhstan. Delegates also agreed to closely observe the developments regarding the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that has affected the region more than any other part of the world.