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Countries vow to reduce poverty in Asia-Pacific region as UN meeting ends

Countries vow to reduce poverty in Asia-Pacific region as UN meeting ends

Shanghai, China
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) ended its 60th session in Shanghai today with the unanimous adoption of the Shanghai Declaration calling for the highest priority to be given to reducing poverty in the vast region that is home to more than half the world’s people.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) ended its 60th session in Shanghai today with the unanimous adoption of the Shanghai Declaration calling for the highest priority to be given to reducing poverty in the vast region that is home to more than half the world’s people.

The Declaration emphasizes ESCAP’s unique role as the most representative body for Asia and the Pacific and its mandate as the main general economic and social development centre within the UN system for the region, particularly in the three thematic areas of poverty reductions, globalization and emerging social issues.

“The Declaration also reaffirms that the United Nations has a central role in promoting international cooperation for development and in promoting policy coherence on global development issues including in the context of globalization and interdependence,” ESCAP Executive Director Kim Hak-su said.

During the session, attended by 55 members and associate members, 25 countries signed an agreement for “the new silk route,” a multi-pronged 140,000-kilometre-long network of standardized roadways connecting 32 countries and linking Europe to Asia.

Other new initiatives included the inaugural session of the Asia Business Forum and ESCAP Business Advisory Group to discuss emerging trade and investment opportunities and engage the private sector at the institutional level.