31 May 2019 –The 75th Session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), under the theme, “Empowering People and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality”, was held on 27-31 May 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graced the session by delivering special remarks highlighting the three main dimensions in achieving sustainable development, namely: health, education, and jobs.
Secretary Ernesto Pernia (3rd from left) with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (center), UN Undersecretary General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana (7th from right), Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai (6th from left) and other Heads of Delegation to the 75th Commission Session (Photo by UNESCAP)
The Philippine delegation to the Commission Session was led by Hon. Ernesto Pernia, Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning and Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority. Secretary Pernia underscored the achievements and initiatives of the country in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically on Goals 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Secretary Pernia highlighted recent key policies in the Philippines such as the Conditional Cash Transfer Program, the Alternative Learning System, the Expanded Maternity Leave Act, the Ease of Doing Business Act, and the Green Jobs Act.
(Left) Ambassador and Permanent Representative Mary Jo A. Bernardo-Aragon (5th from right) with the members of the Philippine Delegation (Photo by PHLDEL) (Right) Secretary Pernia delivering the country statement (Photo by UNESCAP)
The UNESCAP is the largest regional intergovernmental platform and serves as the United Nations’ regional hub in the Asia-Pacific region in promoting cooperation among countries to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. END
