ESCAP thanks PM for ‘special remarks’ during 77th session

ESCAP thanks PM for ‘special remarks’ during 77th session

The United National Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) under-secretary-general Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana has thanked Prime Minister Hun Sen for his contribution to the successful deliberation of ESCAP’s 77th session.

Salsiah Alisjahbana sent a message to Mr Hun Sen, which he received yesterday, saying the Premier issued special remarks on April 26, during the opening of the session to set the scene for the deliberation and greatly contributed to their successful outcome.

She said that even though the pandemic situation compelled them to convene the session virtually, the commission adopted the resolution – Building back better from crises through regional cooperation and enhance resilience of Asian and Pacific countries in the face of future crises.

“The decisions adopted also constitute a strong basis to advance inclusive and sustainable development in the region,” she added.

Salsiah Alisjahbana said she is looking forward to future sessions and to working with the Cambodian government to further strengthen regional cooperation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.

Mr Hun Sen, in the meeting via video conference, appealed to a number of countries to not hoard vaccines more than needed and not to use the vaccine as a political tool.

He encouraged the continuation to promote and support the principles of globalisation via expanding greater openness of international trade and supporting stronger multilateralism systems as well as providing preferential treatment to developing countries to ensure the benefits of globalisation are equitably and effectively allocated.

He said digitalisation should be promoted by placing a priority on the establishment of digital government and development of supporting infrastructure as well as encouraging the private sector to widely adopt the use of digital technology, which will serve as a new pillar of economic growth and promote competitiveness and economic diversification.

“Enhancing social resilience by strengthening the health system, promoting public health services and social protection systems, in terms of quality and scope, so as to be ready to respond to the crisis or other risks that may occur in the future, and developing the human resources,” Mr Hun Sen said.

“Overall, Cambodia firmly believes that the fight against COVID-19 and the post-crisis recovery requires us to urgently address regional and global challenges in a responsible manner with the spirit of unity, collaboration and mutual respect,” he added. Khmer Times