ESCAP adopts BD resolution on oceans economy

Heads of government and other high officials from around Asia and the Pacific region unanimously adopted a Bangladesh resolution on oceans economy at a UN meeting in Bangkok yesterday.

The resolution titled “Regional cooperation in Asia and the Pacific to promote the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development” was adopted by a consensus at the 72nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Representatives and delegates from 53 countries took part in the five-day debates which concluded yesterday. The debates reviewed key challenges to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the Asia Pacific region.

Australia, India and Sri Lanka co-sponsored the resolution and made statements of support to the resolution which was adopted with support of all 53 ESCAP member states.

“In keeping with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership role in promoting the Blue Economy concept, we took the initiative to table for the first time in UNESCAP, a resolution linked to Sustainable Development Goal 14 and our national aspirations to conserve and use marine resources at the Bay of Bengal sustainably,” said Saida Muna Tasneem, Bangladesh ambassador to Thailand and permanent representative to the UNESCAP.

The envoy said as part of acknowledging the PM's initiatives to promote the Blue Economy concept, the Bangladesh resolution contains text recalling the International Workshop on Blue Economy held in Dhaka on 1-2 September 2014.

During the 72nd session, the Bangladesh embassy in Bangkok in partnership with UNCDF and UNESCAP also took the initiative to organise a side event titled “Accelerating Financial Inclusion in Least Developed Countries in Asia and the Pacific: The Role of South-South and Triangular Cooperation”.