United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
UNESCAP

Map showing United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific members`
Abbreviation ESCAP
Formation 1947
Type Primary Organ – Regional Branch
Legal status Active
Headquarters Bangkok, Thailand
Head

Executive Secretary of ESCAP

Ms. Shamshad Akhtar[1]
 Pakistan
(2014 - present)
Parent organization
 ECOSOC
Website www.unescap.org

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP or ESCAP), located in the United Nations Building in Rajadamnern Nok Avenue in Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council,[2] under the administrative direction of the United Nations headquarters. It was established in 1947 (then as the UN Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East, ECAFE) to encourage economic cooperation among its member states. The name was changed to the current in 1974. ESCAP has 53 member States and nine Associate members, home to more than two-third of the world population. As well as countries in Asia and the Pacific, it includes France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.

ESCAP's regional focus is managing globalization through programs in environmentally sustainable development, trade, and human rights. ESCAP is headed by Executive Secretary Shamshad Akhtar of Pakistan. Following her appointment on 3 February 2014 it was announced that under her leadership, ESCAP will place a greater emphasis on promoting higher, well-balanced and sustainable regional growth that helps eradicate poverty and generates jobs to improve prosperity in the region.[3]

Scope

ESCAP works to overcome some of the region's greatest challenges by providing results oriented projects, technical assistance and capacity building to member States in the following areas:[4]

Member states

Associate members

Executive Secretaries[5]

Secretary Country Term
Ms. Shamshad Akhtar  Pakistan 2014–present
Ms. Noeleen Heyzer  Singapore 2007–2014
Mr. Kim Hak-Su  South Korea 2000–2007
Mr. Adrianus Mooy  Indonesia 1995–2000
Mr. Rafeeuddin Ahmed  Pakistan 1992–1994
Mr. Shah A M S Kibria  Bangladesh 1981–1992
Mr. J. B. P. Maramis  Indonesia 1973–1981
Mr. U Nyun  Myanmar 1959–1973
Mr. Chakravarthi V. Narasimhan  India 1956–1959
Mr. Palamadai S. Lokanathan  India 1947–1956

Locations

See also

References

  1. ↑ unescap.org, ESCAP: Office of the Executive Secretary
  2. ↑ "SUBSIDIARY BODIES OF ECOSOC". United Nations Economic and Social Council.
  3. ↑ UNESCAP. "Shamshad Akhtar takes charge of UN ESCAP". Press release. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  4. ↑ "About ESCAP". United Nations ESCAP.
  5. ↑ "Former Executive Secretaries". United Nations ESCAP.
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