Closing ceremony of the 78th annual session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Photo: VOV

At this session, participating countries adopted 20 resolutions and decisions, including the Bangkok Declaration on the Common Agenda to promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Declaration draws upon priority areas identified from country consultations and negotiations. Governments promised to leave no one behind, as well as place women and youth at the heart of development. They further reaffirmed the importance of trade as an engine of inclusive growth, protecting the planet, enhancing regional connectivity and exploiting technological opportunities.

Over 740 delegates from 52 member States and associate members, various stakeholder groups and international organizations attended the 78th session held this week in Bangkok. 

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam led the Vietnamese delegation to attend to the session. Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phan Chi Thanh was elected to chair the meetings. Two Vietnamese agencies were elected to the Governing Councils of the United Nations Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP) and the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanisation (CSAM) under ESCAP.