Distinguished Chair,
Madame Executive Secretary,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to be invited to the 80th Commission session and participate in this high-level subregional dialogue addressing such a representative audience here in Bangkok.
I am honoured to represent today the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which provides a multilateral platform for ensuring peace, security and stability in Asia. Currently CICA brings together 28 Member States across Asia, covering almost 90 percent of its territory and comprising half of the world’s population. One can say that CICA’s geography stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Mediterranean and from the Arctic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
Such a vast geography corresponds to comprehensive agenda and diverse membership that are softly being channelled into harmonization, inclusivity as well as integration into globally important decision-making processes. Through voluntary initiatives we seek to elevate relationships from humble engagement to more profound practically oriented cooperation, thereby creating conditions conducive for a more secure, stable, prosperous Asia and laying crucial fundamentals for effectively achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Asia and beyond.
As a multilateral platform, CICA offers an equal opportunity for its Members with varying political, economic and socio-cultural backgrounds to discuss key ideas, share knowledge and best practices, collaborate on mutually beneficial initiatives within five broad dimensions: military-political, economic, human, environmental and new challenges and threats. A comprehensive list of all 18 areas of cooperation within these five dimensions is contained in the CICA Catalogue of Confidence Building Measures, which serves as a basis for CICA practical activities and specific actions.
These dimensions align with various aspects of sustainable development, underscoring our commitment to peace, cooperation and regional prosperity. For example, our Economic Dimension promotes closer cooperation with focus on Small and Medium Enterprises, trade, investment and financing, as well as highlighting such areas as agriculture, tourism and information technologies, all of which are essential for fostering economic growth and poverty eradication. Additionally, our Human Dimension focuses on human rights, gender equality and social justice, which are fundamental for building inclusive and equitable societies. Furthermore, our Environmental Dimension emphasizes environmental protection, natural disaster management and sustainable resource management, directly contributing to environmental sustainability goals outlined in the SDGs 13, 14 and 15. Lastly, our New Challenges and Threats Dimension addresses emerging global issues such as terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and ICT security, which intersect with multiple SDGs. Essentially, CICA's comprehensive strategy positions it as a significant contributor to promoting sustainable development in Asia.
Esteemed colleagues and delegates,
In 2022, the Sixth CICA Summit launched CICA’s transformation into a full-fledged international regional organization. Moreover, the Summit has established the CICA Fund to facilitate CICA project activities, adopted the CICA action plan to implement the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the statement on cooperation in the area of security of and in the use of ICTs and other significant decisions.
At this Summit meeting, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, current Chair of CICA, put forward several initiatives to further strengthen cooperation and proposed the establishment of the CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity to address contemporary challenges in the global economy, including supply chain disruptions. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance transit and transport potential across CICA Member States, spanning vast geographic regions. Additionally, the Kazakh Chairmanship initiated the High-level Environmental Conference showcasing CICA's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. This event will be held on 28 August 2024, as a CICA Ministerial Conference.
Apart from that CICA Member States have recently agreed that volunteerism is an essential social phenomenon that significantly contributes to sustainable development and in September 2023 adopted a Ministerial Statement on Promoting Volunteerism for Sustainable Development. As a practical step in this directions Kazakhstan is going to organize a Rally of volunteer Movement Leader under the auspices of the CICA Youth Council in Astana later this year.
Ladies and gentlemen
In the globalizing world, Asia represents a prosperous and diverse combination of cultures, economies and rich natural resources and stays open to connectivity initiatives, integration, digital innovations and synergy for the benefit of the entire planet, while its global role in international affairs continues to grow. In today's interconnected world, the role of information technology and digital innovation cannot be overstated. As we strive to achieve sustainable development goals and effectively manage natural disasters, harnessing the power of technology is essential. CICA remains committed to leveraging digital innovation to promote sustainable development, enhance disaster preparedness and response and address social challenges such as poverty alleviation and healthcare.
Within CICA priority area of Information Technology is under the economic dimension with South Korea and Bangladesh coordinating interaction in this sphere. Several seminars and workshops have been organized in the last few years, addressing such topics as digitalization of the economy, new realities in the field of ICTs, especially amidst the post-COVID recovery, digital solutions for agriculture and SMEs.
The CICA Member States are actively addressing various challenges related to environmental sustainability, including green transformation, regional environmental issues, bio-circular economy, sustainable development and disaster risk reduction . Thailand serves as the coordinator country for the sustainable development priority area, playing a leading role within CICA. For example, in 2022, Thailand organized an "International Training Course on Sustainable Waste Management in a Circular Economy" as part of its initiatives. Meanwhile, Iran is leading efforts in natural disaster management, preparing conceptual approached towards future cooperation in this area. Bangladesh, as the co-coordinator country, is actively involved in organizing events, exemplified by the "CICA Workshop on Ecosystem Restoration in the Context of Climate and other Vulnerability" held in 2023, which highlighted the region's vulnerability to environmental challenges. Through these collaborative efforts, CICA Member States are working to combat environmental threats and promote sustainable development in the region by sharing best practices.
Indeed, innovation is crucial due to its potential to revolutionize disaster readiness, response and recovery efforts. In an era marked by increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters, leveraging digital technologies can enhance early warning systems, facilitate rapid communication and coordination among responders and streamline relief efforts. By prioritizing digital innovation in disaster risk management at the regional and subregional level, countries can strengthen their resilience to disasters and minimize the loss of life and property. Furthermore, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices in digital innovation among neighboring countries can amplify the effectiveness of disaster response strategies, ultimately contributing to safer and more resilient communities.
In this regard, the synergy between CICA and UN ESCAP is significant. Both organizations share a common vision of promoting cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region. By aligning our efforts and leveraging our respective strengths, we can maximize our impact and address the complex challenges facing our region more effectively. Later today after lunch there will be a CICA-ESCAP side-event dedicated to the role of regional partnerships in achieving the SDGs including trough the efficient use of digital innovations. I warmly welcome you, distinguished colleagues, to join this important seminar that would allow contribute to a deeper dialogue among policy-decision-makers and key stakeholders on the key findings and policy recommendations of this year Commission’s theme.
In conclusion, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect. As we work together to build a more prosperous and peaceful future for our region, let us seize the opportunities presented by digital innovation and sustainable development to create a better world for generations to come.
Thank you.
Bangkok, 24 April 2024
