Bangkok, Thailand – 24 April 2024 – CICA Secretary General visited Bangkok to take part in the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) from 22 to 24 April 2024.
Secretary General Sarybay joined the high-level opening session, as well as some other panels and side-events, dedicated to “Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific”. In particular, he delivered key remarks during the dialogue with sub regional organizations. He highlighted efforts in fostering sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific. Emphasizing the role of digital innovation, he underscored collaborative initiatives addressing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and disaster management.
The Secretary General also addressed the SPECA ministerial meeting, underscoring a strategic role of Central Asia for CICA and reaffirming CICA's commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development initiatives.
Moreover, Secretary General Sarybay held a number of discussions with high-level UN representatives on the sidelines of the 80th Session. Talks with Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, centered on accelerating collaboration between CICA Secretariat and UNESCAP, with a commitment to expedite the Memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two organizations.
Additionally, fruitful meetings were held with David McClachlan Carr, Regional Director for Asia-Pacific of UNDCO, focusing on expanding joint capacities to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through networking and regional collaborations, and with Aliya El-Yassir, Regional Director of UN Women for Asia-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment that have cross-cutting nature and correlate with many CICA's priority areas.
Secretary General Sarybay also hosted a landmark side-event jointly organized at the UN Conference Centre by CICA and UNESCAP Secretariats under the title “Leveraging Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific – Role of Regional Partnerships”.
The event commenced with remarks from the Secretary General and distinguished guests including ESCAP Executive Secretary; Arman Issetov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Thailand; and Busadee Santipitaks, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
CICA Secretariat’s expert in Environmental dimension Dr. Ugur Turan set the tone with his key presentation followed by insightful interventions, featuring experts from various sectors, highlighting the pivotal role of digital technologies in advancing sustainable development goals. Major topics included environmental dimensions, digital economy promotion, emergency situation monitoring, natural disaster management, and fostering regional cooperation.
