The 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), held in Bangkok, concluded on Friday, April 24. At this session, Bangladesh, under the leadership of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, spearheaded the adoption of a landmark resolution on the sustainable bioeconomy. Through this initiative, the country has achieved a significant diplomatic success in advancing sustainable development and innovation-driven growth.
Titled “Supporting the Transition to a Sustainable Bioeconomy in Asia and the Pacific,” the resolution was sponsored by Bangladesh and adopted unanimously by member states. It marks the first resolution sponsored by Bangladesh in any United Nations body under the newly elected government. This achievement comes at a time when Bangladesh is also contesting for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly through the candidacy of its Foreign Minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman.
The resolution aligns with Bangladesh’s national priorities, including sustainable and inclusive growth, the circular economy, and the application of science and technology. It calls for strengthening regional cooperation across the Asia-Pacific through knowledge exchange, capacity building, investment, and the development of sustainable value chains.
Speaking at a side event during the session, Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam (MP) said, “The bioeconomy is not just an emerging concept; it is a practical pathway for addressing climate challenges, enhancing resilience, and ensuring inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region.”
The adoption of the resolution was supported by collaboration between Bangladesh’s delegation and international organizations including FAO, ESCAP, and UNEP. Several countries—India, Thailand, China, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives—also co-sponsored the resolution.
During the same session, the “Baku-Bangkok Declaration” was also adopted, reaffirming commitments to building an inclusive society in the Asia-Pacific region by ensuring poverty reduction, decent work, social protection, and gender equality.
DBTech/EK/MUI/OR
