Fiji elected as vice chair of the 81st commission session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP81)

The 81st Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has convened this week, from 21 – 25 April, at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The Commission session provides a forum for ESCAP member States to review and discuss economic and social issues that strengthen regional cooperation under the mandate of one of the five principal organs of the United Nations, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Guided by the theme “Regional cooperation for resilient and sustainable urban development in Asia and the Pacific”, the 81st Session is an opportunity to foster inclusive urban growth and promote steadfast action for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels. The session brings together Government Leaders and Ministers from across Asia and the Pacific and other key stakeholders to exchange views on current and emerging policy issues for inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.

Fiji was elected as one of the Vice Chairs for this year’s Commission Session and is represented by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon. Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa, and Fiji Government officials from the Ministries of Housing & Local Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Fiji High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Fiji Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. The delegation is supported by the participation of the Minister for Immigration, Hon. Viliame Naupoto, in his capacity as Chair of the Second Asia-Pacific Regional Review of Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, which was convened from 4 – 6 February 2025.

The Chairman of the Special Administrators of Suva City Council, Mr Tevita Boseiwaqa was also in attendance, to participate in a Roundtable Panel discussion on “Regional Cooperation for Resilient and Sustainable Urban Development in Asia and the Pacific”.

In delivering Fiji’s national statement on the first day of the Commission Session, Hon. Nalumisa reiterated the need to promote solidarity, coordinated action and shared accountability to address the region’s challenges and achieve collective prosperity. Hon. Nalumisa also reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to promoting equitable and sustainable development in the Pacific, to further progress our achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

Other engagements for the Fiji delegation include meetings with bilateral and development partners, to explore and seek support for Fiji’s housing initiatives, urbanisation challenges and solutions, solid waste management initiatives, urban planning and innovative sustainable housing models for the Fijian population, at all income brackets.