Head of ESCAP sub-regional office for the Pacific meets PS. Taga

Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga received a courtesy visit by the Head of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Sub Regional Office for the Pacific, Ms. Andie Fong Toy. The meeting was held at the Ministry’s headquarters on Friday 4th April 2025.

It discussed cooperation opportunities in the lead up to 81st ESCAP Commission Session to be held from 21 to 25 April 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand with the theme – “Regional cooperation for resilient and sustainable urban development in Asia and the Pacific”.

In her remarks, Dr Taga acknowledged the initiatives undertaken by ESCAP in advancing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Fiji. She reaffirmed the Fiji Government’s commitment to further strengthen the cooperation with ESCAP, with focus on the national development priorities.

The meeting highlighted ESCAP’s support for the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility (PRFCM) as a first of its kind initiative aimed at addressing the issues of migration, displacement, and planned relocation due to climate crisis.

ESCAP has assisted the Fiji Government in facilitating Fiji’s National Voluntary Review (VNR) by providing technical support in the development of Fiji’s national database for SDG implementation. It also supported in gathering up-to-date high-quality data and information for the VNR reporting process.

In her response, Ms. Fong Toy thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Fiji’s Ambassador to Indonesia and non- resident High Commissioner to Singapore His Excellency Mr Amena Yauvoli for their unwavering support and tireless efforts at the UN. She also reaffirmed the ESCAPs steadfast support and dedication to promote Fiji’s sustainable development and social inclusion across all stages of development.

Ms Fong Toy made a commitment to ensure that the Ministry remains informed about all the latest ESCAP initiatives in Fiji in pursuit of sustainable development.

The Economic and Social Commission for the Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is one of the five sub regional bodies under one of the six principle organs of the United Nations – the Economic and Social Council (ESOSOC). Founded in 1947 with 53 Member States, it is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand and works to overcome some of the Asia Pacific region’s most pressing challenges by providing evidence-based analysis and recommendations, technical assistance and capacity building for its members.

There are several committees under ESCAP focusing on sustainable development and other pertinent issues: Environment and Development, Transport, Information Communications Technology (ICT), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Trade and Investment, Macroeconomic Policy Poverty Reduction and Financing for Development, Social Protection, Statistics, and Energy.