Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba chaired the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday, highlighting a range of pressing policy and development challenges confronting the Asia-Pacific region.

In her Acceptance Speech as Chair, Dr Rana outlined a sobering picture of regional vulnerabilities, emphasizing rising fiscal and financial constraints, trade fragmentation, a deepening digital divide, weak social protection systems, and the devastating impacts of climate-induced disasters.

“The Asia-Pacific region today confronts a number of critical policy challenges,” Dr Rana said, pointing to how these issues are hampering governments’ abilities to deliver essential services and make long-term investments in sustainable infrastructure and human capital.

Key Challenges Highlighted:
Fiscal vulnerabilities and limited resources hindering long-term planning.

Protectionist trends threatening multilateral trade and development gains.

A widening urban-rural digital divide, which could exacerbate inequality.

Weak social safety nets, calling for globally informed, regionally tailored reforms.

The growing intensity of climate disasters—especially affecting vulnerable areas like the Himalayas.

Dr Rana warned that unplanned urbanization could lead to major social and environmental problems. Speaking on the session's theme, “Regional cooperation for resilient and sustainable urban development in Asia and the Pacific,” she urged countries to focus on building inclusive, green, and resilient cities.

“Urban areas are engines of growth and innovation,” she said. “But without strategic planning, we risk creating unsustainable and inequitable urban spaces.”

Calls for Collective Action:
Dr Rana stressed that no country can face these multifaceted challenges alone. She advocated for enhanced regional cooperation and praised ESCAP’s role in providing a platform for dialogue, policy innovation, and knowledge-sharing.

“Regional cooperation is essential. It binds our collective efforts and multiplies the impact of national actions,” she said. “ESCAP is vital in harnessing this collaboration to achieve globally agreed development goals.”

The Way Forward:
Concluding her remarks, Foreign Minister Rana issued a rallying call to recommit to inclusive growth, regional unity, and the values of the United Nations.

“The road ahead is not easy,” she acknowledged, “but with cooperation and the unwavering commitment of our nations, we can build a future that ensures the wellbeing of our people and our planet.”

As Nepal assumes the chair of the 81st ESCAP session, it reaffirms its global leadership on sustainable development, climate resilience, and multilateral collaboration in an increasingly uncertain world.