The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is
the regional arm of the United Nations, playing a unique role as the only intergovernmental
forum for all countries and territories of the Asian and Pacific region. Established in 1947,
ESCAP currently consists of 53 members and nine associate members, covering over 60
per cent of the worlds population, or 4.1 billion people. ESCAPs mission is to serve as
the regional hub promoting cooperation among member States to achieve inclusive and
sustainable economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP provides
the strategic regional link between global-, subregional- and country-level programmes
and concerns. ESCAP is headquartered in Bangkok and has a Pacific office in Suva. Website:
www.unescap.org