Bangkok as UN hub in Asia Pacific

 The UN, established 66 years ago, marked the 62 years of its presence in Thailand on the day.  Joining the event to turn Bangkok into "UN Hub for Asia-Pacific” were HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
 “Bangkok has transformed in many ways – not only in its growth as the capital of our dear nation, but also as a geographic, commercial and political hub. In the same way, Bangkok has risen in stature and importance for both ESCAP and the entire UN family of agencies and entities, which now total almost 30, making it now also a United Nations hub for Asia and the Pacific,” Her Royal Highness said in her keynote address.
 Addressing the ceremony, Yingluck said “It would be difficult to imagine a world without the United Nations” as it plays a vital role in promoting international cooperation to bring about world peace, security and development.
 She said her government was battling one of the country’s worst natural disasters in decades and Thailand looked to support from the United Nations as it recovers from the devastating floods.
 Speaking on the occasion, ESCAP Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer who is the top United Nations official in the Asia-Pacific region, reiterated United Nations support to Thailand. “In response to this and other natural disasters in recent months, the United Nations stands ready to assist our Member States in humanitarian relief and to build back better.”
 “Increased natural disasters like the ones we are experiencing in our region wipe out years of hard work and human lives,” Heyzer said.
 Thanking Thailand for hosting the United Nations, the ESCAP chief said: “By giving us this gracious home, you have given Asia Pacific a regional United Nations presence to build our collective strengths, to share regional solutions, to implement the founding ideals of the United Nations, to build a more inclusive, sustainable and just future for our people.”