Working for two thirds of the world's poor. (Developing Further an Open Trading System).

Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), has been at the helm for two years now.

David Lazarus, the Chief of the UN Information Service (UNIS) in Bangkok, caught up with the Executive Secretary to ask his views on the road ahead for the Asia and Pacific region. Excerpts:

On UNESCAP's priorities

The focus is on the poor, least developed, landlocked and island developing countries. We know little of the exact nature and scope of poverty in Asia and the Pacific, and have created the Poverty Centre in the Office of the Executive Secretary, with the support of the Asia-Pacific Bureau of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the situation in the region. We will also identify proven poverty reduction "best practices" already in existence in the region and demonstrate their applicability in several selected sites of varying environments. We will also be establishing a new poverty and development division as part of the revitalization efforts, through the merger of existing divisions.

The entire programme structure of UNESCAP is underpinned by helping countries to meet the millennium development goals (MDGs). The global target is to reduce by half those who earn less than one dollar a day by 2015. The Asia-Pacific region contains two thirds of the world's poor, and hence there is a slim chance of success at the global level if it does not meet the target. We have a two-track approach.

The first is producing, in collaboration with UNDP, two reports on the state of progress towards the achievement of the millennium goals in the Asia-Pacific region, which will assist national efforts in achieving the MDGs. Staff are engaged in conducting multidisciplinary research in pro-poor policies and micro-macro linkages in economic development and sharing these with Governments. The second is developing best practices in poverty reduction in both urban and rural areas, as well as testing and replicating these practices in countries through capacity-building and advice. We have been assisting local governments to reduce slums and recycle solid waste. We have launched women mayors and councillors programmes to strengthen local government capacities. We are working on the use of information and communications technology in promoting sustainable development at the community level. We have teams of regional advisors, who are assisting on request Governments, in critical areas.

On UNESCAP's post-Johannesburg role

In concrete terms, we will assist countries to fulfil the commitments that they have made in Johannesburg. We must bring the forces that drive economic growth into congruence with the ideals that inspire people towards environmental conservation. With its multisectoral expertise and interdisciplinary work, UNESCAP is well placed to promote partnerships between the public and private sectors, between Government and civil society, develop capacity and skills, enhance knowledge and awareness, and provide technical assistance and advisory services towards the attainment of this goal. We will provide the crucial link in these multifaceted and dynamic development processes between the global and national levels.

Managing globalization requires creativity and specialized skills. Take the trade promotion. The Commission's Bangkok Agreement, launched in 1975 with just a few member countries, has become a new, viable and attractive agreement in the light of China becoming a member before being admitted to the World Trade Organization. It can help developing countries in terms of promoting trade and providing a means for actively sharing each other's experiences. Instead of launching a new initiative, we have reactivated the Agreement, but in a new context. China, India, the Republic of Korea, Cambodia, Laos and Sri Lanka are member countries. We are telling others that there is enormous potential to promote regional trade through this Agreement. We will also be launching a series of training programmes on trade negotiation skills. development. Finally, I have created a new programme on information, communication and space technology to help bridge the digital divide between developing and developed countries.

On emerging social issues

Some countries in the region still do not recognize or admit that HIV/AIDS is assuming epidemic proportion. This attitude could be disastrous. UNESCAP is in the best position to coordinate a region-wide response along with agencies such as UNAIDS (Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS), UNDCP (UN International Drug Control Programme) and WHO (World Health Organization). Another emerging social issue is that UNESCAP member countries are not well equipped to provide adequate care for a rapidly ageing population. Population migration is another issue, including illegal migration from country to country, and rural to urban migration. We will, with organizations within and outside the United Nations system, do our best to effectively address these emerging social issues.