On 28 March 2007, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). Through the invitation of the Executive Secretary, Mr. Kim Hak-Su, in cooperation with the Royal Thai Government and the United Nations Association of Thailand , Dr. Roland Amoussou-Guenou, currently a faculty member of AIT’s School of Management and School of Engineering and Technology, represented AIT on behalf of AIT President Said Irandoust. Dr. Roland, formerly a regional expert for legal cooperation in the ASEAN at the Embassy of France in Thailand, is also manager of the Asia–Africa Initiative for Higher Learning in Science and Technology for Development and a lecturer in law.
In a letter to Mr. Kim Hak-Su, President Said Irandoust conveyed his and AIT’s warmest congratulations and best wishes on this auspicious occasion. The AIT President recalled that since its creation in 1947 in Shanghai and its transfer to Bangkok in 1949, UNESCAP has played an instrumental role in assisting the region’s progress from a situation of endemic poverty and hardship to a state of vibrant economic and social development.
UNESCAP has become an inspiring example for regional organizations in the United Nations system. Many UNESCAP Member States are now playing a leading role within South-South cooperation and the New Partnership for Development. A significant number of the early achievers of the Millennium Development Goals in the region are UNESCAP members who only a decade ago were among the world’s least developed countries.
The AIT President went on to point out that besides serving as a think-tank on socio-economic issues, UNESCAP has played a role in promoting higher learning policies in science and technology for development. He went on to extend his gratitude to UNESCAP for supporting the “Asia-Africa Initiative for Higher Learning in Science and Technology for Development” and for appointing a UNESCAP Information Technology Officer to join the AIT task force in preparing for the Initiative’s upcoming forum scheduled for early 2008. UNESCAP has offered its Conference Center to host the forum. UNESCAP is also partnering AIT in the 3R initiative on waste – “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” - together with ADB and UNEP.
Dr. Roland reported that the celebration, attended by more than 1000 invitees, was “a glorious occasion”. After a majestic parade of flags, H.E. Mr. Kim Hak-Su delivered his welcoming statement followed by a video message from H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations.
A keynote address highlighting the important achievement of ESCAP as well as the challenges for the future was then presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
General Surayud Chulanont, Prime Minister of Thailand, later made a statement underscoring the sense of belonging to the same region that ESCAP has created during the six decades of its existence.
This was followed by presentation of the ESCAP Sixtieth Anniversary Award for Lifetime Achievement to economist and Nobel Laureate Professor Amartya Sen, whose work has deeply influenced and inspired the United Nations toward creating an international community based on justice, equality and freedom.
The program also featured a contemporary dance drama entitled “Reflections on ESCAP’s Life”, as well as a musical performance by the Dr. Sax Chamber Orchestra of Mahidol University.
Finally, a celebration of the “One United Nations Family” theme was launched with display of a painting symbolizing the UN Family, entitled “Unity in Diversity” to the accompaniment of a large chorus of ESCAP staff, led by Mr. Kim Hak-Su himself, singing “We are the World”. Participants were deeply moved when Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Prime Minister General Surayud from their seats joined in with the chorus raising their voices in song.
These festivities demonstrated that music, dance and art are integral parts of harmonious development activities and effective expressions of multicultural diversity.
The commemoration was concluded with the inauguration of a exhibition - “ESCAP 60 Years” - by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. A reception followed during which ministers, ambassadors, UNESCAP Officers met with Dr. Roland and the many AIT alumni in attendance.