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07 to 08 November 2022 | By invitation only

Meeting Room A, UNCC and Online via MS Teams, Bangkok, Thailand
General flyer

The South-East Asia Multi-Stakeholder Forum on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals provides governments, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, and other stakeholders opportunities to share subregional perspectives, discuss collaborative measures to address subregional priorities, and exchange good practices to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The outcomes and recommendations derived from the Forum will feed into regional and global processes, including the annual Asia-Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development (APFSD) and the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).

In preparation for the 2023 HLPF review of SDGs 6 (clean water and sanitation), 7 (affordable and clean energy), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and 17 (partnerships for the goals) in 2023, this Forum is part of a series of five sub-regional forums  taking a holistic approach towards financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the new global environment and delivering urgent near-term action. Moreover, it will showcase activities in Southeast Asia that address these SDGs. Deliberations will share knowledge about success stories, challenges, and best practices; identify areas of concern; and suggest ways forward in terms of policies, partnerships, and coordinated actions at all levels.

As countries implement substantial COVID-19 recovery packages, it becomes increasingly important that these measures also promote financing and investment opportunities in sectors that help build economies to become more resilient to future shocks, are socially inclusive, and are ecologically sustainable. To support this challenge, dialogue among policymakers and experts from the subregion will delve into topics such as investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating the transition to sustainable energy. The Forum will also discuss how public and private finance can lead the transition toward a climate-resilient world, focusing on the supportive policy and regulatory framework for making clean investments in ASEAN countries. In addition, it will discuss opportunities for governments to encourage private sector investment in these countries.

The Forum will highlight salient points emanating from the discussions and aims to foster the development of partnerships and private sector representatives together with countries, initiatives seeking to raise capital for climate investment,  and concrete action plans for the subregion’s inclusive, resilient, and sustainable recovery.   

FURTHER INFORMATION

All questions regarding the Forum can be sent to [email protected]. Please be informed that all sessions will be conducted in English.

07 Nov 2022
09:00
09:30
OPENING SESSION
09:30
11:00
SESSION 1: SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

Water is at the core of sustainable development. Water resources, and the range of services they  provide,  underpin  poverty  reduction,  economic  growth,  and  environmental sustainability. Despite the general availability of water resources in South-East Asia, most countries experience water shortages due to improper water resource management, rapid urbanization, and natural causes such as flooding or drought.
This  session  will  discuss  the  challenges,  initiatives,  and  recommendations  for  ensuring access  to  water  and  the  sufficiency  of  water  supply  in  South-East  Asia,  specifically  in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. 

Introductory remarks:  Mr. Firdaus Dahlan, Director, Centre for IMT-GT Subregional Cooperation

Key Remarks: Mr. Kyaw Thu, Urban Development Specialist, Asian Development Bank 

Moderator: Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director, Mekong Institute 

Presenter: Ms. Solène Le Doze, Environmental Affairs Officer Environment and Development Policy Section, Environment and Development Division, ESCAP 

Panelists :

  • Mr. Haneda Sri Mulyanto, Emergency Response Sub-Directorate Head, Directorate of Hazardous Waste and Non-Hazardous Waste-Contaminated Site Remediation and Emergency Response, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia
  • Ms. Therese Tiu, Principal Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Water Malaysia.
  • Ms. Chawee Wongprasittiporn, Expert on Strategy, Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), Thailand
  • Ms. Ravadee Prasertcharoensuk, Director, SDF Thailand

Q & A Session
Wrap-up and Summary
Closing remarks: Mr. Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah, Head, Sub-regional Office for Southeast Asia, ESCAP.

11:00
13:00
Break
13:00
14:30
SESSION 2: SDG 11 - Make cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable

This session will focus on the status, trends, emerging issues, and interlinkages of SDG 11 in  South-East  Asia  within  the  context of sustainable  urban  recoveries  from  multiple connected  crises.  It  will  identify  current  best  practices  to  foster  recoveries  and  develop sustainable cities and communities in South-East Asia, as well as new opportunities to scale up partnerships and technical cooperation among different actors to achieve SDG11.

Opening Remarks: Dr. Viengnam Douangphachanh, Director General Department of Housing and Urban Planning, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao People's Democratic Republic

Presenter: Mr. Curt Garrigan, Chief, SUDS/EDD, ESCAP

Moderator: Mr. Riccardo MarosoUN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia-Pacific, Bangkok

Panelists:

  • Ms.  Bernadia  Tjandradewi,  Secretary  General,  United  Cities  &  Local  Governments Asia-Pacific, Indonesia
  • Ms.  Norliza  Hashim,  CEO,  Urbanice,  Ministry  of  Local  Government  and  Housing, Government of Malaysia
  • Ms. Elaine Tan, Director, Centre for Liveable Cities, Singapore
  • Kai Ra Cabaron, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) Philippines

Q & A Session
Wrap-up and Summary: 
Mr. Riccardo Maroso, UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia-Pacific, Bangkok
Closing remarks: Mr. Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah, Head, Sub-regional Office for Southeast Asia, ESCAP

15:00
16:30
SESSION 3: SDG 7 - Sustainable Finance for the Energy Transition

The  session  will  focus  on  these  challenges  and  identify  solutions  and  opportunities  for governments, development finance institutions, and the private sector to catalyse energy investment opportunities in the sub-region.

Key remarks: Mr.  Senda  Hurmuzam  Kanam.  Head  of  Survey  and  Testing  Center  for Electricity,  New,  Renewable  Energy  and  Energy  Conservation,  Ministry  of  Energy  and Mineral Resources, Indonesia

Presenter:

  • Mr. Michael Williamson, Section Chief, Energy Division, ESCAP
  • Ms. Subathirai Sivakumaran,  Section Chief, Financing for Development Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing  for Development Division (MPFD), ESCAP

Moderator: Mr. David Walker, Senior Staff Writer, Insurance Asset Risk.

Panelists:

  • Dr. Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, Executive Director, International Affairs Division, Ministry of Energy
  • Ms Zi Xin Lee, Singapore
  • Mr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Energy
  • Ms. Hien Minh Tran, Global Green Growth Institute  (GGGI), Viet Nam
  • Mr. Nishant Kumar, Managing Director Asia at GuarantCo (part  of PIDG)
  • Mr. Jose Antonio Montalban, Pro-People Engineers and Leaders (PROPEL)
  • Mr. David Marques Pereira, ESG Originator, DZ Bank AG.

Q & A Session

Closing remarks: Mr. Senda Hurmuzam Kanam, Head of Survey and Testing Center for Electricity, New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia

16:30
16:45
Day 1 Wrap-up and Summary

Mr. Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah, Head, Sub-regional Office for Southeast Asia, UN ESCAP

08 Nov 2022
09:00
10:30
SESSION 4: SDG 9 – Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation

The transport sector is one of the key drivers behind the implementation of SDG 9 and the rest of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
This  session  will  showcase  the  role  of  freight  transport  policies  and  strategies  for  the realization  of  SDGs  in  Southeast  Asia.  The  session  will  also  consider  the  importance  of international freight operations and the potential impact of deeper inter-regional transport connectivity, such as through the Lao-China Railway, in promoting sustainable transport for  sustainable  development  in  Southeast  Asia.  In  doing  so,  it  will  make  a  case  for deepening subregional cooperation and multi-stakeholder collaboration to fully explore the potential of freight transport in realizing SDGs. 

 

Introductory remarks and Moderator: Ms. Azhar Jaimurzina Ducrest, Transport Connectivity, and Logistics Section, ESCAP

Presenter: Mr. Sandeep Jain, Transport Connectivity and Logistics Section, ESCAP.

Panelists:

  • Mr. Phanthaphap Phounsavath, Deputy Director  General, Department of Transport, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao PDR
  • Mr. Mohamed Suhaimi Yaacob, Chief Corporate  Officer, Kereta Api Tanah Melayu Berhad
  • Ms. Jerawun Hongsakul, Director of Rail Transport Regulation Division, Department of Rail Transport
  • Mrs. Zhainar Assilbekova, Chief Expert of the Department for Transit Policy, Kazakhstan
  • Mr. Beny Irzanto, Senior Officer, Transport Division, ASEAN Secretariats 
  • Ms. Ekaterina Kozyreva, President IEC International, Paris
  • Mr. Paul Apthrop, Lead Consultant, Sustainable Freight Transport, ESCAP
  • Mr. Rahmat Maulana Sidik, Indonesia for Global Justice (IGJ)
  • Dr. Guineng Chen, Team Lead, Data and Policy Analytics, International Transport Forum at the OECD

Wrap-up and Summary and Closing remarks: Ms. Azhar Jaimurzina Ducrest, Transport Connectivity, and Logistics Section, ESCAP

10:45
12:15
Session 5: SDG 17 - South-East Asia perspectives and partnerships for delivering on the SDGs through the food, energy, and finance nexus

This session will present key messages for the SEA subregion and lessons learned from COVID-19 recovery efforts, as examined in the 2022 Partnership Report. It will also discuss the main topics covered in the 2023 edition.  

Master of Ceremony: Ms. Juliet Nicole Braslow, Sustainable Development Officer, ESCAP
Key Remarks:  Mrs.  Andriah  Feby  Misna,  Director  of  Various  New  Energy  and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia.

Presenters:

  • Ms. Mizuho Okimoto-Kaewtathip, Regional Team Leader - Inclusive Growth and Prosperity Advisor, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangkok Regional Hub
  • Ms. Juliet Nicole Braslow, Sustainable Development Officer, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

Audience engagement activity: Live-polling on converging crises and SDG solutions partnerships-oriented Ms. Juliet Nicole Braslow, Sustainable Development Officer, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

Moderator: Mr. Oliver Paddison, Chief of the Section of Countries in Special Situations, ESCAP.
 

Panel Discussion 

The panel discussion will provide a multi-stakeholder perspective on SDG 17, in terms of policy approaches and best practices, with a particular focus on the nexus of food, energy, and finance. 

Panelists: 

  • Dr. Marie Lisa Dacanay, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA)
  • Mr. Octavio B. Peralta, Executive Director, Global Compact Network Philippines
  • Ms.Tran Thi Tuyet, Vietnam Country Coordinator, Water and Energy for Food Grand Challenge (WE4) 
  • Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director, Mekong Institute, Thailand
  • Mr. Kraisid Tontisitin, Senator, Member of the Bureau of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Thailand

Vote of Thanks: Ms. Juliet Nicole Braslow, Sustainable Development Officer, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

12:15
14:00
Lunch Break
14:00
15:30
SESSION 6: Subregional and National Progress Reporting on SDGs: Advice and Lessons from the Voluntary National Reviews

The VNR session will include the five countries in the sub-region presenting their VNR in 2023:  Brunei  Darussalam, Cambodia,  Singapore, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam and will engage a broad range of stakeholders to share advice and lessons learnt.
Furthermore, building on the ESCAP VNR Twinning Programme, it will  provide an opportunity for countries within the Southeast region to share how they are demonstrating leadership on SDGs and promoting South-South Cooperation.

Opening and welcome: Ms. Caitlin Porter, Senior VNR Advisor, ESCAP
 

1st Panel discussion – Leveraging on VNRs to accelerate policy reforms and align SDGs to national plans and programmes

Moderator: Mr.  Riccardo  Mesiano, Head, UN  Resident Coordinator’s Office  (RCO), Timor-
Leste

Panelists:

  • Mr. Inocencio De Jesus Xavier, Coordinator, Human Rights Defenders Network (RDDU), Representative of Timor-Leste NGO Forum (FONGTIL), Timor-Leste
  • Mr. MAR Sophal, Program Manager, Socio-Economic Equity in Development (SEED), The NGO FORUM, Cambodia
  • Ms. Hajah Nurul Akmar bti Haji Mohd Jaafar, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD)
  • Prof. Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria, President, Society for the Promotion of SDG (Malaysia)
  • Ms. Thanyaporn Krichtitayawuth (Thanya) Executive Director of Global Compact Network Thailand

Q&A

Audience engagement activity: Live-polling Ms. Caitlin Porter, Senior VNR Advisor, ESCAP.

2nd Panel discussion – The role of data promoting evidence-based policy for the VNRs

  • Mr. Arman Bidarbakht Nia, Statistics Division, UNESCAP 

Panelists:

  • Ms. Huraini Hurairah, Head of Secretariat, Special National Coordination, Committee for Sustainable Development  Goals, Prime Minister’s Office, Brunei Darussalam
  • Mr. Poch Sovanndy, Deputy Director General for Planning, Cambodia
  • Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, Official Department of Science, and Natural Resources & Environment (DSENRE) Ministry of Planning and Investment, Viet Nam

Stakeholder perspectives on the role of VNRs

Ms. Robeliza Halip, Coordinator, Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples (REP)

Key reflections and wrap-up: Ms. Caitlin Porter, Senior VNR Advisor, ESCAP

15:30
16:00
Forum Wrap-up and Summary

Mr. Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah, Head, Sub-regional Office for Southeast Asia, UN ESCAP

Closing Remarks: Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Mekong Institute

General

The South-East Asia Multi-Stakeholder Forum on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is scheduled to be held at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok (UNCC) and online on 7 and 8 November 2022.

Credentials

Delegations are kindly requested to submit letters of credentials to Mr. Weimin Ren, Director, Transport Division, ESCAP, United Nations Building, Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200, Thailand, Fax: (66-2) 288-1067, 288-3050, at their earliest convenience prior to 1 October 2018.. Letters of credential should be addressed to the Executive Secretary of the ESCAP and emailed to [email protected].

Members of delegations are kindly reminded to bring official identification with them, duly signed by the appropriate authorities of their respective Governments/Agencies/Organizations, and provide them to the Secretariat staff at the registration counter located on the ground floor of the UNCC along with a copy of the letter of credentials indicating their appointment to the delegation.

Registration and identification badges

Online registration and identification badge

In order to facilitate the registration process participants are REQUIRED to register online at https://forms.office.com/r/BZhgZHs06e well in advance, but no later than 31 October 2022 to facilitate smooth coordination of the issuance of photo badges as well as the compilation of the list of participants.

Please note that prior online registration is mandatory in line with standard security procedures to facilitate security clearance and entrance to the premises.

Participants who have registered online can obtain photo badges at the registration counter, located on the Ground Level, UNCC, from 08:00 to 10:00 hours on the day of the event.

For identification and security reasons, all participants are REQUIRED to wear their meeting badges at all times while they are in the UN complex, which include meetings and social functions. The loss of a meeting badge should be immediately communicated to the registration counter or the UN security, so that the incident could be recorded, and a new badge can be issued.

Communications

Mail intended for participants during the session should be addressed as follows:
(Name of delegate)
c/o Mr. Weimin Ren
Director
Transport Division
ESCAP, United Nations Building
Rajdamnern Nok Avenue
Bangkok 10200
Thailand
Fax: +66.2.2883022, +66.2.2881000
E-mail address: [email protected]

Meeting documents

The secretariat has adopted a paperless approach to meetings. As a result, participants are expected to get acquainted with all the meeting documents prior to the meeting. Should participants wish hard copies of the documents, they are expected to bring them to the meeting. These documents will be made available prior to the session at www.unescap.org/events/committee-transport-fifth-session

Participants wishing to circulate any papers or literature at the meeting are requested to consult staff from the secretariat servicing the meeting for the necessary arrangements.

Daily subsistence allowance

In those cases where the participation costs are borne by the ESCAP Secretariat, the Secretariat will provide only travel and DSA as expressed and will not assume responsibility for any other expenditure, including the following:

 

i. All expenses in the home country incidental to travel abroad, including expenditure for visa, medical examination, inoculations and other such miscellaneous items and internal travel to and from the airport of arrival and departure in the home country;

ii. Salary and related allowances for the participants during the period of the meeting;

iii. Costs incurred by participants in respect of travel insurance, accident insurance, medical bills or hospitalization fees in connection with attending the meeting;

iv. Compensation in the event of death or disability of participants in connection with attending the meeting;

v. Any loss of or damage to personal property of participants while attending the meeting or losses or damages claimed by third parties as a result of any negligence on the part of the participants;

vi. Any other expenses of a personal nature, not directly related to the purpose of the meeting.

Health and vaccination Health and vaccination

Upon arrival at the port of entry in Thailand, participants who are nationals of or have traveled from/through countries listed below, which have been declared Yellow Fever infected areas, must provide an International Health Certificate proving that they have received a valid Yellow Fever vaccination at the Health Control Office upon arrival before proceeding to immigration. A valid vaccination certificate means that the vaccine was administered at least 10 days prior to travel to the affected country. The International Health Certificate must also be submitted together with the visa application form.

The countries/areas listed below have been declared yellow fever infected areas (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand dated 30 November 2022):

  1. Angola
  2. Argentina
  3. Benin
  4. Bolivia
  5. Brazil
  6. Burkina Faso
  7. Burundi
  8. Cameroon
  9. Central African Republic
  10. Chad
  11. Colombia
  12. Congo
  13. Republic of the Congo
  14. Cote d’Ivoire
  15. Ecuador
  16. Equatorial Guinea
  17. Ethiopia
  18. French Guiana
  19. Gabon
  20. Gambia
  21. Ghana
  22. Guinea
  23. Guinea-Bissau
  1. Guyana
  2. Kenya
  3. Liberia
  4. Mali
  5. Mauritania
  6. Niger
  7. Nigeria
  8. Panama
  9. Paraguay
  10. Peru
  11. Rwanda
  12. Sao Tome & Principe
  13. Senegal
  14. Sierra Leone
  15. Somalia
  16. Sudan
  17. Suriname
  18. Tanzania
  19. Togo
  20. Trinidad & Tobago
  21. Uganda
  22. Venezuela

Zika virus

Zika is endemic in Thailand and cases have been reported amongst tourists. All travelers are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites while in Thailand. Given possible transmission of the disease to unborn babies, pregnant women should consider postponing travel to Thailand or talk to their doctor about the implications of traveling to Thailand during this time.

In addition to the above, Medical Services Division at UNHQs advises that pregnant UN personnel should not undertake duty travel or be relocated to countries/areas where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur. Women who are seeking pregnancy should obtain individual advice from their medical practitioner on risk management regarding their plans to travel into a Zika-affected area. For further information, please refer to the Zika virus FAQ.

Information on other non-vaccine preventable diseases to watch out for while in Thailand can be found here: Thailand - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC.

Air pollution and Health

Bangkok, like many metropolitan Asian cities in the world, is periodically affected by high levels of air pollution, with haze and high concentrations of PM2.5 particularly of concern for sensitive groups.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand advises tourists to monitor Bangkok’s air pollution and take precautions when necessary. People who have existing asthma or are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution should consult their treating physician as to whether a trip to Bangkok is advisable at this time. Information on the Air pollution can be found Air4Thai website, maintained by the government of Thailand with daily information on air pollution.

Insurance and emergency medical service

Delegates are strongly encouraged to subscribe to a travel or health insurance which is valid in the Kingdom of Thailand, in order to cover any medical bills or hospitalization fees. In case of medical emergency, please call 1669. The nearest hospital to the UNCC is Bangkok Adventist (Mission) Hospital, which has English speaking medical support staff +662-282-1100.

When feeling unwell while in the UNCC: Anyone who feels unwell while already within the UNCC is advised to call any medical service staff at +66 2288 1352/1353/1761 during business hours, for further guidance. After business hours, they are advised to call the UN Medical Officer at +66 2288 1353 for further guidance. In case of a medical emergency within the UNCC, they are advised to call UN Security at +66 2288 1102/1120 for assistance in calling an ambulance.

Accessibility support for persons with disabilities Accessibility support for persons with disabilities

The UNCC is fully wheelchair-accessible and houses the Accessibility Centre on Level 1. For more information, please visit the Accessibility Centre’s webpages

Visa requirements Visa and entry requirements

Visa Requirements

Participants are REQUIRED to obtain an appropriate entry visa from the Royal Thai Embassy or the Royal Thai Consulate-General before entering Thailand, EXCEPT for those nationals listed at List of Countries entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival.

Please note that participants holding UN Laissez-Passer (UNLP) travelling on official business to Thailand are also REQUIRED to obtain an appropriate visa before entering.

To apply for an appropriate entry visa to Thailand, participants are required to contact their nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General for the most updated information regarding visa application procedures and required documents. The list of Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General can be found at https://www.thaiembassy.org.

Participants who wish to apply for a visa outside their country of residence or reside in a country where there is no Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, should check with the meeting organizer for the location where it is possible for them to apply for a Thai visa. Please note that certain nationalities, for security reasons, are not allowed to apply for a visa except at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General which has jurisdiction over the concerned territory.

Participants who may need further assistance from ESCAP on their visa application should contact the meeting organizer, well in advance, for necessary action.

Participants who wish to apply for a visa on arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muang International Airport should follow the below requirements:

  1. The applicant must possess a passport from the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to apply for visa on arrival (List of countries entitled for Visa on Arrival) with the validity of more than 30 days, at least one completely blank page, and be in possession of a valid return ticket with date of departure within 15 days of the date of entry.
  2. The applicant must fill out an application form, which is available at the Visa-on-Arrival counter at the airport, supply one recent passport-sized photograph and a fee of Thai Baht (THB) 2,000.
  3. QR code for online application is available at Visa On Arrival (immigration.go.th). Upon presentation of printed Transaction Reference Number, the applicant could obtain the visa at the Visa-on-Arrival counter at the airport before proceeding for immigration procedures.
  4. The applicant must provide proof of means of living expenses at the amount of THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family.

NOTE: The information provided above is accurate as of October 2022.

Entry Requirements (as of 1 March 2023)

Thai Department of Disease Control (DDC), Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) issued “Public Health Measures for Foreign Travellers Entering Thailand”, which is effective from 1 March 2023 until further notice, as per the following:

  • Proof of vaccination is No longer required.
  • Proof of health insurance is No longer required.
  • Any passenger having symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival shall be recommended to get COVID-19/RT-PCR test at arrival.

For more information, travelers can contact the DDC Hotline 1422.

Travel agent Travel agent

The American Express Global Business Travel (AMEX-GBT) office is located on Level 1, UNCC, and is open weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00 hours. Remote support is available on other days ([email protected])

Travel Advisory Travel Advisory

Visitors are advised to be respectful of Thai customs at all times. Please note that Thailand has laws against making negative comments about the institution of the monarchy. Such laws are strictly enforced and are applicable to spoken, written, gestures and electronic communication, including social media.

Transport to attend meetings Transport to attend meetings

Participants need to make their own transport arrangements to and from the UNCC. Metered taxis are readily available in the city and you may also book your transportation via applications such as Grab and Volt. Some hotels close to the UN building may provide complimentary transfer service on fixed schedule, to and from the UNCC, so please check with the hotel concierge.

Transport from and to Airport Transport from and to Airport

Participants need to make their own transportation arrangements from Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Mueang International Airport to their respective hotels. For the Airport Rail Link, an express and commuter rail connecting to Makkasan Station (MRT subway Petchaburi Station) and Phayathai Station (BTS Skytrain), passengers should go to Level B. Detailed information can be found at https://www.srtet.co.th/index.php/en/.

Electric taxis (EVsociety/VIP) are currently available at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The counter is located next to the main taxi area. The service is available 24 hours and can be pre-booked via:

Line ID: @evsociety
Phone: +66 2039 8888
Email: [email protected]
EV Society Facebook

Metered-taxi and bus services are readily available at the airport. More information is available at https://www.bangkokairportonline.com

To use the airport limousine service, participants should only contact the authorized officials at the counters located in the airport arrival zone. These officials will issue a ticket for the assignment of a limousine for transporting passengers to the desired destination, upon request. The Suvarnabhumi International Airport limousine service counters are located on Level 2 at Baggage Claim and Arrival Hall exits, channels A, B and C.

For public taxis, participants are advised to proceed to the Level 1 of the Passenger Terminal, between exit doors 4 and 7, outdoor area, where they will find automatic dispensing machines from which they can collect a queuing ticket for a public taxi. In addition to toll fees, there is a THB 50 surcharge to be added to the meter charge from the airport to the city. Please refer to the airport website noted above for details.

Souvenir shop Souvenir shop

The souvenir shop is located on Level 1 of UNCC. It is open from 09:00 to 16:00 hours, Monday through Friday. The shop can be contacted at +66 2288 1295.

Safety and Security Safety and Security

For security and safety reasons, participants are reminded NOT to leave their belongings unattended. Belongings left unattended within the UNCC may be removed to the nearest Lost and Found counter or the Security Operations Centre.

All drone unmanned aircrafts are prohibited from flying over the UNCC as per the security requirements.

All occupants of the UNCC MUST comply at all times with all lawful directions given by the officers of the United Nations Security and Safety Section. Failure to do so may lead to the participant’s removal from the UNCC.

Contact numbers:

UN Security
Security Control Centre (24/7): +66.2.2881102
UN Security Emergency Number: +66.2.2881100
Mobile +66.81.8078471

Thailand Emergency Numbers:
Police general emergency call: 191
Fire: 199
Ambulance and rescue: 1669/1554
Tourism Police: 1155

Zero Tolerance towards harassment

The United Nations has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, and will deal with such complaints promptly. Please refer to the United Nations Code of Conduct and report any incident to the Security and Safety Section either in person or by phone at +66 2288 1102.

Security protocols for UN personnel

In line with security procedures for UN staff, travel notification through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) is required prior to any official travel. Upon notification of travel on TRIP, UN staff members will automatically receive an updated security advice for UN visitors to Thailand. Please visit https://dss.un.org to apply for this travel notification.

In addition, the UN Department of Safety and Security requires all UN personnel, including interns and consultants, to complete the mandatory BSAFE Security Awareness Training These security certifications are required to be completed, prior to having commenced official travel.

Prayer and meditation rooms Prayer and meditation rooms

Prayer and meditation rooms are located in front of ESCAP Hall on Level 2, UNCC.

Postal services Postal services

Postal services are available at the United Nations branch of Thailand Post, located on the Ground Level of UNCC. It is open from 08:00 to 16:00 hours, Monday through Friday. The office can be contacted at extension 2911.

Lost and Found Lost and Found

Please contact the Security Operations Centre, either in person or by phone at +66.2.2881102.

Airline reservations Airline reservations

Many international airlines operate regular services to and from Bangkok. Participants are advised to secure their return bookings prior to their departure for Bangkok. If this is not possible, they should make firm return bookings immediately upon arrival in Bangkok. Travel services are available through the American Express Global Business Travel (AMEX-GBT) office located on Level 1, UNCC.

Internet services Internet services

Free wireless internet access is available in all conference and meeting rooms and in the public areas of the UNCC. Please use UN-WiFi, no password is required. Use of internet at UNCC is governed by relevant Organizational policies and guidelines. Failure to adhere to policies may result in revoking of those services.

Hotel accommodation Hotel accommodation

Hotels, located relatively close to ESCAP or by mass-transit routes, may be used by participants, should they choose to. The selection of hotels at a walking distance from the UNCC is encouraged to reduce participants’ local travel emissions and their exposure to traffic. Click here for a list of hotels, with indicative prices.

NOTE: ESCAP cannot vouch for accuracy of the information or rates contained in the document. The list is meant purely for reference and for ease of participants. The special discount rates provided are subject to change without notice. Please confirm the room rates with the hotel directly.

Participants are responsible for booking their own rooms and are requested to contact the hotel well in advance. Any cancellations, postponements or other changes should be reported to the hotel. Rooms not occupied may be charged to the participants as per the hotel’s policies.

Before departure from Bangkok, participants should settle directly with the respective hotels all accounts, including room charges and other expenses, such as for local and long-distance telephone calls, Internet usage, business center usage, laundry, room and hotel transportation services, mini-bar items, as well as restaurant and bar services. Participants are also responsible for any charges incurred with respect to rooms remaining vacant owing to late arrival or rescheduled departure for which inadequate prior notice is given.

Foreign currency declaration Foreign currency declaration

Any person who brings or takes an aggregate amount of foreign currency exceeding USD 20,000 or its equivalent into or out of the Kingdom of Thailand shall declare such amount of foreign currency to a Customs Official. Failure to make such a declaration or making any false declaration to a Customs official is a criminal offence.

For reference, participants may use – at their discretion – online currency conversion tool, such as https://freecurrencyrates.com for indicative currency conversion rates.

Floor plans UNCC Floor plans

The UNCC floor plans are available at https://www.unescap.org/uncc/our-rooms. The UN buildings are smoke-free. Smoking is permitted only in the designated areas outside of the buildings and in the UNCC, the designated smoking area is outside of the Public Foyer.

Financial & administrative arrangements Financial & administrative arrangements

In those cases where the participation costs are borne by the ESCAP Secretariat, the Secretariat will provide only travel and DSA as expressed and will not assume responsibility for any other expenditure, including the following:

  1. All expenses in the home country incidental to travel abroad, including expenditure for visa, medical examination, inoculations and other such miscellaneous items and internal travel to and from the airport of arrival and departure in the home country;
  2. Salary and related allowances for the participants during the period of the meeting;
  3. Costs incurred by participants in respect of travel insurance, accident insurance, medical bills or hospitalization fees in connection with attending the meeting;
  4. Compensation in the event of death or disability of participants in connection with attending the meeting;
  5. Any loss of or damage to personal property of participants while attending the meeting or losses or damages claimed by third parties as a result of any negligence on the part of the participants;
  6. Any other expenses of a personal nature, not directly related to the purpose of the meeting.
Electric plug and socket Electric plug and socket

The electric power in Thailand is 220V running at 50Hz and the plug types used are either Type A, Type B, or Type C. A hybrid socket is almost universally found, which accepts a combination of the above plug types.

Delegates are strongly encouraged to carry their own adapters for use with laptops and other electrical appliances as the Secretariat will not be able to provide these. In case of need, adapters can be purchased from shops in the city dealing in electronic and electrical items.

Catering services Catering services

Operating hours

Catering services are available at the following locations:

  • International Cafeteria (Level 1, UNCC), which serves breakfast from 7.30 to 10.00 hours, and Thai, Halal and International menus for lunch from 11:00 to 14:00 hours on Monday through Friday.
  • Coffee Corner (Level 1, UNCC), which serves assortment of bakery pastries and beverages, is open from 07:00 to 17:00 hours on Monday through Friday.
  • Rajapruek Lounge (Ground Level, UNCC), which serves light meals and beverages, is open from 07:00 to 17:00 hours on Monday through Friday.

In line with the Sustainable United Nations (SUN) and Environmental Management System (EMS} principles, no single use plastic is available in the UNCC. Single-use food and drink containers have been banned within the UN compound in Bangkok. When purchasing coffee/tea at the Coffee Corner, meeting participants will be asked to pay a deposit of THB 100 for a cup, which will be returned upon return of the cup.

Dining venues at the UNCC also do not provide food storage boxes, plastic cutlery or straws for take-away orders. Diners wishing to take food away are advised to bring their own reusable food containers.

Banking facilities Banking facilities

Banking services are available at the Siam Commercial Bank, United Nations Branch, located on Level 1 of the Service Building, from 08:30 to 15:30 hours during weekdays. (telephone extension 2168).

Siam Commercial Bank ATMs can be found near the registration desk, on the Ground Level of UNCC, and near its UN Branch office, noted above.

Weather Weather

The weather in Bangkok is usually warm and humid. Light tropical clothing would be appropriate. The conference and meeting rooms at the UNCC are air-conditioned and the temperature is maintained in the range of 23-24 degrees Celsius (73-75 degrees Fahrenheit).

Click on the flags or names to download the statements.

Opening Session

Ms. Eksiri Pintaruchi
Ms. Eksiri Pintaruchi
Director-General, Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand
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Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana
Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana
Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
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Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana was appointed Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on 13 September 2018.

Prior to joining ESCAP, Ms. Alisjahbana was Professor of Economics at Universitas Padjadjaran in Bandung, Indonesia, a position she assumed in 2005. She joined Universitas Padjadjaran as a lecturer in 1988. Since 2016, she has served as Director for the Center for Sustainable Development Goals Studies at Universitas Padjadjaran and Vice Chair of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences.

She also serves on the Governing Board of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and member of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (Akademi Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia - AIPI), the Forum of Statistics Community (Forum Masyarakat Statistik or Advisory Council of the Indonesian Statistics), the International Advisory Board of the Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies and Council Member of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI).

From 2009 to 2014, she was Minister of National Development Planning and the Head of the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS), Indonesia. She served as Co-chair of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation from 2012 to 2014. From 2009 to 2014, she was Alternate Governor of the World Bank and Alternate Governor of the Asian Development Bank representing the government of Indonesia. In 2016, she was a member of the High Level Independent Team of Advisors to support the ECOSOC Dialogue on the longer term positioning of the United Nations Development System in the context of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

Ms. Alisjahbana has been involved in various research projects and consultancies to the United Nations University/Institute for Advanced Study in Tokyo, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia, the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the European Commission, and the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Ms. Alisjahbana earned her Bachelor degree in Economics and Development Studies from Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia, a Masters degree in Economics from Northwestern University, USA and a Ph.D in Economics from University of Washington, USA. She was awarded the Mahaputra Adipradana Order (Bintang Mahaputra Adipradana) from the Republic of Indonesia, honorary brevet from the Indonesian Navy and honorary flight wing from the Indonesian Air Force.

Session 1: SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

Ms. Solene Le Doze
Ms. Solène Le Doze
Environmental Affairs Officer Environment and Development Policy Section, Environment and Development Division, ESCAP
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Solène Le Doze is an Economic Affairs officer at the ESCAP Environment and Development Division in Bangkok. She manages a regional portfolio on natural resources management, including water. As such, she coordinates the UN-Water regional expert group for Asia and the Pacific, led the regional consultation on the midterm review of the UN Water Action Decade, provides support to the follow-up and review of SDG6 during the Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development and writes the regional chapter of the UN World Water Development Report.

Mr. Haneda Sri Mulyanto
Mr. Haneda Sri Mulyanto
Emergency Response Sub-Directorate Head, Directorate of Hazardous Waste and Non-Hazardous Waste-Contaminated Site Remediation and Emergency Response, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia
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Mr. Haneda Sri Mulyanto earned a Master of Advanced Studies in Environmental Engineering and Management from Technische Universitat Graz in Austria. He joined the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in 1993 (formerly Environmental Impact Management Agency) and since then he was appointed to various scopes of work, such as climate change and hazardous waste-contaminated site remediation. Currently, he is the Head of the Subdirectorate for Emergency Response in the Directorate of Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste-Contaminated Site Remediation and Emergency Response, Ministry of Environment and Forestry Indonesia.
 

Ms. Therese Tiu
Principal Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA)
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Mr. Firdaus Dahlan
Mr. Firdaus Dahlan
Director, Centre for Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle
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Mr. Firdaus is a career diplomat of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. He  has  been  serving  the  Ministry  for  more  than  30  years.  During  his  career,  he  has  been assigned in several missions of Indonesia abroad. Prior to the current post, he was director of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) based in Mauritius from 2014 – 2018.

As a diplomat, his career began as Sub-Head of Industrial Division at the Bureau of Economy of ASEAN – Indonesia in 1991, and then in 1993 he was assigned as Sub-Head Economic Division at the Indonesian Embassy in Port Moresby – Papua New Guinea until 1997. In 1997, he assumed responsibility as Report Analyst at the Directorate General of Economic Relation of MOFA-Indonesia. In 1999 – 2003 he was tasked to take post as Head of Economic Division at the Indonesian Embassy in Amman – Jordan.

In  2003–2007,  he  was  appointed  as  Deputy-Director  for  Technical  Cooperation  of International  Organizations  at  the  Directorate  General of Information and Public Diplomacy. During this time, he was active in conducting various training / capacity building programs for developing countries in collaboration with International Organizations / donors, such as: UN- ESCAP,  Islamic  Development  Bank,  JICA,  WTO,  UNEP,  and  NAM-South-South  Technical Cooperation (SSTC).

From 2007 – 2010, he assumed responsibility as Head of Information and Socio-Cultural division at the Indonesian Embassy in Den Haag, Netherlands. During this time, he was also active in promoting socio-cultural relation between the two countries. He initiated several promotional programs to further strengthen bilateral relation of both countries including trade promotion. From 2011 – 2013, he assumed responsibility as the Deputy-Director for Economic and Development at the Directorate of Public Diplomacy of MOFA – Indonesia in Jakarta.

Mr. Firdaus has attended several international short courses, among others: diplomatic course – INTAN Malaysia (1992); 21st Century of Youth Exchange Program Indonesia-Japan, Tokyo (1992); Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, Clingendael, Den Haag, Netherlands (2007); Trade Dispute Settlement jointly conducted by MOFA – Indonesia and the WTO Secretariat (2007);  Maritime Safety and Security Programme, Semarang-Indonesia (2017).

He is an Economist graduated from Andalas University in West Sumatera in 1987, and post-graduate studies at University of Padjadjaran – Bandung in 2007.

 

Dr. Kyaw Thu
Dr. Kyaw Thu
Urban Development Specialist, Southeast Asia Urban and Water Division, Southeast Asia Regional Department, Asian Development Bank
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Dr. Kyaw administers ADB’s sovereign loans, grants, and technical assistance projects in urban and water sectors in the Southeast Asian countries. He also manages ASEAN Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund (AASCTF), which is a single donor trust fund that focuses on building livable cities that are green, competitive, inclusive, and resilient in the ASEAN region.

Prior  to  joining  ADB  in  2015  as  an  Infrastructure  Specialist,  he  worked  in  academia,  private sector, and UN in United Kingdom, Thailand, and Myanmar with the focus on urban resilience, climate  change,  disaster  risk  reduction,  construction  industry  research,  and  private  finance initiatives (PFI) and public-private partnerships (PPP) areas.

He  holds  a  PhD  in  Construction  Management  and  Economics  from  Glasgow  Caledonian University in UK (2012), a Masters in Construction Engineering and Infrastructure Management from Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand (2004), and a Bachelor in Civil Engineering from Yangon Technological University in Myanmar (2001).

He  is  an  alumnus  of  the  Beahrs  Environmental  Leadership  Program  (Natural  Resources Management)  in  the  University  of  California  at  Berkley  (2014),  and  the  Joint  United  Nations System  Staff  College  (UNSSC)  and  UN  Climate  Change’s  “The  Paris  Agreement  on  Climate Change as a Development Agenda Course” (2022).
 

Ms. Ravadee Prasertcharoensuk
Ms. Ravadee Prasertcharoensuk
Director, SDF, Thailand
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Ravadee has an educational background in social administration, Community Development, and Human Rights.  She has worked in the Development field since her graduation in 1975, until now.  At present, she holds a position as the director of Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF). SDF is a Rights-based environmental non-government organization promoting for inclusive development, governance, people-centered customary rights on ecosystem-based sustainable natural resource management, She has direct field concreate actions experiences demonstrating gender mainstream, community rights and multi-stakeholder participation in ecosystem-based natural resource management. Especially in the marine coastal resource management.  Net working with an environmental organization and people organizations advocates and campaign for gender responsive, social inclusion and good governance toward climate change justice in National Climate change policy, ecosystem - based natural resource management policies.

Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn
Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn
Executive Director, Mekong Institute, Thailand
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As Mekong Institute's Executive Director beginning on September 1, 2020, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn steers the strategic planning and implementation of the intergovernmental organization's human resource development, capacity strengthening, and research efforts to spur the acceleration of sustainable socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

Recognized as a respected development leader and regional integration advocate, Mr. Suriyan holds over 15 years of experience in delivering innovative approaches and sustainable practices across his specialized areas of agriculture and rural development, public- private partnership, and trade facilitation in the GMS and Southeast Asia.

Before taking the helm at MI, Mr. Suriyan was the Deputy Cluster Coordinator for Food and Agriculture of the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Thailand and Spokesperson of the Agriculture Working Group under the GIZ Sector Network for Natural Resources and Rural Development in Asia and the Pacific.

As Deputy Cluster Coordinator, Mr. Suriyan spearheaded project steering and management, as well as partnership development in the food and agriculture sectors across the GMS. He, as the Regional Project Director of the Better Rice Initiative Asia from 2014 to 2017, also ushered several rice-related initiatives, which continue to be adapted and implemented by major rice-producing countries across Southeast Asia today.

In addition, Mr. Suriyan carries an extensive international development network, having assumed key positions at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat in Indonesia, and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. He remains one of the most sought-after and prolific speakers for his macro- and micro-level perspectives on agricultural development in high-level knowledge exchange and dialogue-sharing platforms organized by international and regional organizations such as ADB, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, ASEAN, FAO, the Greater Mekong Subregional Economic Cooperation, and the Sustainable Rice Platform. Mr. Suriyan has also contributed to numerous research and policy studies, including being the lead author of the ASEAN Integrated Food Security Framework.

Mr. Suriyan is a Thai national and graduate of Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, Thailand. He completed his master's degree program on Management of Agricultural Knowledge Systems (MAKS) at the Wageningen Agricultural University, the Netherlands.

Ms. Chawee Wongprasittiporn
Ms. Chawee Wongprasittiporn
Expert on Strategy, Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), Thailand
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Ms. Chawee Wongprasittiporn is currently the Expert on Strategy in the Office of National Water Resources of Thailand.

She has 34 years of experience in strategic planning for river basin development for flood and drought mitigation, and irrigation development in Thailand; integrated water resources management in specific river basins; hydrodynamic and water quality modelling application; the 20-year National Water Resources Master Plan of Thailand; and strategic planning for climate change adaptation measures in Mun River Basin, (Mekong Tributary).

She has a  Bachelor’s degree in  Irrigation Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Water Resources Engineering.

Session 2: SDG 11 - Make cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable

Mr. Curt Garrigan
Mr. Curt Garrigan
Chief, Sustainable Urban Development Section, ESCAP
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Mr. Curt Garrigan is Chief of the Sustainable Urban Development Section for UN-ESCAP.  In this role, he contributes to ESCAP’s efforts to promote sustainable urban solutions in cities throughout the region.  Before joining UN-ESCAP, Mr. Garrigan spent seven years with UN Environment in Paris, France as Coordinator of the Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative and as Cities and Buildings Programme Manager.  Prior to joining the UN system, Mr. Garrigan served more than 22 years in operational and management roles for the City of Nashville, Tennessee USA, including Deputy Mayor, Parks Director, and Infrastructure and Planning Coordinator for the city’s post-Flood Recovery Team.   

Mr. Garrigan holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Environmental Diplomacy from the University of Geneva.

Dr. Bernadia
Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi
Secretary General, United Cities & Local Governments Asia-Pacific, Indonesia
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Dr. Bernadia is the first woman Secretary General of the UCLG’s regional section. She has been working in urban development and related fields for more than 15 years. She began her career at  Japan  International  Cooperation  Agency  (JICA)  and  afterward  CITYNET  in  Yokohama.  Dr. Bernadia  has  also  been  a  visiting  professor  at  several  universities  in  Japan  and  speaking  at various international events. In 2015, she was appointed as a member of the Advisory Group on Gender Issues (AGGI) of UNHABITAT. She was selected as one of prominent women whose work makes impacts in Asia Pacific in 2018 by GovInsider Asia.

Her  interests  are  on strategic  urban  planning,  climate  change,  disaster  management,  water management, women empowerment, and local governance. Dr. Bernadia received her PhD in urban  engineering  from  the  University  of  Tokyo,  and  two  master  degrees  in  Atmospheric Physic  from  Nagoya  University,  Japan  and  in  Public  Policy  from  National  University  of Singapore.

As  the  Secretary  General,  Dr.  Bernadia  Irawati  Tjandradewi  is  the  chief  executive  officer  of UCLG  Asia-Pacific  Section.  She  directs  the  daily  activities  of  the  Section  and  carries  out  the decisions of the Regional General Assembly, the Regional Council and the Executive Bureau. The  Secretary  General  manages  the  Secretariat’s  activities,  programmes  and  finances  of  the Section under the guidance of the Presidency and reports to the Executive Bureau.
 

Ms. Norliza Hashim
Ms. Norliza Hashim
CEO, Urbanice, Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Government of Malaysia
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Norliza Hashim is the Chief Executive of Urbanice Malaysia, a Centre of Excellence for Community Well-being and Urban Sustainability, under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Malaysia; where she leads a team that focus on the implementation of sustainable urbanisation policies in cities and regions through shared knowledge platforms, innovative urban solutions andcollaborative partnership.

Norliza is a professional and registered Town Planner and her experiences covers a wide spectrum of the planning discipline and has written policy documents and planning guidelines, produced blueprints and masterplans for townships that has contributed towards Malaysia’s nation buildingover the last 30 years. She also has wide ranging global experience, having exported her urban planning services to more than 12 nations - including Russia, Indonesia, China, Pakistan, India and the Saudi Arabia.

She had led a team of experts to develop the National Low Carbon Cities Assessment Framework for the Ministry of Environment and Water and is also the Director for Malaysian Institute of Planner’s Low Carbon Cities and Sustainability Centre. She was President of Malaysia Institute of Planners and was also the Secretary General of the Eastern Regional Organisation for Planning and Housing, an accedited organisation of the UN-Habitat.

In recognition for her contribution, she has been appointed as Adjunct Professor to the International Islamic University Malaysia this year (2022), conferred Planner of the Year in 2018 by the Malaysian Institute of Planner and awarded as the Top 10 National Women Entrepreneur Award, Malaysia in 2014 by the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation.

Norliza  currentlly  sits  on  the  Leadership  Council  for  Sustainable  Development  Solutions  Network Malaysia (SDSN), a Fellow of Institute MASA and several organisation related to sustainability as her passion  lies  in  promoting  the  sustainability  agenda  and  in  providing  innovative  solutions  that contributes towards better quality of life and built environment for cities and nations.
She is now the Chairman of the Penang Platform for Sustainable Urbanisation, a dynamic partnership among  leading  urban  development  organisations  to  support  local,  regional  and  national governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and New Urban Agenda in Asia and the Pacific.
As a registered technologist, she sits on the Accredetation and Qualification of the Malaysian Board of Technologist and here she also champions innovation and smart solution that can help cities and regions to be sustainable and resilient.

Ms. Kai Ra Cabaron
Kai Ra Cabaron
Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY), Philippines
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Kai Ra Cabaron is the Public Information Officer of KADAMAY.  At a young age, they were a member of a progressive Children’s Collective under the group Salinlahi. They learned how to integrate with marginalized classes such as workers and urban poor and how they relate to the overall struggle for national liberation. They were also a partner for Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development's (APWLD) Feminists Participatory Action Program for Climate Justice. As a part of Kadamay, they continue to organize people against demolition and eviction of urban poor communities in the Philippines. Kadamay is at the forefront of the urban poor’s fight for their right to the city and carry out a long-term struggle for the eradication of poverty and for a just, free, and prosperous society.

 

Mr. Riccardo Maroso
Mr. Riccardo Maroso
Project Team Leader, UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia-Pacific
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Dr. Riccardo Mesiano is the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office in Timor-Leste. Previously Sustainable Development Officer in the Office of the Executive Secretary in UNESCAP. He plays a coordination role for the activities related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Asia and the Pacific including the regional preparations to the HLPF. Within ESCAP  he also worked as Social Affairs Officer and Deputy Secretary of the Commission. Before joining ESCAP he has worked as Officer in Charge of the Productive Sectors Section (PSS) and Head of the Project Management Unit at UNESCWA and Programme Officer with UNIDO, UNDP and the European Commission. He obtained is PhD in Industrial Economy in Paris after a degree in International Relations, a Master in Diplomacy and a Master in Trade. His professional interests include the integration of the  three dimensions of sustainable development, the role of the private and public sectors in advancing the SDGs and the impact of trade on sustainable development. He has over twenty years of experience in research for development, project management and international relations.

Ms. Elaine Tan
Ms. Elaine Tan
Director, Centre for Liveable Cities, Singapore
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Elaine Tan is currently on a secondment stint as Director (Research) at the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC), Ministry of National Development, Singapore.

Prior to CLC, Elaine was Director of Strategic Research at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), where she spearheaded URA’s R&D efforts in line with the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council’s first RIE2015 plan.

Elaine was also formerly URA’s Director of Architecture and Urban Design Excellence, working closely with the industry to advance the state of architecture and urban design in Singapore through new initiatives and programmes including the President’s Design Award and Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize.

At the CLC, Elaine continues to advance research frontiers in the areas of urban resilience, climate change, aging, and health & well-being. She is currently an appointed member of the HealthCity Novena Master Plan 2030 and Beyond Leadership Panel. Internationally, Elaine is appointed Singapore Representative on the Resilient Cities Network and was a mentor to the Urban Land Institute Singapore Mentorship Programmer.

Session 3: SDG 7 - Sustainable Finance for the Energy Transition

Nishant Kumar
Mr. Nishant Kumar
Managing Director Asia, GuarantCo
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Nishant Kumar joined GuarantCo’s Singapore office in November 2016 as Executive Director and was
Regional Director for South Asia since January 2019 where he led origination and execution of transactions in the region. In June 2020, Nishant became Managing Director of Asia.

Prior to GuarantCo, Nishant worked across functions in Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Finance, Investment Banking and in Renewable Energy Private Equity where he led origination and execution of infrastructure, natural resources, agriculture, food & beverages, consumer transactions and investments across Asia-Pacific. Nishant started his financial services career in Hong Kong and subsequently moved to Singapore where he has been living since 2010.

Nishant has an MBA from University of Hong Kong & London Business School programme and a Bachelor of Technology in Mining Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, BHU (Varanasi), India. GuarantCo mobilises private sector local currency investment for infrastructure projects and supports the development of financial markets in lower income countries across Africa and Asia. GuarantCo is part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) and is funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia and Sweden, through the PIDG Trust, the Netherlands, through FMO and the PIDG Trust, and France through a stand-by facility. GuarantCo is rated AA- by Fitch and A1 by Moody’s. GuarantCo’s activities are managed by GuarantCo Management Company which is part of Cardano Development. 

Mr. Senda Hurmuzam Kanam
Mr. Senda Hurmuzam Kanam
Head, Survey and Testing Center for Electricity, New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia
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Mr. Senda Hurmuzan Kanam graduated from M.Sc in Principles of Renewable Energy Use from University of Oldenburg in Germany. He became the Head of Subdirectorate for Electricity Affiliation in 2019 and a Senior Policy Analyst of Directorate General of Electricity in 2020. From 2022, Mr. Senda Hurmuzan Kanam is the Head of Center for Survey and Testing of Directorate general of Electricity, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation.

Ms. Hien Minh Tran
Ms. Hien Minh Tran
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Viet Nam
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Ms. Hien Tran is currently a Sustainable Finance Officer at GGGI. Her primary areas of focus included private investment mobilization via thematic bonds and blended finance structures, as well as policy advocacy for sustainable finance market in Viet Nam. She has had over 8 years of experience in Viet Nam’s capital market, with proven records in strengthening the efficiency and integrity of Vietnam’s capital market via the introduction of best practices, guidelines, and new instruments to market participants. Prior to join GGGI, Hien worked in Hanoi Stock Exchange, where she engaged in various pioneering initiatives, including the launch of the Hanoi Industrial Classification code (HaSIC) and the first Corporate Governance Code of Best Practices for listed firms in Viet Nam. Most recently, under the framework of the Vietnam Green Bond Readiness Program, Hien facilitated the inaugural internationally verified, local currency denominated green bond transaction in Vietnam, with volume equivalent to US 75 mil.
 

Dr. Nuki Agya Utama
Dr. Nuki Agya Utama
Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Energy
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Dr. Nuki Agya Utama is appointed as the Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and reporting directly to an International organisation under ASEAN entities and reporting to Governing Council consist of ministries energy in ASEAN member states. He is currently an advisory board member of Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC) and World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Future Councils.

Dr. Nuki Agya Utama has academics and research background as Post-Doctorate in Graduate School Energy Science Kyoto University for energy scenario planning in South East Asia. Holding PhD, with research on Life Cycle Energy Analysis from Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, the University of Technology King Mongkut (KMUTT), Thailand.

Prior to assuming his position in ACE, he worked as a director various local companies and as a consultant in a well-known international Institutions. In his early career, he worked as a consultant in UNDP and UNEP, working on energy and environment-related issues. He also been served as the Head of Environmental Engineering department at Surya University, Indonesia and currently as a lecturer in Swiss German University, Indonesia.

Michael Williamson
Mr. Michael Williamson
Chief, Sustainable Energy Development and Utilisation Section, Energy Division, ESCAP
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Michael Williamson is Section Chief in the Energy Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Michael works on regional cooperation for sustainable energy across ESCAP’s 53 member countries, spanning intergovernmental dialogue, technical assistance and research. Prior to this, Michael was the acting Director of ESCAP’s Subregional Office for South and South West Asia overseeing 10 countries of South and South West Asia. He was previously Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to the Executive Secretary of ESCAP. He began his UN career in 2013 as the Head of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology, ESCAP’s regional institution based in India.

Michael’s experience over the last 20 years covers the private sector, government and international organisations with a focus on sustainable development, energy, technology and climate change.  He worked for Australian governments at state and federal level in climate change, sustainability and energy policy and in humanitarian assignments with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Michael holds a Master of Science in Renewable Energy Technology from Loughborough University, UK, an honours degree in Civil Engineering from Monash University, Australia and a post graduate diploma in management from the Australian Institute of Management. He is a graduate of the UN leadership course at the United Nations Staff College.

Dr. Poonpat Leesombatpiboon
Dr. Poonpat Leesombatpiboon
Executive Director, International Affairs Division, Ministry of Energy, Thailand
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Poonpat Leesombatpiboon was born in Bangkok, Thailand.  He is an economist by training.
He  graduated  from  Thammasat  University  in  economics  with  major  in  Econometrics  and International Economics.

Later  he  received  the  Royal  Thai  Government  Scholarship  to  complete  his  MSc. in Operational Research at the London School of Economics (LSE).  He then came back to serve the  government  and  started  his  career  as  civil  servant  in  the  area  of  international  energy cooperation.

He  also  served  as  an assistant  to three  Energy  Ministers and  one  Deputy  Prime Minister of  Thailand.   He  has gained  extensive knowledge  and  experience  in energy  sector,  international energy cooperation and politics from such positions. Later he got the scholarship from the Royal Thai  Government once again to  complete his Ph.D. in Economics in the USA at the George Washington University. During his study in the USA, he also served as a consultant at the World Bank for the Project relating to the natural resources in the Asian Region.

He is now in charge of the Executive Director of International Affairs Division. One of his successful contributions to the ASEAN energy connectivity is the finalization of the agreement between the three countries in the first multilateral ASEAN power trade known as Lao-Thailand-Malaysia Power Integration Project (LTM-PIP).
 

David Walker
Mr. David Walker
Senior Writer, Gibson Field Media
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Ms. Subathirai Sivakumaran
Ms. Subathirai Sivakumaran
Chief, Financing for Development Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP
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Ms. Subathirai Sivakumaran is the Chief of Section of Financing for Development at UN ESCAP, and seeks to accelerate the flow of sustainable finance within the Asia Pacific region, both by sovereigns and by private issuers and investors. Additionally, the Financing for Development section seeks to inform and influence governments and regulators to drive the appropriate enabling frameworks to achieve greater financing for development in the region.

Mr. Jose Antonio Montalban
Mr. Jose Antonio Montalban
Pro-People Engineers and Leaders
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Jose Antonio A. Montalban currently serves as the Public Information Officer of Pro-People Engineers and Leaders (PROPEL), an organization advocating for the genuine applications of engineering services for the aspirations of the masses. His organization, has collectively worked on various non-government organizations for technical assistance using engineering applications in serving the needs of grassroots and marginalized communities, ranging from infrastructure to public utilities.

Ms. Zi Xin Lee
Ms. Zi Xin Lee
Senior Assistant Director, Energy Division, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore
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Zi Xin, 27, holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and aMaster’s in Finance from Peking University. At the age of 18, Zi Xin was awarded the President Scholarship and the inaugural Lee Hsien Loong Bicultural Student Award for Malay. At the age of 25, Zi Xin co-founded The Young SEAkers outside of work, a non-profit youth organization headquartered in Singapore with 11 chapters and 600 members across ASEAN and China. Zi Xin worked for two years at the Ministry of Finance on the Significant Infrastructure Government Loan Act and authored a policy paper recommending Singapore’s first issuance of public sector green bonds. She was on a one-year private sector attachment to Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India as an investment associate, where she co-authored an article with the fund’s partner on Demystifying Climate Tech Investment in the Context of Southeast Asia. She is now currently working on energy policy and international cooperation as Senior Assistant Director, Energy Division, at the Ministry of Trade and Industry. 

Mr. David Marques Pereira
Mr. David Marques Pereira
ESG Originator, DZ Bank AG
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Session 4: SDG 9 – Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation

Paul Apthorp
Mr. Paul Apthorp
Lead Consultant, Sustainable Freight Transport, ESCAP
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Paul Apthorp is an authority on freight transport in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and the surrounding countries of ASEAN and South and East Asia. He was a founder and   Vice Chairman of the GMS Freight Transport Association. He was the architect and developer of TNT’s Asian Road Network linking South East Asia to China. He is a pioneer of the expansion of cross border freight movements across the region.  Paul has worked extensively across the region in developing Transport links as well as advising Government and development agencies on regulatory issues.   Over the past decade this has been increasingly about sustainable fright transport and “Green freight”. Paul has the knowledge on the ground as an operator and knows the issues that local operators, shippers, and other stakeholders  face.  He  kooks  for  practical  solutions  that  will  not  diminish  the  ability  of  developing countries and logistics operators to compete in export or transportation markets/  Prior to working in this  region,  Paul  spent  8  years  as  head  of  Logistics  and  Japan  for  a  major  global  logistics  service provider. He also spent 7 years in Russia and the CIS on freight transport and food distribution. Paul learnt his trade in perishable food distribution in the UK and long distance refrigerated transport in Europe, before the single market was established in 1992.

Working for International agencies such as the World Bank, ADB, GIZ , ITC UNESCAP and UNCDF, Paul has had wide exposure to the freight industry across the region and is a recognised authority on operational, regulatory and environmental issues affecting the movement of freight across the region. He has a first-hand knowledge of all the major freight routes, economic corridors, and borders.

Paul holds Master’s degree in Transport from Sydney University.  He is a specialist in simplifying supply chain movements, removing bottlenecks and unnecessary handling delays and costs.  Paul has a background  in  International  Road  freight  and  also  has  expertise  in  refrigerated  transport  and  the distribution  of  perishables  in  urban  and  long-distance  markets.  Paul  has  lectured  extensively  on Transport and Logistics especially in developing countries. He was lead lecturer on Logistics  at the Mekong Institute (MI)  and is the author and lead lecturer on the Green Freight course at MI as well as in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.  
 

Paul is widely experienced on Green Freight Initiatives for SME operators and has worked with associations, operators and Government across the Greater Mekong Sub-region on programs to reduce emissions from freight transport and reduce the impact of freight transport.  In 2015, Paul was appointed to the Business Advisory Council  for Transport and Logistics of UNESCAP in Bangkok.
 

Mr. Ekaterina KOZYREVA
Mr. Ekaterina Kozyreva
IEC International (France), President – Managing Partner
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Born  in  Moscow,  Ms.  Kozyreva  has  graduated  from  Lomonosov  Moscow  State University,  department  of  Human  Geography,  and  started  her  professional  way  as  a research officer in Moscow State University and in the Institute of Geography in Russian Academy of Sciences.

Ms.  Kozyreva  worked  for  consulting  organizations  where  she  was  responsible  for strategic issues. She has a 10-years working experience within Russian Railways.

Ms.  Kozyreva  is  a  member  of  OECD’s  ITF  Transport  Research  Committee  and  is engaged  in  ESCAP  and  ECE  projects  as  an  independent  consultant  on  railway  and multimodal transport projects.
Since 2018 Ms. Kozyreva has been working for an independent think-tank InfraEconomy Group uniting InfraEconomy Centers in France and the UAE, which provides analytical support in macroeconomic and geopolitical background of freight, passenger and urban transport.
 

Azhar Jaimurzina Ducrest
Ms. Azhar Jaimurzina Ducrest
Chief, Transport Connectivity, and Logistics Section, Transport Division, ESCAP
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Azhar Jaimurzina Ducrest is Chief of the Transport Connectivity and Logistics Section of the Transport Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). The Section supports member States in further developing the regional transport infrastructure network in Asia and the Pacific and improve its operational efficiency through common regional frameworks, harmonized technical and operational standards, application of new technologies and innovations in logistics. 

Previously Ms. Jaimurzina has worked as Chief of the Infrastructure Services Unit of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) and as Economic Affairs Officer in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Ms. Jaimurzina holds a Master’s degree in international law from Université Libre de Bruxelles and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from University of Chicago.

Dr. Guineng Chen
Team Lead, Data and Policy Analytics, International Transport Forum at the OECD
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Mr. Sandeep Jain
Mr. Sandeep Jain
Economic Affairs Officer, Transport Connectivity and Logistics Section, Transport Division, ESCAP
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Sandeep Raj Jain is Economic Affairs Officer, Transport Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Bangkok Currently, serves as technical secretary to the Working Group on Trans-Asian Railway Network  established under the intergovernmental agreement on Trans-Asian Railway Network andimplementing initiatives to strengthen international railway transport in the region. In addition, he is implementing initiatives to foster sustainable freight transport among countries in the region.

Mr. Beny Irzanto
Mr. Beny Irzanto
Senior Officer, Transport Division, ASEAN Secretariat
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Beny Irzanto is a Senior Officer at Transport Division, ASEAN Secretariat. He currently facilitates ASEAN cooperation on Land Transport (road and railway), Transport Facilitation and Sustainable Transport.

He has joined ASEAN Secretariat since 2005 and during his tenure, he was also involved in the area of Priority Integration Sectors and Competition Policy. Prior to joining ASEAN Secretariat, he worked in several private sector companies in the area of supply chain management and enterprise resources planning.

He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering in 1996 and Master’s Degree in International Management in 2002.

Mr. Rahmat Maulana Sidik
Mr. Rahmat Maulana Sidik
Indonesia for Global Justice (IGJ)
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Rahmat Maulana Sidik is a Executive Director of Indonesia for Global Justice (IGJ), prior to serving as Executive Director, he served as program manager at Indonesia for Global Justice (IGJ). He is interested in issues of globalization, international law, business and human rights, food sovereignty and sustainable industries. He is now a candidate for a master's degree in business law at the National University in Jakarta. He was also asked by the local government in the city where he lived as a team of experts for accelerating infrastructure development.

Mr. Mohamed Suhaimi Yaacob
Mr. Mohamed Suhaimi Yaacob
Chief Corporate Officer, Kereta Api Tanah Melayu Berhad
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Presently  as  Chief  Corporate  Officer  responsible  for  strategic  corporate  transformation  and business  growth  at  KTMB,  Malaysia’s  national  railway  company.  Extensive  international experience  in  the  rail  transportation  and  rail  logistics  sector  after  having  served  in  senior management  positions  in  Brasil  &  LAC,  India,  Malaysia  and  Indonesia.  Represents  the industry  as  speaker  and  panelist  in  a  number  of  forums  in  Malaysia  and  internationally. Ranging  subject  matter  from  national  economic  growth,  urban  growth  development  plans, transport engineering and rail logistics.
Credited  in  drafting  a  number  of  strategy  papers  for  urban  transport  feasibility  -  Malaysia, urban  solid  waste  disposal  -  Indonesia,  squatter  resettlement  strategy  –  Latin  America  and development  of  micro  economies  for  the  City  of  Jakarta.  Using  the  current  platform,  he continues his vision to liberate the railway industry and railway businesses within Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

Suhaimi  continues  to  be  engaged  by  the  industry  to  contribute  in  planning  for  urban developments  in  the  cities  of  Sri  Lanka,  India,  Kazakhstan,  Tanzania,  Puerto  Rico  and Indonesia.

Leading team member for Malaysia’s first railcar technology export and product development. Having also served in the capacity of project director for railway projects in Brasil, India and Malaysia. An advocate for promoting sustainable growth and a firm believer in technology and value  engineering;  worthy  mentions  are  early  contributions  to  the  industry’s  effort  in promoting IBS technology through value engineering for reinforced concrete structures and concrete road projects in Malaysia. Also conducted feasibility studies for the installation of solar power plants in Malaysia and India.
 

Phanthaphap  Phounsavath
Mr. Phanthaphap Phounsavath
Deputy Director General, Department of Transport, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao PDR
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Mr. Phanthaphap  Phounsavath is currently the Deputy Director General of the Department of Transport, Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Lao PDR. 

He is in charge of macro planning, development of legislation, and monitoring of freight transport and logistics. He is also the head of Lao PDR for transport bilateral cooperation, ASEAN cooperation, and the Head of the Lao PDR Secretariat for GMS transport cooperation. 
 

Ms. Jerawun Hongsakul
Ms. Jerawun Hongsakul
Director of Rail Transport Regulation Division, Department of Rail Transport
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Ms. Jerawun Hongsakul holds degree of MSc. In Business Management University of East Anglia, England. She is currently Director of Rail Transport Regulation, Division Department of Rail Transport.
 

Session 5: SDG 17 - South-East Asia perspectives and partnerships for delivering on the SDGs through the food, energy, and finance nexus

Ms. Juliet Nicole Braslow
Ms. Juliet Nicole Braslow
Economic Affairs Officer, Office of the Executive Secretary, UN ESCAP
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Juliet Braslow is an Economic Affairs Officer in the Section for Countries in Special Situations at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). She coordinates publications, partnerships, and activities in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Asia and the Pacific. Within ESCAP, she also worked in the Space Applications Section to support the implementation of the Asia-Pacific Plan of Action on Space Applications for Sustainable Development. Prior to joining ESCAP, Juliet worked in Latin America and the Caribbean with UNECLAC as well as in Sub-Saharan Africa with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture. She has over 10 years of experience in research for development, project management and sustainable international development in the fields of environmental management, urban development, and innovative technology applications. She holds a Master of Science in Agronomy and Horticulture and a Master of Science in International Agricultural Development.

 

Mr. Oliver Paddison
Mr. Oliver Paddison
Chief, Countries with Special Needs Section, UNESCAP
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Oliver Paddison is Chief of the Section for Countries in Special Situations Section at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). This section monitors progress in implementing the Istanbul Programme of Action for LDCs, the Vienna Programme of Action for LLDCs, and the SAMOA Pathway for SIDS, provides capacity-building support for policymakers to help these countries overcome their development challenges and coordinates ESCAP activities in these countries. Prior to joining ESCAP, Mr. Paddison worked for the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in New York (DESA), the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Mr. Paddison holds a Ph.D. and MA in Economics from the University of Louvain, Belgium, and a BSc. from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Mr. Octavio (Bobby) B. Peralta
Mr. Octavio (Bobby) B. Peralta
Executive Director, Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP), Philippines
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Bobby is currently the Executive Director of the U.N. Global Compact Network Philippines. He was Secretary General of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) and of the World Federation of Development Financing Institutions (WFDFI). Prior to these capacities, he worked at the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

A development banker and advocate for sustainable development, he has over 40 years of experience in development finance. Among other qualifications, Bobby is a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors, a member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine International Convention Center, founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, a certified professional association executive, a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and a writer/columnist on association management and governance of the Philippine news daily, Business Mirror.
 

Ms.Tran Thi Tuyet
Ms.Tran Thi Tuyet
Vietnam Country Coordinator, Water and Energy for Food Grand Challenge (WE4F) TBC
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Tran Thi Tuyet is the Vietnam coordinator for the South and Southeast Asia Regional Innovation Hub,  Water and Energy for Food (WE4F) Grand Challenge. She is the first point of contact for our innovators and partners in Vietnam, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. She coordinates hub interventions related to technical assistance, investment, enabling environments, MEL, communication and knowledge management, and gender and environmental sustainability. Previously, Tuyet worked for Agriterra Vietnam in the Cooperative sector development, UNDP and MOLISA Vietnam for Poverty Reduction policy reform, and GIZ for private sector development. She has over 20 years of experience in research for development, project management, poverty reduction and private sector and sustainable rural development in market research, agri-business and value chain development, innovative start-up incubator/mentoring, capacity building, policy advocacy, CSR and climate change. Tuyet holds a Master's degree in Public Management and Economics from cooperation program of the University Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium and the National Economics University in Vietnam.
 

Dr. Marie Lisa Dacanay
Dr. Marie Lisa Dacanay
President, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA)
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Marie Lisa M. Dacanay, PhD is the founding President of the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), a knowledge and resource institution set up by practitioners and scholars in 2008. She is a mentor of social entrepreneurs, a pioneer in research and education on social entrepreneurship in Asia and a leader in developing collaborative partnerships between social enterprises, civil society organizations, businesses and governments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  Dr. Dacanay was recognized by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and World Economic Forum as Outstanding Social Innovation Thought Leader of the Year 2019. Dr. Dacanay has a Master in Development Management (With Distinction) from the Asian Institute of Management in the Philippines (1996) and a PhD from the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark (2012).   She was Associate Professor and Program Director for Social and Development Entrepreneurship at the Asian Institute of Management (Philippines) from 2000-2008. Before then,  she was manager of non-government and government development programs in the Philippines dedicated to improving the lives of farmers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, fishers, indigenous people and women.

Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn
Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn
Executive Director, Mekong Institute, Thailand
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As Mekong Institute's Executive Director beginning on September 1, 2020, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn steers the strategic planning and implementation of the intergovernmental organization's human resource development, capacity strengthening, and research efforts to spur the acceleration of sustainable socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

Recognized as a respected development leader and regional integration advocate, Mr. Suriyan holds over 15 years of experience in delivering innovative approaches and sustainable practices across his specialized areas of agriculture and rural development, public- private partnership, and trade facilitation in the GMS and Southeast Asia.

Before taking the helm at MI, Mr. Suriyan was the Deputy Cluster Coordinator for Food and Agriculture of the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Thailand and Spokesperson of the Agriculture Working Group under the GIZ Sector Network for Natural Resources and Rural Development in Asia and the Pacific.

As Deputy Cluster Coordinator, Mr. Suriyan spearheaded project steering and management, as well as partnership development in the food and agriculture sectors across the GMS. He, as the Regional Project Director of the Better Rice Initiative Asia from 2014 to 2017, also ushered several rice-related initiatives, which continue to be adapted and implemented by major rice-producing countries across Southeast Asia today.

In addition, Mr. Suriyan carries an extensive international development network, having assumed key positions at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat in Indonesia, and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. He remains one of the most sought-after and prolific speakers for his macro- and micro-level perspectives on agricultural development in high-level knowledge exchange and dialogue-sharing platforms organized by international and regional organizations such as ADB, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, ASEAN, FAO, the Greater Mekong Subregional Economic Cooperation, and the Sustainable Rice Platform. Mr. Suriyan has also contributed to numerous research and policy studies, including being the lead author of the ASEAN Integrated Food Security Framework.

Mr. Suriyan is a Thai national and graduate of Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, Thailand. He completed his master's degree program on Management of Agricultural Knowledge Systems (MAKS) at the Wageningen Agricultural University, the Netherlands.

feby misna
Mrs. Andriah Feby Misna
Director of Various New Energy and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia
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Andriah Feby Misna (Feby) was born in Banda Aceh on February 13th, 1969. She graduated from Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh in 1994 majoring in Chemical Engineering. She earned a double degree of Master of Development Planning and Management Infrastructure from Bandung Technology Institute, Indonesia, and Master of Environmental and Infrastructure Planning from Groningen University, Netherlands, in 2007.

Andriah Feby Misna has been joining the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources since 1996 in Directorate General of Electricity and Energy Utilization (DG of LPE). Her career began when she was appointed as a Head of Sub-Directorate for Technical Guidance and Cooperation of Energy Conservation in the period of 2011-2015, then Head of Sub- Directorate for Energy Utilization Program in 2015-2017, at the Directorate General of NREEC (DG NREEC). She was also appointed as Head of Sub-Directorate for NRE Investment and Cooperation since 2017-2018. Her career continued to shine at the DG NREEC when she successfully passed the selection for the position of Director of Bioenergy and has held this position for almost 4 years from 2018-2022. On January 2022 until present, she has been appointed as Director of Various New Energy and Renewable Energy.
 

Ms. Mizuho Okimoto-Kaewtathip
Ms. Mizuho Okimoto-Kaewtathip
Regional Team Leader – Inclusive Growth and Prosperity Advisor, UNDP, Bangkok Regional Hub
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Mizuho currently serves as the Regional Team Leader & Inclusive Growth and Prosperity Advisor at UNDP Bangkok  Regional  Hub  covering  36  countries  in  the  Asia  Pacific  region  and  areas  including  poverty  & inequality, social protection, employment, public finance and blue economy.

Before joining UNDP BRH, she was the Chief of Social Policy and Governance Programme at UNICEF Viet Nam  overseeing  socio-economic  policy  analysis,  public  finance,  national  and  local  planning,  social protection,  child  poverty,  urbanization  and  coordinating  joint  UN  work  in  many  of  these  areas,  most recently on the social impact of COVID-19. Prior to that, she was with UNICEF Oman as the Programme Coordinator leading the strategic repositioning of UNICEF’s partnership in the high-income context. She has  also  worked  in  various  capacities  with  UNICEF  Lao  PDR,  Indonesia  and  Timor-Leste  and  UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre. Mizuho holds MPhil in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies - University of Sussex, and BA in International Relations and Political Science from the International Christian University.
 

Mr. Kraisid Tontisitin
Mr. Kraisid Tontisitin
Senator, Member of the Bureau of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Thailand
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He received M. D. with honor from Mahidol University (MU) and PhD in Nutrition from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pediatric Training from Vanderbilt and Harvard Universities. His previous roles and functions included, Vice President of MU, Chairman of the Policy board of the Thailand Research Fund, Chairman of the Evaluation Board of the Thai Health Fund, Chairman of MU Council, and a member of the Thai National Food Committee and chaired of the Planning Committee for the Strategic Framework for Food Management in Thailand. Internationally, he was the Director of Food and Nutrition Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy from 2000-2006. His current positions included a member of the International Award Committee of the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation, and a Senator. He received numerous recognitions and awards including, the Most Distinguished Thai of the Year in 1999 from the Royal Thai Government, Dusadee Mala Kem Silapa Vithaya (the most distinguished medal in recognition of the contributions in art and science for Thailand) from His Majesty the King in 2005, the American Dietetic Association’s Frances E Fischer Lecture Award in August 2008, “the 2013 IUNS Lifetime Achievement Award” from the International Union of Nutritional Sciences, and in 2018 he received the most Distinguished Physician Award from the Medical Council of Thailand.
 

Session 6: Subregional and National Progress Reporting on SDGs: Advice and Lessons from the Voluntary National Reviews

Mr. Riccardo Mesiano
Mr. Riccardo Mesiano
Head, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), Timor-Leste.
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Dr. Riccardo Mesiano is the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office in Timor-Leste. Previously Sustainable Development Officer in the Office of the Executive Secretary in UNESCAP. He plays a coordination role for the activities related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Asia and the Pacific including the regional preparations to the HLPF. Within ESCAP he also worked as Social Affairs Officer and Deputy Secretary of the Commission. Before joining ESCAP he has worked as Officer in Charge of the Productive Sectors Section (PSS) and Head of the Project Management Unit at UNESCWA and Programme Officer with UNIDO, UNDP and the European Commission. He obtained is PhD in Industrial Economy in Paris after a degree in International Relations, a Master in Diplomacy and a Master in Trade. His professional interests include the integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development, the role of the private and public sectors in advancing the SDGs and the impact of trade on sustainable development. He has over twenty years of experience in research for development, project management and international relations.

 

Ms. Caitlin Porter
Ms. Caitlin Porter
Senior VNR Advisor, UN ESCAP
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Caitlin Porter is the senior Voluntary National Review (VNR) advisor at ESCAP where she provides technical and strategic support to countries developing their VNR.  Caitlin has a background in governance, strategic planning and intergovernmental processes. Prior to working with ESCAP she worked with the government of Timor-Leste as the strategic team leader and lead writer for the 2019 Timor-Leste VNR. She has also worked with UNDP, European Commission, and international NGOs.  She holds a master’s in governance from the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex.

Dr. Huraini Hurairah
Ms. Huraini Hurairah
Director, Office for Wawasan Brunei 2035 at the Prime Minister’s Office, Head of the Secretariat for the Special National Coordination Committee on the Brunei Darussalam
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Dr. Huraini joined the civil service in 1999, beginning her career at the  Ministry  of  Education  with  working  with  Special  Educational Needs children. Throughout her career, she has had a variety of experiences  within  the  policy  space,  in  particular  bridging aspirations on the policy level into practice. In 2015, she joined the Prime  Minister's  Office to transition into coordinating efforts and monitoring the progress of the National  Vision  (Wawasan  Brunei 2035);  futures work including building futures capabilities across the civil service and the Sustainable Development Goals.  
 

Dr. Huraini holds a DPhil. from the University of Oxford and is the Director of Office for Wawasan Brunei 2035  at the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Head of the Secretariat for the Special National Coordination Committee on the Brunei Darussalam.
 

Prof Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria
Prof. Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria
President, Society for the Promotion of SDG, Malaysia
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Prof. Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria is also Senior Fellow (Social Policy and National Integration) at Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS Malaysia) since September 2021. He  was  the  Head  of  the  secretariat  for  the  All  Party  Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG), appointed by Malaysian Parliament House on Oct 17, 2019 till Parliament was dissolved on Oct 9, 2022 to make way for the 15th General Elections. He was Appointed  by  the  Malaysian  Foreign  Minister  as  member  of  the  Consultative  Council  on Foreign Policy (CCFP) from Sept 2021.
Prof. Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria was also appointed by the Prime Minister to the National Science Council from 2022 to 2024. The United Nations Office in Malaysia awarded him the UN Award for special contributions for the promotions of SDGs on Oct 24, 2017 

Ms. Robeliza Halip
Ms. Robeliza Halip
Coordinator, Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples
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Ms. Robeliza Halip is from the Kalanguya and Kanakanaey indigenous groups in the Cordillera region, Philippines. Her work is focused on the recognition and respect of Indigenous Peoples rights. She is currently part of the secretariat of the Indigenous Peoples Major Group (IPMG) for Sustainable Development and also coordinating the Right Energy Partnership (REP) project of the IPMG in Kenya, Chile, Philippines, and Nepal which includes work at all levels (global, regional, and country level). Prior to this, she was also a part of the secretariat of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) and briefly worked as a consultant with the Committee on Indigenous Peoples in the House of Representatives in the Philippines. Through her work experiences, she gained direct exposure to the concerns of Indigenous Peoples in various countries and communities.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga
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Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga is a senior official of the Department of Science, Education, Natural Resources and Environment in the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Viet Nam. She has nearly 15 years of experience in the field of sustainable development. Her main tasks are developing the policies on sustainable development and SDG's monitoring.

Mr. Inocencio De Jesus Xavier
Coordinator, Human Rights Defenders Network (RDDU), Representative of Timor-Leste NGO Forum (FONGTIL), Timor-Leste
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Mr. Arman Bidarbakht Nia
Mr. Arman Bidarbakht Nia
Head, Statistical Data Management Unit, Statistics Division, Statistics Division, ESCAP
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Arman Bidarbakhtnia is the head of Statistical Data Management Unit at UNESCAP-Statistics Division. Arman’s areas of research and professional interest include measures for human development, survey methodology, and micro-econometrics. Prior to joining UN, Arman worked as survey statistician at Statistical Centre of Iran (SCI).

Poch Sovanndy
Mr. Poch Sovanndy
Deputy Director General for Planning, Cambodia
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Mr. Poch Sovanndy started working in Ministry of Planning in early 1994. He is involved in the preparation processes of National Strategic Development Plans and its Monitoring and Evaluation. In the Era of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he is the focal point of Line Ministries/Line Agencies (LMs/LAs), Development Partners (DPs), Civil Society Organization (CSOs) in SDGs localization into national Context and Monitoring and Evaluation the its achievement. In addition, Mr. Poch Sovanndy also involve with poverty measurement in Cambodia based on data gathering via Cambodia Socio-economic Survey (CSES).

Mr. Sovanndy will involve in and assist in the process of VRN 2023 preparation that will be started very early, 4th quarter 2022.

From 2008, HE. Poch Sovanndy was promoted as a Deputy Director General of Planning, Ministry of Planning (MOP). Beside the above said position, he was also promoted as an advisor of the Ministry of Planning in January 2015.

HE. Poch Sovanndy graduated his master degree on Population Studies from Australian National University, Australia in 2002, and holds a Bachelor degree on Economic from a local University in 1993.

 

Mar Sophal
Mr. Mar Sophal
Program Manager, Socio-Economic Equity in Development (SEED), The NGO FORUM, Cambodia
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Mr. Sophal holds a master degree in Management. He has 20 years of working experiences in projects management, planning, monitoring and evaluation in various local and international organizations such as COMFREL, Forum Syd, FACT and the NGO Forum on Cambodia. He’s currently in charge of Socio-Economic Equity in Development (SEED) Program which coordinate three working groups including 1) Budget Working Group (BWG), 2) Strategic Development Working Group (DWG) and 3) Social Protection Working Group (SWG). This Programme coordinates NGOs and CSO’s sectors to engage in providing inputs for laws and policies development and monitor on the law enforcement, key government policies and partnership building among government, private sectors and development partners. The program builds capacity of NGOs/CSOs both national and sub-national to monitor, Cambodian Sustainable Development Goals (CSDGs), National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP), Development Cooperation Partnership Strategies (DCPS), Public Financial Management Reform Program (PFMRP), National budget transparency and influencing for the aid development effectiveness and inclusive development and national social protection policy framework (NSPPF).

 

Ms. Thanyaporn Krichtitayawuth
Ms. Thanyaporn Krichtitayawuth
Executive Director of Global Compact Network, Thailand
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Thanyaporn Krichtitayawuth (Thanya), is a Professional in volunteer management, and positive psychology (PhD.), and the Won the Award of Management Women, by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayuth Chan – Ocha, 2020 (from GDRI, The Gender and Development Research Institute)
She was invited to play a role in helping create a sustainable economy, society, and environment as the Executive Director of the Global Compact Network Thailand. A part of the UN Global Compact initiative coordinating to enable Thailand and related countries to achieve the 17 Sustainability Development Goals by 2030 for future generations. GCNT coordinates sustainability through processes and assessment tools for developing strategies throughout Thailand. It aims to raise awareness and boost goal-setting abilities in businesses and drive the private sector to collaborate regardless of which industry, its business context, or state of competition. Of course, the sustainability goals must correspond with and be truly co- beneficial for long-term business operations and society.
She had 24 years of experience in the corporate compliance system, engineering, and supply chain management, from Johnson & Johnson. (the world's largest health care company) and with Procter & Gamble. (the world's largest consumer product company), she developed and deploy the strategic initiative with automation, e-Mfg, and Data Analytics.
She won the Prestige level FDA Quality Award (2017, 2018, 2019) for relentlessly driving solid corporate governance and outstanding profile as site compliance director.
- Established & deployed an effective Quality System, and worldwide standards at the site ensured compliance with applicable external regulatory requirements (digital system in
change management, computer system validation, complaint management, GMP, ISO audit, HALAL).
- Initiated innovation: Designed to Value Program for Listerine, Inventory Reduction,
Regional Steering Team, Initiative platform.
- Implemented Direct Shipment Initiative, the consumer products can be transported directly from plant to market, with shorter lead time and lower cost. (supply chain management)

Ms. Hajah Nurul Akmar bti Haji Mohd Jaafar
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD)
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Forum Wrap-up and Summary

Rony
Mr. Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah
Head, Subregional Office for South-East Asia, ESCAP
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Mr. Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah has extensive experience in policy analysis, development cooperation, and regional integration in Asia and the Pacific. He currently initiates work on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in eleven member countries, in partnership with governments, international institutions, civil society, and private sector entities. He also leads the cooperation for the UN with ASEAN in the economic and social-cultural areas. Prior to UN ESCAP, he managed economic development programmes and delivered technical assistance in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.

Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn
Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn
Executive Director, Mekong Institute, Thailand
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As Mekong Institute's Executive Director beginning on September 1, 2020, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn steers the strategic planning and implementation of the intergovernmental organization's human resource development, capacity strengthening, and research efforts to spur the acceleration of sustainable socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

Recognized as a respected development leader and regional integration advocate, Mr. Suriyan holds over 15 years of experience in delivering innovative approaches and sustainable practices across his specialized areas of agriculture and rural development, public- private partnership, and trade facilitation in the GMS and Southeast Asia.

Before taking the helm at MI, Mr. Suriyan was the Deputy Cluster Coordinator for Food and Agriculture of the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Thailand and Spokesperson of the Agriculture Working Group under the GIZ Sector Network for Natural Resources and Rural Development in Asia and the Pacific.

As Deputy Cluster Coordinator, Mr. Suriyan spearheaded project steering and management, as well as partnership development in the food and agriculture sectors across the GMS. He, as the Regional Project Director of the Better Rice Initiative Asia from 2014 to 2017, also ushered several rice-related initiatives, which continue to be adapted and implemented by major rice-producing countries across Southeast Asia today.

In addition, Mr. Suriyan carries an extensive international development network, having assumed key positions at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat in Indonesia, and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. He remains one of the most sought-after and prolific speakers for his macro- and micro-level perspectives on agricultural development in high-level knowledge exchange and dialogue-sharing platforms organized by international and regional organizations such as ADB, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, ASEAN, FAO, the Greater Mekong Subregional Economic Cooperation, and the Sustainable Rice Platform. Mr. Suriyan has also contributed to numerous research and policy studies, including being the lead author of the ASEAN Integrated Food Security Framework.

Mr. Suriyan is a Thai national and graduate of Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, Thailand. He completed his master's degree program on Management of Agricultural Knowledge Systems (MAKS) at the Wageningen Agricultural University, the Netherlands.

for more information, please contact

Subregional Office for South-East Asia + 66 22 88 2902 [email protected]
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