Nepal's Foreign Minister, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, has been elected Chair of the 81st Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which commenced today, April 21, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. The session will run until April 25 at the United Nations Conference Centre.

The theme of this year's session is “Regional cooperation for resilient and sustainable urban development in Asia and the Pacific.” The conference brings together ministers and key stakeholders from across the region to discuss inclusive and sustainable development strategies, particularly in the context of rapid urbanization and climate-related challenges. 

Minister Deuba is leading Nepal's delegation, which includes officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Planning Commission, and the Embassy of Nepal in Thailand. As Nepal currently holds the chair of ESCAP, Minister Deuba is presiding over the session and is scheduled to deliver an address on behalf of Nepal. 

In addition to her official duties, Minister Deuba's visit has garnered public interest due to its dual purpose: participating in the international forum and addressing personal health matters. Her spouse, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, has also traveled to Bangkok for a health check-up. 

The 81st ESCAP session is expected to adopt key resolutions on sustainable urban development, regional cooperation, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The outcomes of this session will play a significant role in shaping the region's development trajectory in the coming years.