UN policy forum opens in Bangkok with call for more inclusive societies across Asia and the Pacific
By R Anil Kumar
Bangkok/ Bengaluru. Global and regional leaders on April 20, 2026, called for stronger action to ensure no one is left behind in a rapidly changing world, as the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 82nd session in Bangkok.
“As the crisis in the Middle East compounds global shocks and affects countries across Asia and the Pacific in different ways, the effects are often falling hardest on the most vulnerable. Sustainable development remains our best strategy to advance progress for all ages and to strengthen resilience amidst uncertainty,” said United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohamed.
The meeting comes at a time of mounting pressures on the region, including economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate risks and rapid technological change, alongside major demographic shifts such as ageing populations, youth employment challenges and widening intergenerational inequalities. Home to more than 60% of the world’s population, the region is also transitioning from households with high fertility to longer lives and smaller families.
“In every crisis, there lies an opportunity; an opportunity to reflect and to better prepare for the future. This crisis underscores something fundamental about the region. Asia and the Pacific is deeply interdependent,” emphasized Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.
She added, “This interdependence creates shared vulnerability. It also creates a shared responsibility and calls for a shared vision, one in which no one is left behind, and where resilience lies at the heart of development.”
“This year’s theme of advancing a society for all ages is not just a policy aspiration, but a strategic priority. It raises an important question: how do we build societies where every stage of life is valued and every person has opportunity to thrive?” said H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand in his special remarks.
Ministers at the opening also stressed the need to ensure that advances in digital technologies and artificial intelligence support inclusive growth and benefit all segments of society.
“Digital transformation is an essential part of this effort. Today the use of online public services, e-government tools and artificial intelligence initiatives is becoming increasingly important for inclusive growth and effective governance,” said H.E. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, who was also elected as Chair of the 82nd session.
“Digital innovation has the potential to overcome the tyranny of distance that defines our geography. By leveraging technology, we can expand access to essential services, improve governance, and unlock new economic opportunities,” shared H.E. Panapasi Nelesone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Economic Development of Tuvalu.
Discussions during the week-long forum will focus on critical policy solutions to adapt to major demographic shifts, including expanding job opportunities across all age groups, supporting women’s participation in the workforce, strengthening care and social protection systems, and promoting lifelong learning.
More than 477 participants from 58 member States, associate members and permanent observers as well as representatives from academia, international organizations, youth, business and civil society are attending the session this week.
This year’s Commission session is jointly hosted by ESCAP, the Government of Azerbaijan and the Government of Thailand. It is expected to culminate on Friday with the endorsement of resolutions covering, among others, advancing societies for all ages, building inclusive civil registration and vital statistics systems, strengthening connectivity on transport and logistics, and the establishment of a regional digital solutions centre.
