Statement by Dr. Arjun Karki, International Coordinator of LDC Watch at the ESCAP/OHRLLS Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting on Implementing the Istanbul Programme of Action, 14-16 December 2011, Bangkok, Thailand

Mr. Shun-ichi Murata, Deputy Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Mr. Sandagdorj Erdenebileg, Chief , Policy Development, Coordination, Monitoring and Reporting Service, UN-OHRLLS, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen!

Let me begin by thanking the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the OHRLLS for organizing a very timely Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting on Implementing the Istanbul Programme of Action and for their strong commitment in addressing development challenges of LDCs in the Asia-Pacific region.