Nepal has been elected by acclamation as Chair of the Committee on Conferences, a permanent subsidiary organ of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for 2018.

According to the Nepal’s Permanent Mission to New York, Nepal was appointed by the President of the General Assembly (PGA) as a member of the committee earlier this year for a three-year term of 2018-2020, as one of the six member states representing the Asia-Pacific Group.

The representatives of Hungary, Guyana and the United States were elected as vice-chairs on the 21-member committee, while Liberia was elected as rapporteur representing five different geographical regions.

Nepal has served as member of the committee several times in the past and a few times in its bureau on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Group. This is the first time that Nepal has been entrusted by the membership to be its chair, the statement reads.

Nirmal Raj Kafle, Minister Plenipotentiary and the Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, will act as chair representing Nepal.

Established by the UNGA in 1974, the committee advises the UNGA on all matters pertaining to the organisation of UN conferences and meetings, including their planning and coordination in close consultations with the UN Secretariat and other stakeholders. The committee reports annually to the UNGA.