Minister for Foreign Affairs 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), being held from April 21 to 25 at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok.

Minister Deuba led the inaugural session and the first segment of the General Debate, the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok said in a statement on Monday.

The session, centred on the theme ‘Regional cooperation for resilient and sustainable urban development in Asia and the Pacific’, brings together ministers and senior government officials from across the region to discuss inclusive and sustainable development strategies.

Deuba underscored the importance of ESCAP’s role in fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition to her responsibilities at the session, Deuba participated in a ministerial luncheon hosted by ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Nepal and ESCAP.

“Appreciated hearing leaders and experts’ thoughts on critical cross-border challenges. I look forward to more fruitful discussions over the next few days,” Deuba wrote on X.

Deuba’s delegation includes officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Planning Commission, and Nepal’s embassy in Thailand.

The Nepali delegation is expected to return home on April 25.