This year’s ‘Seasonal Greetings Donation for Charity’ project has been yet another outstanding success with a grand total of 850,000 baht raised for worthy causes.
This year, 17 leading hotels made donations to help provide a better and brighter future for children. The money raised will go to Ban Nam Som School to support children’s activities and to build school facilities, and the Wishing Well Foundation to provide support for children with life threatening illnesses.
The 17 leading hotels in Bangkok were: Amari Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels and Resorts, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Grand Millennium Sukhumvit, Intercontinental Bangkok, Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Novotel Lotus, The Pan Pacific Bangkok, Pathumwan Princess, The Peninsula Bangkok, Plaza Athenee Bangkok, Royal Orchid Sheraton, Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, Sofitel Silom Bangkok, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, and Westin Grande Sukhumvit.
Picture shows: First row sitting on the chair, all representatives from foundations, (from left to right) Ms. Choo Leng Goh, Khun Nanthirat Prasertzup, Khun Rashana Pimolsindh, Khun Sarayuth Pechtongkam, Khun Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Khun Issarang Nuchprayoon MD PhD, Khun Sakorn Boonthisak and Khun Napatsawon Ranangkul.
The 2nd row with the group of General Managers, representatives of 17 leading hotels (from left to right) Mr. Richard Chapman, Mr. Graham Hewitt, Mr. Markus Platzer, Mr. Michal Zitek, Mr. Robert Dallimore, Mr. Robert Maurer Loeffler, Mr. Kevin Hall, Mr. Charles Jack, Mr. Thomas G.Christiansen, Khun Weerasak Choonhajak, Mr. Andreas Korf, Mr. Christoph Knichel.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
High-level UN meeting to examine progress in implementation of plan to help least developed countries
Bangladesh Prime Minister scheduled to address Dhaka event
Bangkok (UN ESCAP Information Services) – The United Nations is set to convene a meeting next week in Bangladesh to assess and develop a regional position for Asia and the Pacific ahead of a global review next year on progress made in assisting the world’s least developed countries (LDCs).
From 18 to 20 January in Dhaka, ministers and senior government officials from15 countries will also seek to identify key issues requiring global and regional cooperation to further advance the objectives of the 2001-2010 Brussels Programme of Action (BPoA). That programme seeks “to make substantial progress toward halving the proportion of people living in extreme poverty and suffering from hunger by 2015 and promote the sustainable development of the LDCs.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh is slated to inaugurate the meeting, and ministers from eight LDCs are expected to take part in a ministerial-level exchange. Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), will participate in the meeting along with Cheick Sidi Diarra, UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
During her visit, Dr. Heyzer is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Hasina, as well as with President Zillur Rahman, Finance Minister Abul Mal A Muhith and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni. The Executive Secretary’s itinerary also includes a visit to the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed, a rehabilitation facility for injured spinal patients outside Dhaka in Savar.
Discussions at the three-day meeting are expected to cover issues and concerns related to reducing poverty and hunger by promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the LDCs; promoting food security through sustainable agriculture; and enhancing the share of LDCs in global trade, aid and financial flows and promoting their productive capacity.
Participants will also look at protecting the environment and reducing the vulnerability of the LDCs to climate change, and developing human and institutional capacities to support inclusive and sustainable development of the LDCs.
The meeting’s results will be presented in May to the annual ESCAP Commission session in Incheon, Republic of Korea, for further discussion by member States. Afterwards an assessment of implementation of the BPoA and future priorities at the regional level will be transmitted to the global review in 2011 in Turkey.
The 14 LDCs in the Asia-Pacific region for the purposes of Brussels review include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Kiribati, Lao PDR, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Yemen, the lone LDC in the Middle East, is also participating in the meeting.
Bangkok (UN ESCAP Information Services) – The United Nations is set to convene a meeting next week in Bangladesh to assess and develop a regional position for Asia and the Pacific ahead of a global review next year on progress made in assisting the world’s least developed countries (LDCs).
From 18 to 20 January in Dhaka, ministers and senior government officials from15 countries will also seek to identify key issues requiring global and regional cooperation to further advance the objectives of the 2001-2010 Brussels Programme of Action (BPoA). That programme seeks “to make substantial progress toward halving the proportion of people living in extreme poverty and suffering from hunger by 2015 and promote the sustainable development of the LDCs.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh is slated to inaugurate the meeting, and ministers from eight LDCs are expected to take part in a ministerial-level exchange. Noeleen Heyzer, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), will participate in the meeting along with Cheick Sidi Diarra, UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
During her visit, Dr. Heyzer is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Hasina, as well as with President Zillur Rahman, Finance Minister Abul Mal A Muhith and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni. The Executive Secretary’s itinerary also includes a visit to the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed, a rehabilitation facility for injured spinal patients outside Dhaka in Savar.
Discussions at the three-day meeting are expected to cover issues and concerns related to reducing poverty and hunger by promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the LDCs; promoting food security through sustainable agriculture; and enhancing the share of LDCs in global trade, aid and financial flows and promoting their productive capacity.
Participants will also look at protecting the environment and reducing the vulnerability of the LDCs to climate change, and developing human and institutional capacities to support inclusive and sustainable development of the LDCs.
The meeting’s results will be presented in May to the annual ESCAP Commission session in Incheon, Republic of Korea, for further discussion by member States. Afterwards an assessment of implementation of the BPoA and future priorities at the regional level will be transmitted to the global review in 2011 in Turkey.
The 14 LDCs in the Asia-Pacific region for the purposes of Brussels review include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Kiribati, Lao PDR, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Yemen, the lone LDC in the Middle East, is also participating in the meeting.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
TNT supports PDA project with book donation and delivery
TNT Express Worldwide (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading provider of integrated express services from the Netherlands has announced its latest CSR initiative as part of its philosophy of providing practical support with recognizable and sustainable community benefits.
At today's press conference held at the PDA (The Population and Community Development Association) linked Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant in Bangkok, the donation of some 6,000 educational English language books to the PDA's rural educational development endeavor was officially announced. Scheduled to take place on 12 February 2010, the donation will be marked with a delivery of books by TNT vehicles to Lamplaimat Pattana School in Buri Ram province.
Alan Miu, Managing Director of TNT Thailand said, "TNT Thailand is especially honoured to have been given the opportunity to support the PDA, Thailand's largest NGO and chaired by the now legendary Mechai Viravaidya. The venue for today's announcement regarding TNT's donation to the Associations' endeavor to develop rural education is not only very agreeable, it reminds us all of the importance of the original inspiration for the founding of the PDA whose community work now encompasses so much more, but which is always based on education and partnership.
"For the past many years TNT has implemented a strong CSR programme exemplified at the global level for example with a longstanding partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP). Here in Thailand, we were able to use our logistics expertise effectively to help the victims of the 2004 tsunami, worked with the Royal Thai Army to deliver food and drinking water to the victims of the 2008 Nargis cyclone in Myanmar and later to implement a whole series of practical initiatives that reflect TNT's belief that healthy children become healthy, productive citizens to the benefit of all. Supporting the PDA's Community Library project provides TNT Thailand with an admirable opportunity to continue to contribute to the country's future."
In his comments at the press conference Mechai said, "Since it was founded in 1974 the PDA has extended its activities considerably from addressing immediate family planning needs. Today, PDA is the leading and most diversified NGO in Thailand with 18 regional development centres and branch offices with a strong emphasis on poverty eradication in rural areas. With support from partners, PDA established Lamplaimat Pattana Primary and Secondary Schools to become a model school that offers high quality education to children from poor families for free. The school has been domestically and internationally recognized from its revolutionary, world-class standard curriculum.
The donation of books will support PDA's endeavor to develop rural education. Lamplaimat Pattana School will help distribute the books to schools and villages in Lamplaimat district. The books will be a part of the Village Toy Library program that PDA has started since last year to promote philanthropic mindset in children.
"TNT's generous donation of educational books to the PDA Community Library project is not only most welcome, it also represents PDA's own philosophy of providing practical support in a way which requires involvement by those who are to benefit."
At today's press conference held at the PDA (The Population and Community Development Association) linked Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant in Bangkok, the donation of some 6,000 educational English language books to the PDA's rural educational development endeavor was officially announced. Scheduled to take place on 12 February 2010, the donation will be marked with a delivery of books by TNT vehicles to Lamplaimat Pattana School in Buri Ram province.
Alan Miu, Managing Director of TNT Thailand said, "TNT Thailand is especially honoured to have been given the opportunity to support the PDA, Thailand's largest NGO and chaired by the now legendary Mechai Viravaidya. The venue for today's announcement regarding TNT's donation to the Associations' endeavor to develop rural education is not only very agreeable, it reminds us all of the importance of the original inspiration for the founding of the PDA whose community work now encompasses so much more, but which is always based on education and partnership.
"For the past many years TNT has implemented a strong CSR programme exemplified at the global level for example with a longstanding partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP). Here in Thailand, we were able to use our logistics expertise effectively to help the victims of the 2004 tsunami, worked with the Royal Thai Army to deliver food and drinking water to the victims of the 2008 Nargis cyclone in Myanmar and later to implement a whole series of practical initiatives that reflect TNT's belief that healthy children become healthy, productive citizens to the benefit of all. Supporting the PDA's Community Library project provides TNT Thailand with an admirable opportunity to continue to contribute to the country's future."
In his comments at the press conference Mechai said, "Since it was founded in 1974 the PDA has extended its activities considerably from addressing immediate family planning needs. Today, PDA is the leading and most diversified NGO in Thailand with 18 regional development centres and branch offices with a strong emphasis on poverty eradication in rural areas. With support from partners, PDA established Lamplaimat Pattana Primary and Secondary Schools to become a model school that offers high quality education to children from poor families for free. The school has been domestically and internationally recognized from its revolutionary, world-class standard curriculum.
The donation of books will support PDA's endeavor to develop rural education. Lamplaimat Pattana School will help distribute the books to schools and villages in Lamplaimat district. The books will be a part of the Village Toy Library program that PDA has started since last year to promote philanthropic mindset in children.
"TNT's generous donation of educational books to the PDA Community Library project is not only most welcome, it also represents PDA's own philosophy of providing practical support in a way which requires involvement by those who are to benefit."
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, on International Migrants’ Day
“Stop treating migrants as second-class human beings” – UN human rights chief
“In recent years, migrants – including people who may be refugees – are reported to have been shot dead by security forces, or dumped to die in the desert as they tried to cross borders in North
Africa. Hundreds more are believed to have died after being pushed back out into the Indian Ocean in boats without functioning engines. Many others die on a regular basis as they try to evade coastguard and naval vessels deployed by the world’s richer nations, or because they have been packed on unseaworthy vessels by ruthless smugglers who seem, in some countries, to operate with almost total impunity.” “Others are killed by landmines, die of exposure in remote mountain areas, or are raped or forced into bonded labour or prostitution in both developed and developing countries. In some countries, migrant communities have been forcibly rounded up by the authorities, or have had to flee for their lives as they are attacked by mobs, and seen their homes and businesses ransacked.”
“Despite the heavy toll, remarkably little attention is devoted to all these deaths and the chronic human rights violations of so many extremely vulnerable men, women and children.”
“The commonest reaction seems to be a collective shrug: the deaths are sad of course, but it’s their own fault for trying to enter other countries uninvited. The unmistakable conclusion is that many of us politicians, state authorities, media and the general public – view migrants, especially poor migrants, as second-class human beings, who are somehow not entitled to the same rights as the rest of us.”
“It is likely that this year’s International Migrants' Day will elicit token expressions of concern before we return to business as usual: keeping migrants out, blaming those in our countries already for some of
our social or economic problems – while at the same time readily exploiting them as cheap labour. The trend of criminalization of irregular migration and the use of detention to discourage more people
from coming are also likely to continue or get worse.”
“Such policies often violate the human rights of migrants and contribute to anti-migrant sentiments and xenophobia. Immigrants arriving irregularly in a new country are often detained as a routine procedure and at times without proper judicial safeguards. In addition, irregular migrants intercepted at sea, and others seized by law enforcement officials during raids, are increasingly facing violence, arbitrary detention and premature expulsion. Such actions rarely take into account the mixed character of migration flows, and often lack necessary measures to protect the most vulnerable amongst irregular migrants, such as unaccompanied children, asylum-seekers and victims of trafficking.”
“Migrants who reach their final destination often face severe discrimination in the fields of housing, education, health, work or social security. Laws discriminating – or allowing for discriminatory practices – against non-nationals, along with programmes and policies that fail to address specific needs and vulnerabilities of migrants, often result in them being unable to access basic services or only able
to do so at levels that do not meet international human rights standards.”
“International human rights law recognizes this heightened vulnerability of migrants, but here too the ‘collective shrug’ is having a noticeably negative impact.”
“The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families*, which offers the most comprehensive framework for the protection of the human rights of migrants, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its adoption in 2010.
Unfortunately, few States will be attending the party, as it is one of the least respected human rights conventions, taking more than 12 years to gather the 20 State ratifications it needed to come into force (inJuly 2003), and picking up only a further 22 ratifications since then.
Of these, 17 are African States, 15 are from Latin America and the Caribbean, six from Asia, three from Eastern Europe and only one (Turkey) from the ‘Western group’ of nations, which includes Western
Europe, North America and Australasia.”
“I would urge those countries which have not yet ratified the Migrant Workers Convention, to consider doing so without further delay. While States have a right to place limitations on migration, and to institute systems to manage it, this does not mean they can treat migrants as second-class human beings, who deserve less protection than the rest of us.”
“In recent years, migrants – including people who may be refugees – are reported to have been shot dead by security forces, or dumped to die in the desert as they tried to cross borders in North
Africa. Hundreds more are believed to have died after being pushed back out into the Indian Ocean in boats without functioning engines. Many others die on a regular basis as they try to evade coastguard and naval vessels deployed by the world’s richer nations, or because they have been packed on unseaworthy vessels by ruthless smugglers who seem, in some countries, to operate with almost total impunity.” “Others are killed by landmines, die of exposure in remote mountain areas, or are raped or forced into bonded labour or prostitution in both developed and developing countries. In some countries, migrant communities have been forcibly rounded up by the authorities, or have had to flee for their lives as they are attacked by mobs, and seen their homes and businesses ransacked.”
“Despite the heavy toll, remarkably little attention is devoted to all these deaths and the chronic human rights violations of so many extremely vulnerable men, women and children.”
“The commonest reaction seems to be a collective shrug: the deaths are sad of course, but it’s their own fault for trying to enter other countries uninvited. The unmistakable conclusion is that many of us politicians, state authorities, media and the general public – view migrants, especially poor migrants, as second-class human beings, who are somehow not entitled to the same rights as the rest of us.”
“It is likely that this year’s International Migrants' Day will elicit token expressions of concern before we return to business as usual: keeping migrants out, blaming those in our countries already for some of
our social or economic problems – while at the same time readily exploiting them as cheap labour. The trend of criminalization of irregular migration and the use of detention to discourage more people
from coming are also likely to continue or get worse.”
“Such policies often violate the human rights of migrants and contribute to anti-migrant sentiments and xenophobia. Immigrants arriving irregularly in a new country are often detained as a routine procedure and at times without proper judicial safeguards. In addition, irregular migrants intercepted at sea, and others seized by law enforcement officials during raids, are increasingly facing violence, arbitrary detention and premature expulsion. Such actions rarely take into account the mixed character of migration flows, and often lack necessary measures to protect the most vulnerable amongst irregular migrants, such as unaccompanied children, asylum-seekers and victims of trafficking.”
“Migrants who reach their final destination often face severe discrimination in the fields of housing, education, health, work or social security. Laws discriminating – or allowing for discriminatory practices – against non-nationals, along with programmes and policies that fail to address specific needs and vulnerabilities of migrants, often result in them being unable to access basic services or only able
to do so at levels that do not meet international human rights standards.”
“International human rights law recognizes this heightened vulnerability of migrants, but here too the ‘collective shrug’ is having a noticeably negative impact.”
“The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families*, which offers the most comprehensive framework for the protection of the human rights of migrants, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its adoption in 2010.
Unfortunately, few States will be attending the party, as it is one of the least respected human rights conventions, taking more than 12 years to gather the 20 State ratifications it needed to come into force (inJuly 2003), and picking up only a further 22 ratifications since then.
Of these, 17 are African States, 15 are from Latin America and the Caribbean, six from Asia, three from Eastern Europe and only one (Turkey) from the ‘Western group’ of nations, which includes Western
Europe, North America and Australasia.”
“I would urge those countries which have not yet ratified the Migrant Workers Convention, to consider doing so without further delay. While States have a right to place limitations on migration, and to institute systems to manage it, this does not mean they can treat migrants as second-class human beings, who deserve less protection than the rest of us.”
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ESCAP, Myanmar development partnership seeks to boost agricultural sector and enhance rural livelihoods
Nobel laureate Stiglitz leads expert discussions on restoring country as rice bowl of Asia
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Government of the Union of Myanmar today held a wide-ranging dialogue aimed at boosting the countrys agricultural sector and to help it reclaim its status as the rice bowl of Asia.
At the invitation of ESCAP, Nobel Prize-winning economist Prof. Joseph Stiglitz and other eminent experts discussed strategies for Myanmar to cut poverty in light of Asias regional and subregional experiences.
It is my hope these ideas and analysis will open a new space for policy discussion and a further deepening of our development partnership, UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer said at the event held in Myanmars capital, Naypyitaw.
These development objectives can only be achieved through the successful engagement of local experts and people who know what is happening on the ground. This development partnership, requested by the Government of Myanmar, provides a unique platform for eminent international scholars and local researchers to exchange experiences and ideas with government agencies and civil society, Dr. Heyzer added.
This is the second in a series of events launched by Dr. Heyzer during her visit in July to Myanmar, and was organized by ESCAP with the countrys Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development.
In his presentation, Towards a more productive agrarian economy for Myanmar, Professor Stiglitz noted that Myanmar was well-positioned to learn from other countries in the region that have developed on the back of gains in agriculture. There are large opportunities for improvement. Myanmar should take a comprehensive approach, he said.
He urged the Government of Myanmar to: promote access to appropriate agricultural financing; take measures to boost access to seeds and fertilizers; dramatically boost spending on health and education; and create well-paid jobs in construction of rural infrastructure in order to stimulate development and raise incomes and spending.
Professor Stiglitz also noted that well-functioning institutions were critical to success, and that Myanmar could learn from the mistakes made by other resource-rich countries. Revenues from oil and gas can open up a new era, if used well. If not, then valuable opportunities will be squandered, he said.
Economics and politics can not be separated, Professor Stiglitz added. For Myanmar to take a role on the world stage and to achieve true stability and security there must be widespread participation and inclusive processes. This is the only way forward for Myanmar.
Maj. Gen. U Htay Oo, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of Myanmar, noted that climate change has had significant effects on the countrys agriculture and livelihood, particularly in the dry zone. To mitigate such pressure we are implementing short-term and longer term measures, such as promoting access to irrigation water to increase productivity, and developing resource-based as well as knowledge-based sustainable agriculture and livelihoods built on existing infrastructures, he said.
We are adopting a holistic approach informed by the human development perspective to address the needs of the most vulnerable, he added. We cannot afford to be complacent thus the tasks for agriculture and rural development must be implemented through mass movement.
The Minister also welcomed and supported the continued close cooperation and collaboration of ESCAP in the development partnership series. I look forward to the joint activities to come in 2010, in particular the regional development programme for sustainable agriculture towards inclusive rural economy development, he said.
Col. Thurin Zaw, Deputy Minister of National Planning and Economic Development, delivered a presentation on Myanmars National development plans and the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The meeting was organized into two segments: The morning roundtable was devoted to expert discussions and included presentations on Recent socio-economic development, by Daw Khin Ma Ma Swe of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, and on Approaches for agriculture and rural development, by Daw Dolly Kyaw of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.
There were also presentations on Establishing the virtuous cycle of food security, sustainable agriculture and rural economy development, by U Tin Htut Oo and U Tin Maung Shwe of the Academy of Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock and Fisheries Sciences, and on Enhancing Myanmars rural economy, by Ikuko Okamoto of the Institute of Developing Economies-JETRO.
The afternoon high-level development forum covered, Economic policies for growth and poverty reduction: lessons from the region and beyond.
On 21 December in Singapore, Professor Stiglitz and Dr Heyzer will hold a press conference about the forum at the Singapore Foreign Correspondents Association. The press conference will take place at the Singapore Management University, Administration Building, from 9am-10am.
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Government of the Union of Myanmar today held a wide-ranging dialogue aimed at boosting the countrys agricultural sector and to help it reclaim its status as the rice bowl of Asia.
At the invitation of ESCAP, Nobel Prize-winning economist Prof. Joseph Stiglitz and other eminent experts discussed strategies for Myanmar to cut poverty in light of Asias regional and subregional experiences.
It is my hope these ideas and analysis will open a new space for policy discussion and a further deepening of our development partnership, UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer said at the event held in Myanmars capital, Naypyitaw.
These development objectives can only be achieved through the successful engagement of local experts and people who know what is happening on the ground. This development partnership, requested by the Government of Myanmar, provides a unique platform for eminent international scholars and local researchers to exchange experiences and ideas with government agencies and civil society, Dr. Heyzer added.
This is the second in a series of events launched by Dr. Heyzer during her visit in July to Myanmar, and was organized by ESCAP with the countrys Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development.
In his presentation, Towards a more productive agrarian economy for Myanmar, Professor Stiglitz noted that Myanmar was well-positioned to learn from other countries in the region that have developed on the back of gains in agriculture. There are large opportunities for improvement. Myanmar should take a comprehensive approach, he said.
He urged the Government of Myanmar to: promote access to appropriate agricultural financing; take measures to boost access to seeds and fertilizers; dramatically boost spending on health and education; and create well-paid jobs in construction of rural infrastructure in order to stimulate development and raise incomes and spending.
Professor Stiglitz also noted that well-functioning institutions were critical to success, and that Myanmar could learn from the mistakes made by other resource-rich countries. Revenues from oil and gas can open up a new era, if used well. If not, then valuable opportunities will be squandered, he said.
Economics and politics can not be separated, Professor Stiglitz added. For Myanmar to take a role on the world stage and to achieve true stability and security there must be widespread participation and inclusive processes. This is the only way forward for Myanmar.
Maj. Gen. U Htay Oo, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of Myanmar, noted that climate change has had significant effects on the countrys agriculture and livelihood, particularly in the dry zone. To mitigate such pressure we are implementing short-term and longer term measures, such as promoting access to irrigation water to increase productivity, and developing resource-based as well as knowledge-based sustainable agriculture and livelihoods built on existing infrastructures, he said.
We are adopting a holistic approach informed by the human development perspective to address the needs of the most vulnerable, he added. We cannot afford to be complacent thus the tasks for agriculture and rural development must be implemented through mass movement.
The Minister also welcomed and supported the continued close cooperation and collaboration of ESCAP in the development partnership series. I look forward to the joint activities to come in 2010, in particular the regional development programme for sustainable agriculture towards inclusive rural economy development, he said.
Col. Thurin Zaw, Deputy Minister of National Planning and Economic Development, delivered a presentation on Myanmars National development plans and the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The meeting was organized into two segments: The morning roundtable was devoted to expert discussions and included presentations on Recent socio-economic development, by Daw Khin Ma Ma Swe of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, and on Approaches for agriculture and rural development, by Daw Dolly Kyaw of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.
There were also presentations on Establishing the virtuous cycle of food security, sustainable agriculture and rural economy development, by U Tin Htut Oo and U Tin Maung Shwe of the Academy of Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock and Fisheries Sciences, and on Enhancing Myanmars rural economy, by Ikuko Okamoto of the Institute of Developing Economies-JETRO.
The afternoon high-level development forum covered, Economic policies for growth and poverty reduction: lessons from the region and beyond.
On 21 December in Singapore, Professor Stiglitz and Dr Heyzer will hold a press conference about the forum at the Singapore Foreign Correspondents Association. The press conference will take place at the Singapore Management University, Administration Building, from 9am-10am.
‘Roses of the North’ Charity Exhibition
Flowers can make everyone feel happy…. H.E.Privy Councillor Palakorn Suwanrath and Thanpuying Dhasaniya Suwanrath recently presided over at ‘Roses of the North’ charity oil painting exhibition inspired by Bhubing Palace organized by L’Occitane and Baan Saen Doi Resort in Chiang Mai. The art of mercy rose oil painting exhibition was held at Peninsula Plaza and part of sales went to support schools and hospitals where are needed in Chiang Mai. Many kind hearted celebrities attended the event including Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan, Mr.Harald Link, Arunee Bhirombhakdi, Atchara Tejapaibul, M.L.Sirichalerm Svasti, M.L.Thongmakut and Jarujit Thongyai, Yuwadee and Nidsinee Chirathivat, Dararatana and Toey Mahadumrongkul, Chadapah Snidvongs, Captain Deuntemduang Na Chiengmai, Pimpawan Limpichart, Joy Sopitpongstorn, Panitnuj Bunnag, Piranuj T.Suwan, Sodsoi Chomthavat, Mayura Savetsila, Wanchana Sawasdee and more.
The exhibition showcased of over 70 oil painting of roses flowers by artist and art lecturer Narin Phothisombat. Narin Phothisombat is a talented artist with an art degree from Chiang Mai Technology Rajchamonkol. His painting was inspired by roses from Phra Tamnak Bhubing Rajanives (Bhubing Palace). His painting reflected his pride and passions towards the beauty of nature for roses including Queen Sirikit, Eliza, Rouge Meilland, Queen Elizabeth and Royal Air Force.
In addition there was the charity auction on 2 oil painting pieces. The first one was the painting of Queen Elizabeth which won by Harald Link, CEO of B.Grimm for 120,000 Baht and the other piece on Queen Sirikit won by Arunee Bhirombhakdi for 75,000 Baht.
The exhibition showcased of over 70 oil painting of roses flowers by artist and art lecturer Narin Phothisombat. Narin Phothisombat is a talented artist with an art degree from Chiang Mai Technology Rajchamonkol. His painting was inspired by roses from Phra Tamnak Bhubing Rajanives (Bhubing Palace). His painting reflected his pride and passions towards the beauty of nature for roses including Queen Sirikit, Eliza, Rouge Meilland, Queen Elizabeth and Royal Air Force.
In addition there was the charity auction on 2 oil painting pieces. The first one was the painting of Queen Elizabeth which won by Harald Link, CEO of B.Grimm for 120,000 Baht and the other piece on Queen Sirikit won by Arunee Bhirombhakdi for 75,000 Baht.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
ETIHAD TO JOIN SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL USERS GROUP
Etihad Airways has joined the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), an airline-led industry working group established in 2008 to accelerate the commercialisation and availability of sustainable biofuels.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: ““Etihad recognises the need for step-changes in aviation to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and meet our industry’s carbon reduction goal. We also recognise that any fuel alternatives must be morally, socially and environmentally acceptable, while not compromising the future sustainability of the aviation industry.”
SAFUG members are bound by stringent criteria for the development of non fossil fuels, including the following:
The development of plant sources must be undertaken in a manner that is non-competitive with food, with biodiversity impacts minimised and without jeopardizing drinking water supplies. The total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from plant growth, harvesting, processing and end-use should be significantly less than that from fossil sources. In developing economies, development projects should include provisions or outcomes that improve socio-economic conditions for small-scale farmers and their families and that do not require the involuntary displacement of local populations. High conservation value areas and native eco-systems should not be cleared and converted for jet fuel plant source development.
Each SAFUG member has pledged to work through the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), a global multi-stakeholder initiative consisting of leading environmental organizations, financiers, biofuel developers, biofuel-interested petroleum companies, the transportation sector, developing-world poverty alleviation associations, research entities, and governments.
“Abu Dhabi, our home base, has itself made a strong commitment towards sustainability and in the promotion of renewable energy through the establishment of Masdar City, which will the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency,” Mr Hogan said.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: ““Etihad recognises the need for step-changes in aviation to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and meet our industry’s carbon reduction goal. We also recognise that any fuel alternatives must be morally, socially and environmentally acceptable, while not compromising the future sustainability of the aviation industry.”
SAFUG members are bound by stringent criteria for the development of non fossil fuels, including the following:
The development of plant sources must be undertaken in a manner that is non-competitive with food, with biodiversity impacts minimised and without jeopardizing drinking water supplies. The total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from plant growth, harvesting, processing and end-use should be significantly less than that from fossil sources. In developing economies, development projects should include provisions or outcomes that improve socio-economic conditions for small-scale farmers and their families and that do not require the involuntary displacement of local populations. High conservation value areas and native eco-systems should not be cleared and converted for jet fuel plant source development.
Each SAFUG member has pledged to work through the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), a global multi-stakeholder initiative consisting of leading environmental organizations, financiers, biofuel developers, biofuel-interested petroleum companies, the transportation sector, developing-world poverty alleviation associations, research entities, and governments.
“Abu Dhabi, our home base, has itself made a strong commitment towards sustainability and in the promotion of renewable energy through the establishment of Masdar City, which will the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency,” Mr Hogan said.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to over 55 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
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