11 February 2005 – Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva today reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the 44th Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Working Party on the Medium-Term Plan and the Programme Budget has called on UNCTAD to further explore ways of assisting the countries affected by the Asian tsunami in their long-term recovery and rehabilitation efforts in collaboration with the international community.

Ambassador Manalo chaired the 44th Session of the UNCTAD Working Party held from 31 January to 2 February 2005.   The meeting discussed UNCTAD’s proposed program of work for the biennium 2006-2007. The resulting work programme will be presented to the UN New York as part o the organization’s budget process.

Ambassador Manalo successfully guided what turned out to be a fruitful discussion on relevant issues of concern to member States, including sensitive issues such as policy space and good governance. Those issues will have to be reflected in UNCTAD’s work programme or activities.

The Working Party emphasized the need for UNCTAD to play a more pro-active role in the implementation of internationally agreed development goals, in particular, those contained in the Millenium Declaration, as well as in the follow-up and implementation of the results of the major UN conferences.

The member States of the UNCTAD also expressed their concern on the plight of countries affected by the tsunami disaster in the Indian Ocean and called on the organization to assist the affected countries in coping with the long-term effects of the natural calamity.

 The Working Party assists the Trade and Development Board of UNCTAD in its oversight of programme of work, including technical cooperation. The Philippines is a member of the Working Party. END
 

/jay