Dean Mary Merva Guest of Honor at ESCAP Ambassadors’ Luncheon

JCU’s Vice President and Academic Dean, Dr. Mary Merva, was invited to be the guest of honor at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Ambassadors’ luncheon on Friday, November 25. The luncheon, which took place at Rome’s Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel,  was organized by His Excellence the Ambassador of Bangladesh, Mr. Addus Sobhan Sikder.

Dean Mary Merva at ESCAP luncheon

In this prestigious setting, Dean Merva was invited to address some of the most relevant matters that face our world today, such as the possible global (economic and social) consequences of the election of the new President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, and of the results of the “Brexit” referendum in the UK.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific comprises 53 Member States and 9 Associate Members, which make ESCAP the most comprehensive of the United Nations five regional commissions, and the largest United Nations body serving the Asia-Pacific region.

ESCAP works to overcome some of the region’s greatest challenges, in areas such as poverty reduction and financing for development, trade and investment, environment and development, energy, fostering regional cooperation and giving stronger participation to the smaller voices of the region.

It is committed to a resilient Asia and the Pacific founded on shared prosperity, social equity and sustainability. Its vision is to be the most comprehensive multilateral platform for promoting cooperation among member States to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific.

Dean Merva said that it was a great honor to speak to such a prestigious group of Ambassadors and greatly enjoyed the conversation that ensued.