REGIONAL UN POLICY FORUM CALLS FOR GREATER EMPOWERMENT, INCLUSION OF MARGINALIZED GROUPS

BANGKOK, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 75th session in Bangkok on Monday, with global and regional leaders calling for greater empowerment and inclusion of marginalized groups to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

According to a press statement of UN ESCAP, officiating the session, Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach to sustainable development.

"People who live in underdeveloped areas also deserve to be happier and live better," the princess said.

In her policy statement, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Ms. Armida Alisjahbana shared how empowered societies can respond to challenges which transcend borders and accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She said: "We can learn from each other as we strengthen policies, institutions and legislation to empower people and promote equality. This effort should be complemented by work to strengthen regional cooperation on population development and social protection - but also to promote gender equality, disability rights and safe, orderly and regular migration."

"In recent decades, quality of life has improved for most people in the region. Yet, growing inequalities present a threat to further advances. The challenge is to ensure that socio-economic progress reaches those left behind," said UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres in a video message. "We must also do far more to combat climate change in the region. This is a battle we can and must win."

"Cambodia