The International Coconut Community (ICC) is proud to announce its active participation as an observer organization in the 80th Annual Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) held in Bangkok, Thailand. With a steadfast commitment to promoting sustainable development and fostering collaboration on a global scale, the ICC delegation comprising its Executive Director and Market and Statistics Officer actively contribute to the discussions and initiatives at this prestigious event. With a focus on "Leveraging Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific," the session brought together leaders and experts to explore ways to harness technology for inclusive growth.
UN-ESCAP, established in 1947, serves as a crucial platform for cooperation among its 53-member states and 9 associate members in addressing sustainable development challenges. Dr. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under Secretary General of the United Nations, and Executive Secretary of UN-ESCAP, emphasized the transformative potential of digital innovation in advancing the 2030 Agenda and fostering knowledge societies.
During the session, the ICC delegation, led by Executive Director Dr. Jelfina and Market and Statistics Officer Mr. Alit Pirmansah, greatly appreciated the initiatives of UNESCAP aimed at leveraging digital solutions for sustainable development. ICC acknowledged its relevance to the challenges faced by coconut-producing countries.
Dr. Jelfina reiterated the ICC's dedication to supporting coconut farmers and enhancing the resilience of the coconut sector through digital innovation. She emphasized the importance of precision agriculture, data-driven decision-making, and supply chain traceability in optimizing coconut production and ensuring fair trade practices. She also highlighted the role of digital platforms in facilitating market access and empowering coconut farmers with valuable agronomic information. She stressed the need for capacity building and youth empowerment programs to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in rural communities. The session also highlighted the growing significance of digital integration in the region's economy, with merchandise trade comprising 60% of global trade. Digital finance, smart city technologies, and digital government platforms were identified as key drivers of economic growth and resilience.
In a significant development, Dr. Jelfina and Mr. Alit had a courtesy call with Dr. Armida, providing an opportunity to discuss collaborative efforts and explore synergies between the ICC and UN-ESCAP. The meeting underscored the commitment of both organizations to advancing sustainable development goals and promoting cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The courtesy call with Dr. Armida provided an opportunity to align the ICC's initiatives with the priorities of UN-ESCAP and explore avenues for collaboration. Dr. Armida commended the ICC's commitment to sustainable development and emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving positive change.
In conclusion, the ICC's participation in the UN-ESCAP 80th Annual Session reflects its commitment to advancing sustainable development goals and promoting the interests of coconut-producing countries. The courtesy call with Dr. Armida signifies the strengthening of collaboration between the ICC and UN-ESCAP, paving the way for joint efforts to harness digital innovation for the benefit of communities in the Asia-Pacific region.