FORUM-ASIA Congratulates the Appointment of new Under-Secretary General for UNESCAP
2 August 2007 7:00 pm

Ms. Noeleen Heyzer is the new Under-Secretary General for the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia-Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand.  Her appointment is a great accomplishment towards advancing women’s empowerment in Asia.
The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) joins the world in congratulating Ms. Noeleen Heyzer from Singapore for her appointment as the new Under-Secretary General for the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia-Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment on 31 July 2007, making her the first woman to head ESCAP.

Ms. Heyzer was formerly the Executive Director of UNIFEM and is known for her strong leadership role in overseeing advancements in gender equality. She has worked to promote women's leadership in conflict resolution, peace building and governance; end violence against women; and combat HIV/AIDS from a gender perspective1.

FORUM-ASIA recognises the great accomplishment of this appointment in advancing women’s empowerment in Asia.  With the regional secretariat based in Bangkok, FORUM-ASIA anticipates cooperation and solidarity with ESCAP and Ms. Heyzer in tackling human rights issues in the region.

FORUM-ASIA wishes Ms. Heyzer a warm welcome to Bangkok and much luck!

¹ UNESCAP Press Release No: L/41/2007 [SG/A/1080; BIO/3900; REC/215], 31 July 2007