Ambassador & Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New york, Mohan Pieris delivered the keynote speech at 5th Asia-Pacific Directors General Forum for South-South and Triangular Cooperation on 27 November 2023 at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, at the invitation of United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, in his capacity as the President of the High-Level Committee on South-South Cooperation.
During his speech, Ambassador Pieris stated that digital technology is shaping daily lives and underscored the need to ensure that efforts for inclusive and sustainable development leverage digital technologies. This is particularly crucial for the Asia and the Pacific region which includes seven of the world’s top 10 economies with the largest ICT to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio.
With regard to the South-South Cooperation, Ambassador Pieris emphasized that by sharing resources, knowledge, technology and expertise in the Global South, countries can collectively overcome obstacles and fast-track development. He also stated that the uniqueness of South-South Cooperation lies in its principle of mutual benefit – it is a partnership among equals, driven by shared goals and mutual respect. He reiterated that the South-South and triangular cooperation promotes joint research and development, and bolstering multi-stakeholder partnerships, which will lead to innovative, region-specific digital solutions.
The Sri Lanka delegation was led by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to UNESCAP, Chaminda Colonne and officials of the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok.
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
12 December 2023
