Bangkok: Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to UNESCAP, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, chaired the 8th Session of the Committee on Transport for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). Edirisinghe led the Sri Lanka delegation and served as the acting chair for the session, held from November 5 to 7, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the session brought together ESCAP member states, associate member states, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other transport stakeholders and partners. The gathering commenced with an opening by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, followed by remarks from Chayatan Phromsorn, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport of Thailand, and the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Road Safety.

Edirisinghe was elected as one of the vice chairs for the session and presided over the proceedings on November 5, 2024, in her capacity
as the acting chair. The committee addressed several critical topics, including the review of the implementation of the Regional Action Programme for Sustainable Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific (2022-2026), the development of regional transport infrastructure, digital transformation in transport systems, and strategies to enhance resilience and sustainability in transport networks amid climate change challenges.

The discussions also emphasized advancing the Asia-Pacific Plan of Action for Sustainable Transport Connectivity. There was a particular focus on strengthening multi-modal transport systems, enhancing inter-regional connectivity, and fostering public-private partnerships for infrastructure development.

Ambassador Edirisinghe expressed her appreciation for the contributions of all member states and experts attending the session, underscoring the importance of dialogue and collaboration in shaping the future of transport in the Asia-Pacific region. The session concluded with a call to ac
tion for ongoing collaboration, capacity-building initiatives, and the promotion of sustainable transport policies to support the long-term economic and environmental goals of the region.