UN-ASEAN to host cyclone Nargis conference

Singapore, May 20: In recognition of the outpouring of international solidarity and support for alleviating the devastating impact of cyclone Nargis on Myanmar and the widespread suffering caused to its people, the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), announce the convening of an ASEAN-UN International Pledging Conference.

The conference will be held on May 25, in Yangon, and will be co-chaired by the United Nations and ASEAN. Member States of the United Nations are invited to participate in the conference at the Ministerial level, said a joint statement issued by UN and ASEAN in Singapore dated May 19.

The conference will focus on the needs of those affected by the cyclone, and seek international support and financial assistance for the international humanitarian response to meet the most urgent challenges, as well as long term recovery efforts, it said.

The co-convenors call on the international community to rise to the occasion and translate their solidarity and sympathy into concrete commitments to help the people of Myanmar emerge from the tragedy and rebuild their lives.

UNI