The 60th session of UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened in Shanghai Thursday, focusing on challenges in an era of globalization.  

The theme of the session, to last until April 28, is "Meeting the Challenges in an Era of Globalization by Strengthening Regional Development Cooperation." Participants from 62 members and associate members of ESCAP will have discussions about regional economic and social situations, poverty alleviation, globalization and social issues.

ESCAP is the only intergovernmental economic and social development organization of the UN in the Asian-Pacific region.

ESCAP's predecessor was the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East, which was founded in Shanghai in 1947 with China being one of its founding members.

Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong will address the ministerial level segment of the session next week.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2004)