Lankan elected Vice Chair in UNCTAD

Tamara Kunanayakam, Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Tamara Kunanayakam was elected Vice Chairperson representing the Asia Group of the Trade and Development Board (TDB) of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at its 58th Session held from September 12 - 28 in Geneva.

Although Sri Lanka has held many positions at Committee level, this is the first time in the recent past that it has been elected to a high profile position in the UNCTAD body.

The TDB sessions, which is the highest decision making body after the Ministerial Conference, deals with substantive policy issues such as those related to the global economy from a trade and development perspective and reviews the progress in the implementation of the UNCTAD Work Program.

The reports of TDB meetings including any outcomes and conclusions are transmitted to the United Nations General Assembly and contribute to the work of the Second Committee on Economic and Financial issues.

In assuming office in the capacity of a Vice Chair, Sri Lanka is expected to play an important role in preparing for the UNCTAD XIII Ministerial Conference, which is scheduled to take place from April 21 - 26, 2012 in Doha Qatar.