Regional organisations
Apart from the bodies with global responsibilities, there are also regional organisations of particular interest to Australia. Two of these are the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the Asian Development Bank.
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
ESCAP was established by resolution of the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East, changing its name in 1974. ESCAP's main functions are as a forum for discussion of a range of economic and social issues affecting the region, as a regional centre for a diverse range of technical assistance to developing countries and as a research facility and development information source. Australia plays an active and prominent role in ESCAP, as part of our commitment to promoting development in the region. ESCAP is based in Bangkok.
The Asian Development Bank
The Asian Development Bank was established in 1966 with the aim of reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific and is based in Manila, Philippines. Australia was one of the 31 founding members in 1966. The Asian Development Bank pursues its objectives of sustainable economic growth and governance by policy dialogues, loans, technical assistance, grants, guarantees and equity investments.
