Economic and Social Council

2008 Organizational Session

10^th Meeting (PM)

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL CONTINUES PREPARATIONS FOR ITS SUBSTANTIVE SESSION,

ELECTING ANOTHER VICE-PRESIDENT FOR ITS HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS SEGMENT

In a resumed organizational session today, the Economic and Social Council elected by acclamation Ambassador Park In-kook of the Republic of Korea as one of the its Vice Presidents, just ahead of its 2008 substantive session, which kicks off in New York on 30 June.

Mr. Park will replace fellow countryman Kim Hyun Chong, who was recently called back to the Republic of Korea.  He joins the Council’s other Vice-Presidents elected earlier:  Andrei Dapkiunas ( Belarus); Antonio Pedro Monteiro Lima ( Cape Verde); and Jean-Marc Hoscheit ( Luxembourg).

Immediately after his election, Mr. Park thanked the 54-member Council for its consideration and confidence, and pledged to work with all delegations to make the upcoming month-long session a success.

In his new post, Mr. Park will be responsible for the Humanitarian Affairs segment of the Economic and Social Council’s 2008 session.  Council President Léo Mérorès ( Haiti) announced that the theme of that segment, which will run from 15 to 17 July, would be “Building capabilities and capacities at all levels for timely humanitarian assistance, including disaster risk reduction”.

The segment will also feature two panel discussions, one on “Disaster risk reduction and preparedness; addressing the humanitarian consequences of natural disasters, including the impact of climate chance”; and another on “Humanitarian challenges related to global food aid, including enhancing international efforts and cooperation in this field”.

The Economic and Social Council will meet again at a date and time to be announced.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record