Tamara Kunanayakam, Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, has been elected as a Vice Chair representing the Asia Group of the Trade and Development Board (TDB) of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at its 58^th Session held 12 – 28 September 2011 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 UNCTAD work programme. 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 21 – 26 April 2012 in Doha Qatar.

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations