29 July 1983

Transport and Communications Decade in Asia and the Pacific

The Economic and Social Council,

Noting resolutions 230 (XXXVIII) of 1 April 1982 and 234 (XXXIX) of 29 April 1983 of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific regarding a transport and communications decade in Asia and the Pacific during the period 1985-1994,

Recalling General Assembly resolution 35/56 of 5 December 1980, the annex to which contains the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade, in particular the development objectives for the transport and communications sectors,

Convinced of the critical role of all modes of transport as enabling elements in economic development and the importance, therefore, of the improvement and growth of transport infrastructure and services in a manner commensurate with the anticipated growth of various sectors of the economy generating the demand for transport, as well as the importance of communications in modernizing transport and other sectors of the economy,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on regional co-operation, in particular section II.B thereof,

1. Emphasizes the urgent need to upgrade the standards of transport and communications infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific region;

2. Takes account of the proposal for the proclamation of a transport and communications decade in Asia and the Pacific during the period 1985-1994;

3. Endorses resolution 234 (XXXIX) of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, relating, inter alia, to the preparation of a phased programme of action for the transport and communications decade in Asia and the Pacific region;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to extend all necessary facilities and support to enable the Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific to prepare a comprehensive programme of action for the decade;

5. Calls upon the Economic Commission for Western Asia to take appropriate action to collaborate with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific for the incorporation of the western Asian region in the programme of action for the decade;

6. Also requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution to the Economic and Social Council at its second regular session of 1984.