December 16, 2024- Tehran
Dr. Asad M. Khan, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), met H.E. Mr. Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tehran. The two had an in-depth exchange on the possibilities and potential for cooperation between ECO and the UN in advancing Sustainable Development Goals in the region.
Dr. Khan detailed on ECO activities and its external relations, mentioning its observer status at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) since 1993 and partnerships with various UN entities. He highlighted ECO’s recent participation in the UNGA High-Level Week and the UN Summit of the Future, where it advocated for stronger collaboration between the UN System and regional organizations. He also emphasized the region’s vulnerabilities to climate-related threats and called for closer collaboration between ECO and the UN System to address these challenges.
Mr. Priesner briefed on the UN System, particularly the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Tehran. He noted that the office collaborates with 18 UN agencies and 27 line ministries in Iran to handle a wide range of development priorities.
The meeting explored opportunities for joint projects in connectivity, tourism, and climate change mitigation, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ECO-UN cooperation for regional and global development.
