She delivered her remarks during her speech at the 76th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) through a video conference on Thursday. The session's theme was focused on promoting economic, social, and environmental cooperation on oceans for sustainable development. Originally, Hasina was supposed to attend the meeting in Bangkok and give the keynote speech, but due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the session had to be conducted virtually for the first time. The Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand and Permanent Representative to the ESCAP, Nazmul Quaunine, was chosen as the chair of the 76th Commission of UNESCAP. In her address regarding the impact of the coronavirus crisis, Hasina expressed that the world is currently dealing with unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "The virus has had a significant impact on our economy, in addition to health concerns. Despite this, the pandemic has brought about some positive changes in global efforts to address climate change and competition for natural resources. It is important that we work together to combat this pandemic. Hasina emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in helping developing countries build their capacity for sustainable use of marine resources. She also emphasized Bangladesh's dedication to fostering the growth of the blue economy as part of their long-term national development strategy." The prime minister highlighted the importance of oceans and seas as an untapped resource that can help reduce poverty and create job opportunities. She emphasized the need for a global response to environmental pollutants affecting marine life, in order to promote sustainable and inclusive use of ocean resources. The government is focusing on promoting the blue economy as part of its national development strategy, implementing conservation programs and using eco-friendly technologies to protect freshwater and marine resources. The prime minister also mentioned key ocean issues that need to be addressed to enhance economic cooperation among ESCAP member countries. Hasina stressed the importance of receiving enhanced support for capacity building in the Blue Economy through the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and technology transfer from advanced countries. She also highlighted the necessity of collaborative research among member countries on fisheries development to increase regional fish production and establish a network to combat illegal fishing. Hasina called on ESCAP to lead efforts in mapping and managing resource identification, protecting coastal habitats, and biodiversity. Other leaders, including the Prime Ministers of Thailand, Fiji, and Tuvalu, also expressed their views through video messages during the session. The Asia Pacific nations agreed to work together to address the socio-economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and adopted a resolution.