She delivered her comments 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 centered around "promoting economic, social, and environmental cooperation on oceans for sustainable development". Although Hasina was initially expected to attend the meeting in Bangkok and give the keynote address, the session had to be conducted virtually for the first time due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. 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 remarks regarding the impact of the coronavirus crisis, Hasina mentioned, "The world is currently facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic." The virus has had a significant impact on our economy in addition to health issues. Despite this, the pandemic has prompted global efforts to address climate change and competition for natural resources. Cooperation is necessary to combat the virus, with a focus on capacity building and sustainable use of marine resources in developing countries. Hasina emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and Bangladesh's dedication to promoting the growth of the blue economy as part of their national development strategy. The prime minister emphasized that oceans and seas offer opportunities to alleviate poverty and create jobs. She highlighted the importance of addressing environmental pollutants in the marine food-web and emphasized the need for a sustainable approach to using ocean resources. The government is prioritizing the growth of the blue economy as part of the national development strategy. Conservation programs and eco-friendly technologies are being used to protect freshwater and marine resources in Bangladesh. The prime minister also discussed key ocean issues that need to be addressed to enhance economic cooperation among ESCAP member countries. Hasina stated that there is a need for improved support in capacity building through the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and technology transfer from advanced countries in relation to the Blue Economy. The leader of Bangladesh stressed the importance of collaborative research among member countries on fisheries development to boost regional fish production and create a common network to prevent illegal fishing. Hasina called on ESCAP to begin mapping and managing resource identification, while also taking measures to safeguard critical coastal habitats and biodiversity. Along with Hasina, Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Fiji Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, and Prime Minister of Tuvalu Kausea Natano also delivered their video messages to the Commission. During the session, Asia Pacific nations agreed to work together to address the socio-economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and passed a resolution.