Supachai re-elected as UNCTAD head

Supachai Panitchpakdi of Thailand has been re-elected as the head of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).     

The UN General Assembly confirmed Supachai's appointment by acclamation today for another four year term.     

Supachai, who took office as UNCTAD Secretary-General in September 2005, will now serve till the end of August 2013 in the Geneva-based body.     

"I am honoured to continue with the important work of this organisation, especially at such a critical time for the economies of developing countries," Supachai said in a statement.     

Supachai, 63, is the author of a number of books on trade, globalisation and education, and he has a doctorate in economic planning and development from Erasmus University in Rotterdam. He was also Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) between 2002 and 2005.     

UNCTAD was set up in 1964 to promote the development-friendly integration of poorer countries into the global economy. It serves as a forum for inter-governmental deliberations, undertakes policy research and analysis and provides technical assistance to developing countries.