UN's Ban visiting RP for migration forum

MANILA, Philippines -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon will be visiting the Philippines to attend the Second Global Forum on Migration and Development in Manila towards the end of October.
The Philippine visit is the first leg of a four-nation Asia trip by the UN leader that will also include India, Nepal and Bangladesh.According to a statement from UN headquarters in New York was posted on the world body’s website, Ban will first visit Manila for a bilateral meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
While here, Ban will receive the Order of Sikatuna from Arroyo in recognition of his diplomatic merit. The University of the Philippines will also confer on him an honorary doctorate degree.
On October 29, the U N secretary-general will attend the formal inauguration of the Second Global Forum on Migration and Development where he will deliver opening remarks and hold a joint press conference with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban Conejos, executive director of the forum.
From Manila, Ban will head to India, where he is expected to meet with president, the prime minister, minister for external affairs, national security adviser, as well as other senior leaders and officials.
During his two-day India visit, Ban will hold a public lecture, meet with the UN Country Team and staff, and meet with Indian business leaders actively involved in the issue of climate change.
In Nepal, Ban will meet with President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Prachanda (Pushpa Kamal Dahal), Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav, and members of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal.
He will also visit Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha.
While in Bangladesh, Ban is expected to meet with President Iajuddin Ahmed and other senior government officials, including the chief caretaker adviser and caretaker adviser for foreign affairs, as well as visit the United Nations Country Team and staff there.
He is also expected to visit sites for micro-financing and disaster reduction and climate adaptation activities.