The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific was inaugurated on the 19 September 2006 by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Y.A.B. Dato' Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak. The Office will promote the development of science throughout Asia and the Pacific and help strengthen the participation of developing country scientist in international research in the region. It will also strive to ensure that Asia Pacific scientists become involved in those aspects of the ICSU 2006-2011 Strategic Plan that are especially relevant for Asia and the Pacific.