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GENERAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Fifty-fifth session PROGRAMME PLANNING: PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF WORK, 2000-2001 (Item 7 (b) of the provisional agenda) PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF WORK, 2000-2001 Note by the secretariat
II. MATTERS CALLING FOR ACTION BY THE COMMISSION OR TO BE BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION
ANNEXES
1. The ESCAP secretariat submits to the Commission for consideration the draft programme of work for the period 2000-2001, annexed to the present document. It has been formulated within the framework of programme 15 of the revised medium-term plan for the period 1998-2001, and the outline of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001, adopted by the General Assembly in resolutions 53/207 and 53/206 of 18 December 1998, respectively. 2. The regular budget planning figure set by United Nations Headquarters for ESCAP for the biennium 2000-2001 is US$ 55,313,900. Out of this amount, ESCAP is expected to identify savings ranging from US$ 795,400 to US$ 914,700 for Section 34, Development Account, which was established at the request of the Secretary-General for the programme budget for the biennium 1998-1999 with the aim of financing selected technical assistance projects in the economic and social development fields.(1) On the grounds that ESCAP had a net reduction of 47 regular budget established posts during the biennium 1998-1999,(2) the secretariat has decided to set its savings for the Development Account at the minimum requirement of US$ 795,400. The programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001 has therefore been prepared on the basis of the net regular budget planning figure of US$ 54,518,500, which is a reduction of US$ 1,649,000 from the initial appropriation of US$ 56,167,500 approved by the General Assembly for ESCAP for the biennium 1998-1999. The immediate impact of the net regular budget planning figure is a reduction in the staff resources(3) and non-staff resources from programme support. Should ESCAP be required to identify more savings for the Development Account, further reductions would have to be realized not only from programme support but also from the programme areas, taking into consideration the General Assembly's directive that the implementation of the reform measures and the reduction of posts must not entail involuntary separation of staff.(4) 3. In recognition of the recent declining trend in funding from both bilateral and multilateral donors, the extrabudgetary indicative planning figure has been estimated at US$ 13,180,000. Out of this amount, US$ 10,880,000 is estimated to be made available from bilateral donors, with US$ 2,300,000 from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The estimates exclude extrabudgetary funds envisaged for the institutional and technical assistance support to the three regional institutions, the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), the Regional Coordination Centre for Research and Development of Coarse Grains, Pulses, Roots and Tuber Crops in the Humid Tropics of Asia and the Pacific (CGPRT) and the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP), as their programmes do not form part of the programme of ESCAP. 4. As part of the Organization-wide reform measures to strengthen its management, the Secretary-General proposed in 1997 that greater emphasis should be placed on results in the Organization's planning, budgeting and reporting. He also proposed that the General Assembly should move the budget of the United Nations from input accounting to accountability for results.(5) In response to that, the General Assembly, in December 1997, requested that the Secretary-General submit detailed proposals on results-based budgeting as well as a sample of the new budget format for consideration before the end of its fifty-second session.(6) 5. At the fifty-third session, the General Assembly deliberated extensively on the Secretary-General's proposals to (a) begin shifting input-budgeting to results-based budgeting; and (b) proceed, in addition to the preparation of the full programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001 in the traditional format of input-budgeting, to present three samples on results-based budgeting fascicles chosen from among the proposals submitted by all departments at its fifty-fourth session in 1999. To facilitate the selection process, ESCAP and other departments were requested to proceed with the preparation of their respective programme budgets for the biennium 2000-2001 in the new budget format prepared by the Programme Planning and Budget Division, on the assumption that the General Assembly would adopt results-based budgeting. 6. While agreeing that the results-based budgeting method was an integral part of the Secretary-General's reform initiatives, the General Assembly, in resolution 53/205 of 18 December 1998, decided that the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001 should be prepared and submitted for its consideration in accordance with existing budgetary procedures and processes. It requested the Secretary-General to submit, through the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), to the General Assembly the prototype fascicles applying a results-based budgeting format to more complex budget areas such as political affairs, international cooperation for development, regional commissions and common support services. The General Assembly further requested the Secretary-General to submit to it, for consideration at its fifty-fourth session, a comprehensive and analytical report on his proposal on results-based budgeting. 7. In the light of the above, the ESCAP draft programme of work for the biennium 2000-2001 is submitted to the Commission in the traditional format of input-based budgeting. The Commission may wish to note that the Advisory Committee of Permanent Representatives and Other Representatives Designated by Members of the Commission (ACPR), at its two hundred and thirty-second session in January 1999, reviewed the proposed programme of work for the biennium 2000-2001 in accordance with its mandate.(7) Annex I to the present document takes into consideration the Advisory Committee's recommendations, that is the incorporation of the reference to "the promotion of foreign trade investment" in the programme overview, and the reformulation of work programme output code 4-1-205 from "Reports on issues related to urban development (2000, 2001)" to "Reports on issues related to urban development, including urban poverty (2000, 2001)". Within the framework of its mandate, the Commission is requested to examine and approve the programme of work and priorities, taking into account the matters brought to the attention of the Commission as contained in section II of the present document. I. COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF THE ALLOCATION OF REGULAR BUDGET RESOURCES AND WORKLOAD STATISTICS FOR THE BIENNIUMS 1996-1997, 1998-1999 AND 2000-2001 A. Allocation of regular budget resources 8. The regular budget resources allocated to ESCAP for the bienniums 1996-1997, 1998-1999 and 2000-2001 are shown in the bar charts, distinguishing the resources allocated for staff costs and non-staff costs. Also shown in the graphs are the number of regular budget established posts at the Professional and local levels for the same period.
Over the period of three bienniums, the regular budget resources allocated to ESCAP decreased by 14 per cent. In terms of the number of regular budget established posts, it decreased by approximately 11 per cent over the same period. 9. The regular budget resources allocated to ESCAP for the bienniums 1996-1997, 1998-1999 and 2000-2001 are shown in the pie charts by four budget components. Comparison of regular budget resource allocations by budget component for the bienniums 1996-1997, 1998-1999 and 2000-2001
The programme support costs of ESCAP include common service expenses such as office equipment, supplies, communications, furniture and other general operational costs required by the substantive divisions for their work, which is shown under budget component IV(b). They also include the full costs for activities related to conference services and public information. 10. At its two hundred and twenty-sixth and two hundred and twenty-seventh sessions, held in May and June 1998, respectively, ACPR considered the planned reduction of "non-programme costs". At those sessions, ACPR was advised that measures had been discussed in the secretariat to reduce programme support costs and to effect savings but that more clarification was required from ACABQ and the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly. ACPR was also advised by the Director of Administration of the United Nations Office at Geneva, who had been involved with finalizing the plans to reduce "non-programme costs" and who had been in Bangkok at its May session, that the exact definition of "non-programme costs" was still to be made; however, savings would be achieved through the simplification and streamlining of processes, and the use of advanced information technology and common services at duty stations. Notwithstanding the lack of clear definitions of non-programme costs, the reform of the United Nations aims to shift more regular budget resources to the substantive work. Pending finalization of the definitions of non-programme costs and determination of such costs as a percentage of the budget by appropriate bodies, the secretariat has decided to redeploy two Professional posts from the administrative areas to priority programme areas. It has also identified the required savings for the Development Account from the programme support costs, as stated in paragraph 2 of the present document. 11. The United Nations Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) project was approved by the General Assembly in 1988 with the aim of developing and implementing integrated software for the processing of and reporting on administrative actions at major duty stations, and of replacing gradually numerous independent local systems currently in use within the United Nations Secretariat. It was expected that IMIS would provide more efficient and cost-effective support in the areas of general services and personnel and financial management. The implementation of IMIS commenced at ESCAP in May 1996. IMIS Release 1, entitled "Personnel action processing" and Release 2, entitled "Staff entitlements" are fully implemented at ESCAP. At present, Release 3, entitled "Accounting, procurement and travel" is implemented only at Headquarters, while the implementation schedule at other duty stations is yet to be finalized. Thereafter, the implementation of Release 4, "Payroll", is expected to commence. It is envisaged that more tangible productivity gains and savings, including more timely and reliable accounting information for programme managers, will be realized when these releases are fully operational at ESCAP. 12. In addition to IMIS, the idea of developing an Internet-accessible management information system was endorsed by the Executive Committee on Economic and Social Affairs(8) in New York in May 1997. In this connection, the Information Support Unit of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations Headquarters, is undertaking the construction of a comprehensive inventory of work based on programme activities to be undertaken by the United Nations Secretariat in the biennium 1998-1999. The prototype, which is known as the Integrated Meeting and Documentation Information System (IMDIS), is also designed to assist with the further coordination and management of the economic and social development agenda across the United Nations system. Linked to the inventory of work would be a comprehensive register of United Nations system intergovernmental and expert bodies, an on-line journal of United Nations meetings, and a rudimentary index to United Nations resolutions and decisions. IMDIS would include a programme performance monitoring component, which is still in the pilot project stage. While the development of the IMDIS programme performance monitoring component is still ongoing at Headquarters, ESCAP commenced work in May 1998, through financial assistance from the Government of Japan, to substantially upgrade the Programme Monitoring System (PROMS) software, which was developed in the late 1980s as a computer-assisted means to collect and consolidate the information required for the preparation of programme performance reports for submission to United Nations Headquarters and reports for submission to intergovernmental bodies on the implementation of the programme of work. The redesigned PROMS became operational in September 1998. Written in a popular PC database language, it offers enhanced functionality, including secretariat-wide networking to facilitate direct entry and retrieval of programme performance and meeting information, including data for the ESCAP calendar of meetings, which can be posted to the ESCAP Web site. The use of the upgraded PROMS has resulted in the elimination of duplication of work, and the reduction of cycle time in the preparation of outputs. Consequently, savings in resources are envisaged in programme support costs. 13. The regular budget resource allocations to the programme of work by subprogramme for the bienniums 1996-1997, 1998-1999 and 2000-2001 are shown in the bar charts. ![]()
The Commission, at its fifty-fourth session, was advised that regular budget staff resources would be redeployed from the programme support areas to the programme of work, based on the outcome of the assessment by governments of the secretariat resource base allocated to ESCAP at the programme activity level in 1996-1997.(9) The redeployment of regular budget posts in the context of ESCAP restructuring and programme budget exercises has been undertaken in two phases. Phase one of the redeployment was effected as of 15 July 1998, and phase II is to be effected as of 1 January 2000. Regular budget staff resources have been redeployed from the programme support areas to the programme of work as well as within the programme of work, taking into account the priority areas identified by the governments' assessment in response to the 1997 questionnaire on the resource allocations of ESCAP and the subsequent decisions of the Commission. The programme areas to which additional regular budget staff resources have been allocated are (a) development research and policy analysis, specifically for research and analysis of the effects of the economic and financial crisis and the formulation of recommendations on ways and means for countries to respond to the crisis and to minimize the attendant risks; (b) social policy and integration of disadvantaged groups and women in development; (c) tourism development; and (d) statistics. B. Workload statistics 14. ESCAP workload statistics for the bienniums 1996-1997, 1998-1999 and 2000-2001 are shown in table 1. The statistics are based on the number of outputs/activities included in the proposed programme of work for the respective bienniums for comparison. There is a decrease in terms of the number of meeting days for the substantive servicing of meetings as well as the number of documents and technical publications. Table 1. Comparison of ESCAP workload statistics for the bienniums 1996-1997, 1998-1999 and 2000-2001
1996-1997, 1998-1999 and 2000-2001 a/ Number of meeting days. b/ Number of updating of ESCAP homepages plus number of video tapes. c/ Number of missions/inter-agency meetings/consultations. Two dots (..) indicate that the data were not quantified. 15. The number of recurrent and non-recurrent publications has been reduced from 439 issues for the biennium 1996-1997 to 310 issues for the biennium 1998-1999, and further to 233 issues for the biennium 2000-2001. The number of recurrent titles has also decreased from 45 for the biennium 1996-1997 to 41 for the biennium 1998-1999, and to 39 titles for the biennium 2000-2001. The frequency of recurrent publications and the number of non-recurrent publications, emanating from extrabudgetary technical projects, has also been reduced. The ESCAP Publications Committee, which was reconstituted in December 1997, has recently completed the draft of a "Guide to ESCAP publication activities", reference material to assist the secretariat staff in preparing publications and to contribute to overall improvement in the quality of ESCAP publications. 16. For the biennium 2000-2001, broader and more efficient means of information dissemination through the ESCAP Web sites and databases are aimed to reach out more effectively to the users of ESCAP services, which include institutions and personnel from the public, private and non-governmental sectors. The secretariat is, however, mindful of the concern expressed by a number of member and associate member governments of the Commission, particularly the least developed, landlocked and island developing countries, that a large number of the users of ESCAP services in those countries are not yet adequately equipped with the necessary information technology hardware. Economies of scale to be realized through the shift in mode of information dissemination from the traditional publications to electronic issuance need to be carefully examined and balanced with the needs of those countries. 17. The number of activities related to international cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison will increase slightly owing to the new mandates, including ESCAP support to Bangladesh-India-Myanmar-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation (BIMST-EC) as well as the General Assembly's request to ESCAP and the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) for close collaboration on the development of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) for five Central Asian countries in the areas of (a) transport infrastructure and border-crossing facilities; (b) energy and water resources; (c) regional development and promotion of foreign investment; and (d) the International Economic Conference on Tajikistan and a joint strategy for regional development and promotion of foreign investment. 18. The estimated number of technical assistance activities for the biennium 2000-2001 has decreased, compared with that for the biennium 1998-1999. This is a direct result of the indicative planning figure for extrabudgetary resources, which has been estimated at US$ 13,180,000, taking into consideration the recent declining trend in funding from both bilateral and multilateral donors. The secretariat will, however, exert efforts to mobilize more extrabudgetary resources with a view to increasing the number of technical assistance activities for the biennium 2000-2001 to achieve the expected results envisaged under the respective subprogrammes. The Commission may wish to note that the level of extrabudgetary resources will have a direct effect on the ability of ESCAP to provide technical assistance activities. 19. ESCAP workload statistics estimated for the biennium 2000-2001 by seven subprogrammes are shown in table 2. Table 2. Summary of workload statistics. Outputs proposed for the biennium 2000-2001 by seven subprogrammes
II. MATTERS CALLING FOR ACTION BY THE COMMISSION OR TO BE BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION 20. In compliance with paragraph 1, (3)(a) and (4)(a) of resolution 53/1 of 30 April 1997, the Commission's approval will be sought during the fifty-fifth session for the organization of an ad hoc ministerial conference and two intergovernmental meetings proposed for the biennium 2000-2001, as shown below:
Should the organization of the ministerial conference on infrastructure in 2001 be approved by the Commission at its fifty-fifth session, the Committee on Transport, Communications, Tourism and Infrastructure Development would not be convened in that year. The Commission may wish to note that the organization of the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific, to be held at Bangkok in the fourth quarter of 2000, was approved by the Commission at its fifty-second session.(10) The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Development will therefore not be convened in that year. 21. The Commission is requested to examine the draft programme of work for the biennium 2000-2001 annexed to the present document. It should be noted that any amendments to the draft programme of work involving additional outputs that might be adopted by the Commission at its fifty-fifth session would have financial implications. The Commission's deliberations and decisions on any changes in the draft programme of work for the biennium 2000-2001 will be communicated to United Nations Headquarters immediately upon the conclusion of the fifty-fifth session, so that they may be incorporated in the proposed programme budget of ESCAP for the biennium 2000-2001 for consideration by the Committee for Programme and Coordination at its thirty-ninth session, to be held sometime in June 1999, prior to the sessions of ACABQ and the General Assembly. Annex I DRAFT PROGRAMME OF WORK, 2000-2001 1. In accordance with the revised conference structure of the Commission mandated by resolution 53/1 of 30 April 1997, the programme is guided by the Commission and its five subsidiary bodies, the Committees on Regional Economic Cooperation; Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas; Environment and Natural Resources Development; Transport, Communications, Tourism and Infrastructure Development; and Statistics, as well as the Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries and the Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries. 2. As the levels of development and the needs of ESCAP members and associate members are diverse and taking into account the growth achievements within the region, especially by the newly industrializing economies, the ESCAP programme of work for the biennium 1998-1999 was focused on three major themes: (a) the promotion of regional economic cooperation in such essential areas as trade, investment, building of technological capabilities, transport and infrastructure development; (b) environment and sustainable development that seeks to contain environmental degradation and emphasizes sound management of natural resources; and (c) the formulation and implementation of effective social policies, action plans and programmes aimed at alleviating poverty, extending the quality of life of all social groups and pursuing vigorous development of the region's human resources. However, the financial and economic crisis, which occurred in a number of East and South-East Asian countries in the second half of 1997, brought in its wake sharp currency devaluation and rising inflation, recession, unemployment and poverty levels in the region. The crisis had an adverse impact on the progress achieved in many areas of social development over the last two decades in the region and on the lives of millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. The crisis clearly demonstrates that globalization and liberalization offer both opportunities for growth and attendant risks, especially for less developed countries. In the process, it poses a risk of the polarization of countries and societies into two groups: a minority with capital and skills who are able to flourish in the global market place, and a majority who are unable to partake of the benefits. Therefore, the major challenges facing countries in Asia and the Pacific towards the twenty-first century will be to ensure that all countries and segments of the population can share equitably in the fruits of economic and social development and to enhance the capability of the developing countries to access the opportunities as well as to anticipate and respond to the risks which accompany the continuing globalization and liberalization process. As economic and social development are inextricably linked, sustained development can only be effected through broad-based social investment and capacity-building. Emphasis will be placed on improving the capacity of least developed, landlocked and island developing countries, as well as the economies in transition, to integrate more closely into the region's dynamic development and enhance their participation in international development in the economic and social fields. 3. The Commission acknowledged the serious implications of the financial and economic crisis and revised the medium-term plan accordingly. It was also concerned with the depth and duration of the crisis. The programme of work for the biennium 2000-2001, that is, the second half of the revised medium-term plan contained in document A/53/6/Rev.1, reflects a streamlined programme structure, from the existing 10 subprogrammes to 7, in conformity with the revised conference structure as approved by the Commission at its fifty-fourth session held in April 1998. The efforts to rationalize the structure of the ESCAP secretariat in line with the revised programme structure and the consequent mergers and consolidation of functions and redeployments of resources to priority areas are featured in the ESCAP proposed programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001. 4. The overall objective of the proposed programme is to assist member and associate member governments in responding more effectively and efficiently to the global environment, which has an impact on the region, as well as to the rapidly changing environment within the region itself. While the Commission will continue to focus on the three major themes, regional economic cooperation, poverty alleviation, and environment and natural resources development, the emphasis will be shifted. In regard to regional economic cooperation, the emphasis will be on the strengthening of national capacity to deal with the economic volatility associated with participation in the globalization process, and enhancement of trade efficiency to increase competitiveness in the international market place to keep pace with the process of globalization, including through industrial restructuring and technological capability-building, as well as the promotion of foreign direct investment; in regard to poverty alleviation, the emphasis will be on enhancing national capacity to plan and deliver services to meet the basic needs of the poor and to provide them with the skills and foundation enabling them to participate meaningfully in development; and in regard to environment and natural resources development, the emphasis will be on promoting the sustainable development and use of natural resources, regional cooperation on transboundary environmental issues, and prevention and mitigation of natural disasters. The Commission will also seek to promote efficient, reliable and cost-effective development and operation of transport infrastructure and services. Support will also be rendered to enhancing national statistical systems, particularly in meeting the additional demands for data created by the financial crisis and developing regional comparable data on the incidence and severity of poverty. 5. The programme of work for the biennium 2000-2001 will emphasize (a) research and analysis of the effects of the economic and financial crisis and the formulation of recommendations on ways and means for countries to respond to the crisis and to minimize the attendant risks; (b) technical assistance activities, especially those with the potential for strong multiplier effects, including advisory services; (c) broader and more efficient means of information dissemination, through the ESCAP Web site and databases; and (d) the sharing of experience among countries through technical cooperation among developing countries (TCDC), South-South cooperation and networking. 6. In accordance with the policy directives of the General Assembly, efforts will be intensified towards gender mainstreaming in the programme of work. 7. The Commission will continue to serve as an important link in the integrated follow-up of the plans of action adopted by global conferences and efforts will be exerted to further strengthen cooperation with United Nations and non-United Nations regional and subregional intergovernmental bodies, including enhancement of collaboration with non-governmental organizations and the formation of strategic alliances with major institutions in implementing the work of the Commission. Subprogramme 1. Regional economic cooperation Introduction The subprogramme encompasses the work that had been carried out previously in 1998-1999 under subprogramme 1, Regional economic cooperation: trade and investment and subprogramme 3, Regional economic cooperation: industry and technology. The subprogramme is carried out by the Trade and Industry Division, which is headed by a division chief who is accountable to the Executive Secretary. The overall objective of the subprogramme is to strengthen regional and subregional economic cooperation for promoting trade, investment and technology linkages and accelerating industrial development. For the biennium 2000-2001, the subprogramme will aim to (a) enhance the national capacity of developing countries to respond effectively to challenges and opportunities emerging from the global environment for trade, investment and technology flows and industrial development; (b) assist the developing countries, with particular attention to the needs of least developed, landlocked and island developing countries with economies in transition, to accelerate their industrial and technological development and to promote their exports; (c) enhance regional cooperation to promote trade efficiency and electronic commerce and to facilitate access to information technology; and to (d) enhance intraregional and intersubregional flows of trade, investment and technology, inter alia, through the strengthening of networks of institutional support services, including regional information services. The subprogramme will be implemented through a concerted mix of research and operational activities. Based on policy analyses addressing emerging challenges and opportunities, a forum will be provided for continuing dialogue and cooperative action at the regional level. The capacity of governments to respond effectively will be enhanced through technical assistance activities promoting exchange of experiences and human resources development. The implications of globalization and liberalization for intraregional trade, investment and technology flows, as well as industrial development, will be analysed with particular focus on the more vulnerable groups of countries and taking into account the special needs of least developed countries, island developing countries and economies in transition. The needs for capacity-building of national institutions will be identified in the context of the changing regional economic development and activities will be undertaken to strengthen the capabilities, inter alia, through institutional reform and networking. At the end of the biennium, the subprogramme will have sensitized policy makers in the developing countries to the emerging challenges and opportunities and assisted in identifying positive elements of common interest for future negotiations under WTO. It will have strengthened institutional and human capacity for the promotion of industrial development and diversification of exports of strategic importance to least developed countries, landlocked countries and Pacific island countries, and economies in transition; investment inflows, including through improved understanding of the importance of capital market reform; understanding and cooperation among government authorities and private sector representatives; capabilities of the countries in the region to deal with the different facets of trade facilitation and electronic commerce to enhance trade facilitation and electronic commerce; policies for strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship development, with particular emphasis on women entrepreneurs; and institutionalized cooperation through existing networks. Outputs I. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies (RB) 1. Substantive servicing of meetings: (a) Commission: 1-1-101 Plenary and committees (2000) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions) 1-1-102 Plenary and committees (2001) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions) (b) Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation: 1-1-103 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings) (c) Steering Group of the Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation: 1-1-104 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings) 1-1-105 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings) (d) Standing Committee of the Bangkok Agreement: 1-1-106 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings) 1-1-107 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings) 2. Parliamentary documentation: (a) Commission: 1-1-201 Report on issues relating to trade and industry (2000, 2001) 1-1-202 Report of the Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation (2001) 1-1-203 Report of the Steering Group of the Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation (2000) (b) Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation: 1-1-204 Report on issues related to trade and investment (2001) 1-1-205 Report on issues related to industry and technology (2001) 1-1-206 Report of the Steering Group of the Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation (2001) (c) Steering Group of the Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation: 1-1-207 Report on issues relating to trade and investment (2000, 2001) 1-1-208 Report on issues relating to industry and technology (2000, 2001) (d) Standing Committee of the Bangkok Agreement: 1-1-209 Report (2000, 2001) 3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work (intermediate outputs): 1-1-301 Ad hoc expert group on issues of common concern to developing countries on future multilateral trade negotiations (2000) 1-1-302 Ad hoc expert group on exchange rate regimes and trade performance (2000) 1-1-303 Ad hoc expert group on integration of industrial activities at the regional and global levels: prospects and challenges in an era of globalization and liberalization (2000) 1-1-304 Ad hoc expert group on promotion of new forms of financing for transfer, development, and application of environmentally sound technologies (2001) 1-1-305 Ad hoc expert group on emerging issues for trade facilitation and electronic commerce (2001) II. Other substantive activities (RB/XB) 1. Mandated recurrent publications: 1-2-101 Industrial and Technological Development News for Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-2-102 Small Industry Bulletin for Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-2-103 Directory of Trade and Investment-related Organizations of Developing Countries in Asia and the Pacific, 10th edition (2001) (RB) 1-2-104 TISNET Trade and Investment Information Bulletin (12 in 2000, 12 in 2001) (RB/XB) 3. Mandated non-recurrent publications: 1-2-301 Implications of globalization of economic activities for industrial diversification and restructuring and technological development in Asian and Pacific economies: prospects and challenges in the twenty-first century (2001) (RB) 1-2-302 Study on comparative assessments of policies and measures to promote industrial complementarities and investment in selected manufacturing sectors for selected Asian and Pacific economies (2000) (RB) 1-2-303 Study on comparative assessment of and policy options for private sector development and privatization in least developed countries and economies in transition (2001) (RB) 1-2-304 Studies on implications of the emerging trade agenda for developing countries (2 in 2000, 1 in 2001) (RB/XB) 1-2-305 Development and promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises, including agro and agro-allied industries (2000) (RB/XB) 1-2-306 Study on new modalities for the transfer, financing and management of environmentally sound technologies (2000) (RB) 1-2-307 Study on enhanced competitiveness of small and medium-sized industries through applications of new technology (2001) (RB) 1-2-308 Study on the promotion of new forms of technology transfer and technology partnerships within the context of TRIPS and TRIMS (2001) (RB/XB) 1-2-309 Guidebooks on trading and investing conditions (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-2-310 Electronic commerce initiative of ESCAP (2001) (RB/XB) 1-2-311 Exchange rates regimes and trade performance (2000) (RB) 1-2-312 Coping with external shocks and discontinuities in trade and investment: the role of regional cooperation arrangements (2001) (RB/XB) 8. Technical material for outside users (databases, software etc.): 1-2-801 Case studies, pilot projects, guidelines and recommendations for the adoption of the trade facilitation measures and standards, best practices and business strategies for electronic commerce to enhance micro-level efficiency in the conduct of international trade (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-2-802 Training material/modules and information on the trade facilitation measures and electronic commerce, both in paper and electronic format, such as the use of the Internet, for human resources development and sharing of information and experiences on a global scale (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-2-803 Manuals on using capital markets to advance privatization and on investment promotion measures (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-2-804 Technical information in response to requests from the public and private sectors and non-governmental organizations, and dissemination of information (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-2-805 Training material for training of personnel involved in transfer of selected environmentally sound technologies and their applications (2000) (RB) III. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison (RB/XB) 1-3-001 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on Trade and Industry (2000, 2001) (RB) 1-3-002 Collaboration with intergovernmental/international organizations, including ACU, ADB, APEC, ARC, ASEAN, ECO, Pacific Community, PECC, SAARC, South Pacific Forum, WEF and WTO, as well as non-governmental organizations (6 in 2000, 6 in 2001) (RB/XB) 1-3-003 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, UNCTAD, UNDP, FAO, UNIDO, and ITC (3 in 2000, 3 in 2001) (RB/XB) 1-3-004 Collaboration with regional commissions in the areas of trade, investment, industry and technology in developing interregional linkages and in promoting information exchange and cooperation (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-3-005 Technical and substantive support to the regional and international trade facilitation and electronic commerce-related organizations such as CEFACT and AFACT (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-3-006 Technical and substantive support to BIMST-EC and SPECA (2000, 2001) (RB) 1-3-007 Technical and substantive support to the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-3-008 Technical, substantive and managerial support to the Regional Network for Agricultural Machinery (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) IV. Technical cooperation (RB/XB) 1. Advisory services at the request of the governments (number of missions): 1-4-101 Advisory services on industrial investment promotion measures (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-4-102 Advisory services on institutional support for industrial diversification and promotion of complementarities (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 1-4-103 Advisory services on promoting agro-industrial linkages and development of small and medium-sized industries (2001) (RB/XB) 1-4-104 Advisory services on institutional capacity-building in consultancy for better application of new and environmentally sound technology (2000) (RB/XB) 1-4-105 Advisory services on creation of a climate conducive to investment-related technology transfer to economies in transition and least developed countries (2001) (RB/XB) 2. Group training (seminars, workshops, symposia) (number of events and number of officials to be trained should be indicated): 1-4-201 Training workshops on WTO-related issues, including accession of non-WTO members (1 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (45 participants) 1-4-202 Regional seminar to review investment promotion measures (2001) (RB/XB) (10 participants) 1-4-203 Seminar on capacity-building in trade policy for Central Asian economies (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants) 1-4-204 Seminar on the role of regional cooperation arrangements in coping with external shocks and discontinuities in trade and investment (2000) (RB/XB) (20 participants) 1-4-205 Workshop/national seminars on the strategies for promotion of exports and foreign direct investment in Indo-China under the Forum for the Comprehensive Development of Indo-China (3 in 2000, 1 in 2001) (RB/XB) (160 participants) 1-4-206 Meetings of the Private Sector Advisory Group and the Networking of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the Greater Mekong subregion under the Forum for the Comprehensive Development of Indo-China (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (280 participants) 1-4-207 Promotion of intraregional trade through trade fairs and seminars (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (50 participants) 1-4-208 Seminar on strengthening institutional capacity for commodity sector trade development (2000) (RB/XB) (15 participants) 1-4-209 Regional seminars on training of trainers in industrial project preparation and management in least developed countries, Pacific island developing countries, and economies in transition (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (50 participants) 1-4-210 Investment forum for selected countries of the ESCAP region (2001) (RB/XB) (50 participants) 1-4-211 Workshops on promotion of agro-technical equipment for agro-industrial linkages in disadvantaged economies (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (24 participants) 1-4-212 Workshop on strengthening the partnership among governments, the private sector and NGOs for the greater application of environmentally sound technologies (2000) (RB/XB) (10 participants) 1-4-213 Seminar on enhanced competitiveness of small and medium-sized industries through applications of new technology (2000) (RB/XB) (9 participants) 1-4-214 Training of personnel involved in transfer of selected environmentally sound technologies and their applications (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (15 participants) 1-4-215 Training in standardization, metrology and quality control management systems for improved industrial competitiveness (2001) (RB/XB) (15 participants) 1-4-216 Workshops/seminars on capacity-building for the adoption of trade facilitation measures (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 1-4-217 Seminar on enhancing capacity and networking of trade-related training institutions (2000) (RB/XB) (12 participants) 1-4-218 Seminar on trade and investment information access for economies in transition (2000) (RB/XB) (16 participants) 1-4-219 Workshop on networking for trade-related research for economies in transition (2001) (RB/XB) (16 participants) 4. Field (country, subregional, regional) projects: 1-4-401 Project on capacity-building of enterprises in selected least developed countries/economies in transition to enhance their export competitiveness (including seminars, workshops and advisory services) (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB/XB) Subprogramme 2. Development research and policy analysis Introduction The subprogramme encompasses the work that had been carried out previously in 1998-1999 under subprogramme 2, Regional economic cooperation: research and policy analysis and subprogramme 10, Least developed, landlocked and island developing countries. The subprogramme is carried out by the Development Research and Policy Analysis Division and the ESCAP Pacific Operations Centre, which are headed by a division chief and the Head of the Centre, respectively, both of whom are accountable to the Executive Secretary. The principal objectives of the subprogramme are to increase understanding of the economic and social development situation in the region, to highlight trends and emerging problems, to draw the attention of policy makers to priority concerns and to advocate those policies which promote regional cooperation in economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific on the basis of shared experiences and the growing complementarities among economies of the region. In addition to its own activities, the subprogramme monitors and coordinates the ESCAP-wide activities on least developed, landlocked and island developing countries. The activities under this subprogramme will focus on (a) monitoring, analysis and dissemination of recent developments in macroeconomic performance and related policies and their implications for development, particularly in the light of the Asian crisis which occurred in mid-1997; (b) strengthening and improving coordination among policy-making institutions, especially those dealing with monetary, fiscal and financial sector policies and those responsible for overall development strategies; and (c) strengthening human resource capacity in institutions responsible for macroeconomic management. The subprogramme activities will also give priority to issues relating to least developed, landlocked and Pacific island developing countries and economies in transition. Particular attention will be given to supporting these countries' efforts at economic reform, mobilization and efficient utilization of resources, greater understanding of globalization issues, including their implications for trade and investment, problems of debt-servicing liabilities, and greater appreciation of social sector and sustainable development issues. The objectives of the subprogramme will be addressed mainly through technical assistance encompassing advisory services, expert group meetings, workshops and training courses, with the prime objective of enhancing the development of human resources, especially developing the skills of public officials and promoting public-private sector cooperation for policy identification, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in the identified areas as well as facilitating the sharing of experiences and information among countries. For least developed countries, these issues will also be addressed in the context of the Final Review of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s. Recurrent and non-recurrent publications will be prepared. Documentation and substantive services will be provided to the Commission, the Committees on Regional Economic Cooperation, Environment and Natural Resources Development, and on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas, as well as to the Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries and the Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries. Outputs I. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies (RB) 1. Substantive servicing of meetings: (a) Commission: 2-1-101 Plenary and committees (2000) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions) 2-1-102 Plenary and committees (2001) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions) 2-1-103 Informal meetings on least developed countries, Pacific island developing countries and economies in transition (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (b) Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation: 2-1-104 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings) (c) Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Development: 2-1-105 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings) (d) Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas: 2-1-106 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings) 2-1-107 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings) (e) Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries: 2-1-108 Plenary (2000) (4 meetings) (f) Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries: 2-1-109 Plenary (2001) (4 meetings) 2. Parliamentary documentation: (a) Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries: 2-1-201 Regional report on final review of implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s (2001) (b) Commission on Sustainable Development: 2-1-202 Report on follow-up to the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (2000) (RB/XB) (c) Commission: 2-1-203 Reports on the current economic situation and policy issues (2000, 2001) 2-1-204 Report of the Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries (2000) 2-1-205 Report of the Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries (2001) (d) Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries: 2-1-206 Reports on issues related to Pacific island developing countries (3 in 2000) (e) Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries: 2-1-207 Reports on issues related to least developed and landlocked developing countries (3 in 2001) 3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work (intermediate outputs): 2-1-301 Ad hoc expert group on development issues and policies (2000, 2001) II. Other substantive activities (RB/XB) 1. Mandated recurrent publications: 2-2-101 Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB) 2-2-102 Asia-Pacific Development Journal (biannual) (RB) 2-2-103 Development Papers (2000, 2001) (RB) 3. Mandated non-recurrent publications: 2-2-301 Analysis of policy responses to the social impact of the economic crisis (2000) (RB/XB) 2-2-302 Policy issues related to the interdependence of development and environment issues in the context of the promotion of sustainable development (2001) (RB/XB) 2-2-303 Globalization, liberalization and volatility: policy issues arising for the financial sector (2001) (RB/XB) 2-2-304 Economic management and institutional capacity-building in least developed and Pacific island countries (2000) (RB/XB) 2-2-305 Final review of implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s (2001) (RB/XB) 5. Electronic, audio and video issuances, including films, video tapes, radio broadcasts, tapes of news, documentary and feature programmes (number of the activities for each type): 2-2-501 ESCAP Virtual Conference on Integrating Environmental Considerations into Economic Decision-making Processes (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 2-2-502 ESCAP Homepage on Development Research and Policy Analysis on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/drpad/> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB) 9. Special events: 2-2-901 Launching of the annual Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB) III. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison (RB/XB) 2-3-001 Collaboration with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, ECE, UNCTAD, World Bank, IMF and ADB on development issues and policies, including those relating to economies in transition (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 2-3-002 Collaboration and liaison with inter-agency committees, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in the region working on economic development issues, strategies and policies (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 2-3-003 Collaboration with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs in the work of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 2-3-004 Collaboration with intergovernmental institutions, including the Commission on Sustainable Development, UNEP, SACEP, SPREP and the Mekong River Commission on issues concerned with integration of environmental considerations into economic decision-making processes (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 2-3-005 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, including UNDP, UNIFEM, ILO, UNESCO, World Bank and ADB on poverty and social issues, strategies and policies (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 2-3-006 Collaboration with ECA and UNCTAD on follow-up to the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s (2000, 2001) (RB) 2-3-007 Collaboration with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and SPREP on follow-up to the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (2000, 2001) (RB) 2-3-008 Collaboration with the Forum Secretariat and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community on matters related to Pacific island developing countries (2000, 2001) (RB) 2-3-009 Collaboration with the World Bank, IMF and ADB on matters related to least developed, landlocked and Pacific island developing countries (2000, 2001) (RB) IV. Technical cooperation (RB/XB) 1. Advisory services at the request of the governments (number of missions): 2-4-101 Advisory services on macroeconomic policy and economic reform in economies in transition (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB) 2-4-102 Advisory services on policy responses to the social impacts of the economic crisis (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) 2-4-103 Advisory services on institution-building for integrating environmental considerations into economic decision-making processes (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) 2-4-104 Advisory services on macroeconomic policy and related institution-building in least developed and Pacific island developing countries (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) 2-4-105 Advisory services on promotion of sustainable development in small island developing States (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)
2. Group training (seminars, workshops, symposia) (number of events and number of officials to be trained should be indicated): 2-4-201 National workshops on financial sector management (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (50 participants) 2-4-202 Regional seminar on achieving sustainable development in economies in transition: from stabilization to growth (2000) (XB) (25 participants) 2-4-203 Regional seminar on policy responses to the social impacts of the economic crisis and lessons for the future (2000) (XB) (30 participants) 2-4-204 Subregional workshops on integrating environmental considerations into economic decision-making processes (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (100 participants) 2-4-205 National workshops on strategies for poverty alleviation policy design and implementation and evaluation (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants) 2-4-206 Expert group meeting on the final review of implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 2-4-207 High-level expert group meeting on the final review of implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s (2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 2-4-208 Workshop on economic management and institutional capacity-building in least developed and Pacific island developing countries (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants) Subprogramme 3. Social development Introduction The subprogramme encompasses the work that had been carried out previously in 1998-1999 under subprogramme 5, Poverty alleviation: social development and the component on women in development of subprogramme 6, Poverty alleviation: rural and urban development. The subprogramme is carried out by the Social Development Division, which is headed by a division chief who is accountable to the Executive Secretary. The aim for the biennium will be to strengthen national capacity to promote social development as a means of alleviating poverty in the Asian and Pacific region. This aim will be achieved through three areas of intervention: (a) social policy and integration of disadvantaged groups; (b) human resources development; and (c) women in development. Activities will focus on strengthening the social policy and institutional framework to create an environment conducive to promoting the rights and needs of disadvantaged and socially excluded groups, especially the poor, youth, women, older persons and people with disabilities. Another area of emphasis will be strengthening the capacity of social development personnel to promote the human resources development of key target groups, especially the poor and youth, through more effective planning and delivery of social services. Activities will also focus on promoting gender equality and the advancement of women through their economic and social empowerment as well as gender mainstreaming in the development process. In implementing activities, special attention will be given to the needs of the least developed and landlocked countries, and economies in transition, as well as those countries affected by the regional economic crisis. An important component of the subprogramme will be to provide regional support to the implementation of global mandates, including the Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development; the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; the Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes and World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond; and the United Nations Proclamation on Ageing. The subprogramme will also be guided by the following regional mandates: the Manila Declaration on Accelerated Implementation of the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region; the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region; the Jakarta Plan of Action on Human Resources Development in the ESCAP Region; the Jakarta Declaration and Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women in Asia and the Pacific; and the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons. The subprogramme will coordinate the ESCAP-wide activities relating to gender issues with the aim of ensuring that a gender perspective is properly integrated into the mainstream of all areas of work of ESCAP. Outputs I. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies (RB) 1. Substantive servicing of meetings: (a) Commission: 3-1-101 Plenary and committees (2000) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions) 3-1-102 Plenary and committees (2001) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions) (b) Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas: 3-1-103 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings) 3-1-104 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings) (c) Intergovernmental high-level meeting on progress in the regional implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region: 3-1-105 Plenary (2001) (8 meetings) (d) Third Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on Human Resources Development for Youth: 3-1-106 Plenary and working groups (2001) (16 meetings: 8 plenary and 8 working group sessions) 3-1-107 Panel discussion on HRD for youth: integrated approaches to youth health, focusing on reproductive health, and substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention (2001) 2. Parliamentary documentation: (a) Commission: 3-1-201 Reports on issues related to social development (2000, 2001) 3-1-202 Report of the senior officials meeting on the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region (2000) 3-1-203 Report on the outcome of the high-level intergovernmental meeting to review regional implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (2000) (b) Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas: 3-1-204 Reports on issues related to social development (2000, 2001) 3-1-205 Report on the outcome of the global review of the Beijing Platform for Action (2000) (c) Intergovernmental high-level meeting on progress in the regional implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region: 3-1-206 Reports on issues relating to the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region (2 in 2001) (d) Third Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on Human Resources Development for Youth: 3-1-207 Report on HRD for youth: regional implementation of the Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes and the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond (2001) 3-1-208 Report on HRD for youth: integrated approaches to youth health, focusing on reproductive health, and substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention (2001) 3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work (intermediate outputs): 3-1-301 Ad hoc expert group on regional implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region preparatory to the intergovernmental high-level meeting (2001) 3-1-302 Ad hoc expert group on disabled persons' participation in mainstream development (2000) 3-1-303 Ad hoc expert group on preparations for the Third Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on Human Resources Development for Youth (2001) 3-1-304 Ad hoc expert group on regional implementation of the outcome of the global review of the Beijing Platform for Action (2000) II. Other substantive activities (RB/XB) 1. Mandated recurrent publications: 3-2-101 Social Development Newsletter (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB) 3-2-102 ESCAP Human Resources Development Newsletter (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB) 3-2-103 WINAP Newsletter (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB) 3-2-104 Monograph series on emerging issues on women in development in Asia and the Pacific (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) 3. Mandated non-recurrent publications: 3-2-301 Programmes for the empowerment and social integration of the poor and disadvantaged groups (2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-302 Strengthening public policies for sustaining social development in times of crisis (2000) (RB/XB) 3-2-303 Macau Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific: goals and targets for 2000 and beyond (2000) (RB/XB) 3-2-304 National policies and programmes on ageing and older persons in Asia and the Pacific: success cases (2000) (RB/XB) 3-2-305 Pathfinders: towards full participation and equality of persons with disabilities in the ESCAP region (2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-306 The state of human resources development in Asia and the Pacific: education, employment and health (2001) (RB) 3-2-307 Review of the HRD status of youth in the Asian and Pacific region (2001) (RB) 3-2-308 HRD country monograph series on the youth situation, policies and programmes (2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-309 Guidelines for genderizing microcredit (2000) (RB/XB) 3-2-310 National machineries for women in Asia and the Pacific (2000) (RB/XB) 5. Electronic, audio and video issuances, including films, video tapes, radio broadcasts, tapes of news, documentary and feature programmes (number of the activities for each type): 3-2-501 ESCAP Homepage on Social Policy and Integration of Disadvantaged Groups on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/sps> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-502 ESCAP Homepage on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/decade> (biannual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-503 ESCAP Homepage on Human Resources Development (HRD) on the World Wide Web <http://www.escap-hrd.org> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-504 Videotapes on the ESCAP HRD Award-winners (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-505 Videotape on health issues concerning youth: reproductive health, and substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention (2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-506 ESCAP Homepage on Women in Development on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/wid> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB) 6. Exhibits: 3-2-601 Exhibits on the ESCAP HRD Award-winners (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-602 Exhibit on HRD for youth (2001) (RB/XB) 7. Booklets, pamphlets, fact sheets, wall charts, information kits: 3-2-701 Brochures and booklets on the ESCAP HRD Award (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-702 Fact sheets on the national HRD situation in Asia and the Pacific (40 in 2000) (RB/XB) 3-2-703 Information kit for the Third Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on Human Resources Development for Youth (2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-704 Booklets and information materials on critical HRD issues (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 8. Technical material for outside users (databases, software etc.): 3-2-801 Development and maintenance of ESCAP database on national action for implementation of the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region and follow-up of the World Summit for Social Development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-802 Development of an ESCAP database on a regional network of social development management information systems (2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-803 HRD training modules for poverty alleviation: focus on education and skills development, employment-creation and health promotion (2000) (RB/XB) 3-2-804 HRD training modules for youth participation in development: focus on income-generation and entrepreneurship development (2000) (RB/XB) 3-2-805 HRD training modules for social and health development of sexually abused and exploited children and youth (2000) (RB/XB) 3-2-806 HRD training module on the linkage between substance abuse and sexual abuse and exploitation of children and youth (2000) (RB/XB) 3-2-807 Training needs assessment of youth in countries affected by the regional economic crisis (2000) (RB/XB) 3-2-808 HRD/IEC materials to promote awareness among youth of issues related to reproductive health, and substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention (2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-809 Maintenance and updating of the ESCAP database on centres of excellence for HRD (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-810 ESCAP-international child health HRD database on sexual abuse and exploitation of children and youth in Asia and the Pacific (2000) (RB/XB) 3-2-811 Maintenance and updating of the ESCAP database of NGOs on women in the ESCAP region (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 9. Special events: 3-2-901 International Day of Disabled Persons (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-902 Regional campaign to promote the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-2-903 Presentation ceremony for the ESCAP HRD Award (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) III. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison (RB/XB) 3-3-001 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on the Regional Social Development Agenda and follow-up of the World Summit for Social Development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-3-002 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on Disability-related Concerns (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-3-003 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, UNDCP, UNAIDS, ILO, UNESCO and WHO on activities and programmes for social development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-3-004 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations and NGOs on regional programmes and activities for social development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-3-005 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNDP, UNDCP, UNFPA, ILO, UNESCO and WHO, and NGOs on regional programmes and activities in support of the United Nations Proclamation on Ageing, the Macau Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific and other mandates relating to ageing and older persons (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-3-006 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, intergovernmental bodies, national institutions and NGOs on the promotion of the implementation of the Agenda for Action for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-3-007 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, including ASEAN, ECO, SAARC and the Pacific Forum, and NGOs in implementing the Jakarta Plan of Action on Human Resources Development in the ESCAP Region (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-3-008 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations and NGOs, including the Commonwealth Youth Programme, RCCAP and the Asian and Pacific Youth Councils, in regional implementation of the Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes and the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond (2001) (RB/XB) 3-3-009 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies and international and national centres of excellence in implementing the Jakarta Plan of Action on Human Resources Development in the ESCAP Region (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-3-010 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the United Nations Youth Unit of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs UNDCP, UNFPA, UNAIDS, ILO, UNESCO and WHO, in regional implementation of the Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes and the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond (2001) (RB/XB) 3-3-011 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on the Advancement of Women (2000, 2001) (RB) 3-3-012 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, including ASEAN, SAARC and SPC, development banks and NGOs in implementing the Jakarta Declaration and Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women in Asia and the Pacific and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (2000, 2001) (RB) 3-3-013 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies in the ACC Inter-agency Committee on Women and Gender Equality in the system-wide medium-term plan for the advancement of women (2000, 2001) (RB) IV. Technical cooperation (RB/XB) 1. Advisory services at the request of the governments (number of missions): 3-4-101 Advisory services on implementation of the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region and regional follow-up of the Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development, focusing on the strengthening of national strategies for poverty alleviation (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) 3-4-102 Advisory services on implementation of the Macau Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) 3-4-103 Advisory services on implementation of the Agenda for Action for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) 3-4-104 Advisory services on implementation of the Jakarta Plan of Action on Human Resources Development in the ESCAP Region (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 3-4-105 Advisory services on regional implementation of the Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes and the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond (2000, 2001) (RB) 3-4-106 Advisory services on implementation of the Jakarta Declaration and Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women in Asia and the Pacific and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 2. Group training (seminars, workshops, symposia) (number of events and number of officials to be trained should be indicated): 3-4-201 Subregional workshops on mechanisms for government, private sector and NGO collaboration in planning, implementation and evaluation of social development programmes (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (80 participants) 3-4-202 Field study-cum-regional workshop on social safety nets for the poor (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants) 3-4-203 Meetings on critical social issues and programmes (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants) 3-4-204 Regional workshop for government and NGO officials on formulation and implementation of national plans of action on ageing (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 3-4-205 Country-level training workshops for public administration personnel on the rights of disabled persons to full participation and equality in the development process (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants) 3-4-206 Regional training of trainers on the promotion of non-handicapping environments for persons with disabilities (2000) (RB/XB) (40 participants) 3-4-207 Regional training workshop on the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in mainstream gender equality initiatives (2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 3-4-208 Subregional training workshop for statisticians on the full participation and equality dimensions of disability statistics (2000) (RB/XB) (15 participants) 3-4-209 Field study-cum-regional seminar on poverty alleviation among rural persons with disabilities (2000) (RB/XB) (20 participants) 3-4-210 ESCAP subregional/national HRD courses for poverty alleviation: focus on education and skills development, employment-creation and health promotion (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants) 3-4-211 ESCAP subregional/national HRD courses for social and health development of sexually abused and exploited children and youth (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants) 3-4-212 ESCAP national HRD courses for youth development in transitional and least developed countries, and countries affected by the economic crisis (4 in 2000) (RB/XB) (40 participants) 3-4-213 ESCAP regional/national HRD seminars on integrated approaches to youth health: focus on reproductive health, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants) 3-4-214 Regional meetings on critical HRD issues (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 3-4-215 Regional seminar on empowerment of women through poverty alleviation, improved access to productive resources and greater participation in the development process (2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 3-4-216 Regional seminar on emerging issues and innovative approaches in advancing the status of women in a rapidly globalizing world economy (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 3-4-217 Regional seminar on the implementation of the Bangkok Accord and Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Women (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 3-4-218 Training workshop on promoting women's networking in modern information technology (2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 3-4-219 Training workshop on the promotion of women in business through entrepreneurship and skills development (2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 3-4-220 Meeting of national machineries for the advancement of women (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants) 3. Fellowships: 3-4-301 ESCAP HRD Award (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) Subprogramme 4. Population and rural and urban development Introduction The subprogramme encompasses the work that had been carried out previously in 1998-1999 under subprogramme 7, Poverty alleviation: population and development and the components of rural development and urban development of subprogramme 6, Poverty alleviation: rural and urban development. The subprogramme is carried out by the Population and Rural and Urban Development Division, which is headed by a division chief who is accountable to the Executive Secretary. The objective of the subprogramme is to strengthen the technical, managerial and organizational capacity of government agencies and civil society organizations at all levels to formulate population, rural and urban development policies and programmes designed to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life. During the biennium 2000-2001, the subprogramme will pursue these objectives through the organization of training workshops on reproductive health and population and development. Technical assistance will be provided to countries, upon request, in the implementation of the Bali Declaration on Population and Sustainable Development and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. In preparation for the Fifth Asian and Pacific Population Conference, scheduled for 2002, two preparatory meetings will be organized. Population information will be disseminated to policy makers and programme managers throughout the region by the publication of technical reports, a journal and newsletters and by electronic means. Information networks will be maintained and government and non-governmental organization (NGO) staff in information technology will be trained. The subprogramme will aim to strengthen the capacity of government and NGOs to reduce rural poverty, enhance food security and sustainable agricultural development through normative research, advisory services, training, information dissemination and exchange of experience in cooperation with other international organizations. To follow up the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), a high-level meeting, regional and local forums and seminars will be organized to enhance the capacity of and dialogue between local and national governments, and civic groups. In addition, the subprogramme will promote the dissemination of information on relevant experience through Web sites, in order to strengthen the capacity of government, local authorities, NGOs, the private sector, academic institutions and other networks to address priority issues in shelter and service provision to the Asian and Pacific region. As a result of these activities, policy makers, programme managers, academics and educators will have gained knowledge concerning population and sustainable development linkages, rural poverty alleviation and sustainable agricultural development and shelter and urban issues, and will have improved the technical skills needed for implementing that knowledge. Outputs I. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies (RB) 1. Substantive servicing of meetings: (a) Commission: 4-1-101 Plenary and committees (2000) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions) 4-1-102 Plenary and committees (2001) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions) (b) Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas: 4-1-103 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings) 4-1-104 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings) 2. Parliamentary documentation: (a) Commission: 4-1-201 Reports of the Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas (2000, 2001) 4-1-202 Reports on issues related to population and rural and urban development (2 in 2000, 3 in 2001) (b) Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas: 4-1-203 Reports on issues related to population and development (2000, 2001) 4-1-204 Report on issues related to rural poverty alleviation and sustainable agricultural development (2000) 4-1-205 Reports on issues related to urban development, including urban poverty (2000, 2001) 3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work (intermediate outputs): 4-1-301 Ad hoc expert group meeting on population database development (2000) 4-1-302 Ad hoc expert group meeting in preparation for the Fifth Asian and Pacific Population Conference (2001) II. Other substantive activities (RB/XB) 1. Mandated recurrent publications: 4-2-101 Asia-Pacific Population Journal (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB) 4-2-102 Population Headliners (6 in 2000, 6 in 2001) (XB) 4-2-103 Newsletter on Poverty Alleviation Initiatives (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB) 4-2-104 Agro-Chemical News in Brief (5 in 2000, 5 in 2001) (RB/XB) 4-2-105 Compendium of United Nations work programmes on rural poverty alleviation, 2000-2001 (2000) (RB) 3. Mandated non-recurrent publications: 4-2-301 Study on population and development (2001) (RB/XB) 4-2-302 Study on migration and urbanization (2001) (XB) 4-2-303 Study on adolescent reproductive health (2001) (XB) 4-2-304 Manual for creating population directory databases (2000) (RB/XB) 4-2-305 Country profile on plant nutrient sector development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 4-2-306 Strengthening income-generating opportunities for rural women in selected Central Asian republics (2000) (RB/XB) 4-2-307 Rural employment promotion (2000) (RB/XB) 4-2-308 Overview of housing rights in Asia and the Pacific (2000) (RB) 5. Electronic, audio and video issuances, including films, video tapes, radio broadcasts, tapes of news, documentary and feature programmes (number of the activities for each type): 4-2-501 ESCAP Population Homepage, including population databases and full text of the Asia-Pacific Population Journal articles, on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/pop/> (monthly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB) 4-2-502 Training modules on population information technology on CD-ROM (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 4-2-503 ESCAP Homepage on Rural Development on the World Wide Web <http://www.fadinap.org> (monthly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB) 4-2-504 ESCAP Homepage on Human Settlements on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/huset/index.html> (triannual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB) 7. Booklets, pamphlets, fact sheets, wall charts, information kits: 4-2-701 ESCAP population data sheet (2000, 2001) (RB) 4-2-702 Pamphlets for population information products (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 8. Technical material for outside users (databases, software etc.): 4-2-801 Population directory database series (annual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB) 4-2-802 Database on family planning/reproductive health and population law (annual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB) 4-2-803 Database on reproductive health indicators (annual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB) 4-2-804 Updating of the databases on projects and experts in human settlements development at the joint ESCAP/AIT human settlements Web site, maintained by AIT (2000, 2001) (RB) 4-2-805 Development of an Asia-Pacific urban observatory in the form of a database for monitoring the implementation of the Habitat Agenda at the local national and regional levels (2000, 2001) (XB) III. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison (RB/XB) 4-3-001 Collaboration with United Nations bodies, funds, programmes and agencies on matters related to population and development (2000, 2001) (RB) 4-3-002 Collaboration with NGOs on matters related to population and development (2000, 2001) (RB) 4-3-003 Collaboration with national, regional and interregional bodies outside the United Nations system on matters related to population and development (2000, 2001) (RB) 4-3-004 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on Population and Development (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB) 4-3-005 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on Poverty Alleviation (2000, 2001) (RB) 4-3-006 Cooperation with intergovernmental organizations, including CIRDAP, and NGOs on matters related to agriculture and rural development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 4-3-007 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the ACC Subcommittee on Rural Development, on matters related to agriculture and rural development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 4-3-008 Technical and substantive support to the CGPRT Centre (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 4-3-009 Organization of the RICAP Subcommittee on Urbanization (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB) 4-3-010 Coordination of programme activities with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including UNCHS, in implementing the Regional Action Plan on Urbanization and the Habitat Agenda (2000, 2001) (RB) 4-3-011 Technical and substantive support to regional networks in the field of human settlements development, including ACHR, CITYNET, CIVICNET, IULA-ASPAC, Network of Local Government Training Institutes, and TRISHNET (5 in 2000, 5 in 2001) (RB) IV. Technical cooperation (RB/XB) 1. Advisory services at the request of the governments (number of missions): 4-4-101 Advisory services on implementation of the Bali Declaration on Population and Sustainable Development and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB) 4-4-102 Advisory services on adolescent reproductive health (3 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) 4-4-103 Advisory services on population information systems/services development (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB) 4-4-104 Advisory services on demographic analysis (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 4-4-105 Advisory services on information management on agro-chemicals (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) 4-4-106 Advisory services on review of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and the Regional Action Plan on Urbanization at national and local levels (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) 2. Group training (seminars, workshops, symposia) (number of events and number of officials to be trained should be indicated): 4-4-201 Pre-Conference seminar on migration and development (2001) (RB/XB) (20 part | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||