The 5th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development adopted environmentally sustainable economic growth or Green Growth approach as an innovative conceptual strategic framework for sustainable development and integration of the three pillars of sustainable development, namely economic development, environment protection and social development. The Green Growth approach was endorsed as an instrument for achieving the MDG 1 on Poverty Reduction and MDG 7 on Environmental Sustainability.

By adopting Resolution 61/9 Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific at its 61st session, the Commission supported the approach of environmentally sustainable economic growth or "Green Growth" as relevant and appropriate regional response in attaining the Millennium Development Goals for poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. The Commission also recommended that the secretariat play a catalytic role in creating a conducive environment for sustainable economic growth and environmental conservation and also for coordinated efforts of all ESCAP subprogrammes in these areas.

As a follow up, a new section with focus on Sustainable Development and Water Resources (SDWRS) was established in the Environment and Development Division (EDD) to address both sustainable development policy and water resources management.

Under the Sustainable Development Policy Area, the SDWS Section is currently developing the conceptual framework for an integrated sustainable development and environmentally sustainable economic growth "Green Growth" approach. The main activities in promoting green growth include:

• Conceptual development, analytical and research work;
• Raising Awareness at Policy Level through Green Growth Policy Dialogues (Green Growth @ a Glance);
• Information dissemination and public awareness activities;
• Strengthening partnership with UN agencies, international and development organizations and collaborating centres

Analytical and research work is undertaken to develop and promote policy measures which could improve eco-efficiency of consumption and production patterns of the economic growth of the region, including development of eco-efficiency indicators. While exploring opportunities for development of a win-win synergy between environment and economy, a green business growth models are being developed, including options for addressing the needs of the poor through development of business based on environmentally sound technologies.

Under the Water Resources area, the section will continue assisting countries of the region in capacity building to promote integrated water resources management, pro-poor water management, water conservation, awareness of the importance of freshwater, water use efficiency, groundwater protection, public-private partnerships for the delivery of water supply and sanitation services, consistent with the goals set in the United Nations Millennium Declaration together with relevant commitments under the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Technical assistance to members and associate members through the development of guidelines, manuals and reference materials, as well as training and information exchange opportunities in workshops, seminars and conferences will be further provided.

Subregional cooperation will continuously be promoted and supported to sustain the process of capacity building, such as the Mekong Committee (established in 1957, now the Mekong River Commission), the Typhoon Committee (established in 1968 and the Panel on Tropical Cyclones (established in 1971), working towards strengthening national capacities to reduce impacts of water-related natural disasters.

Sustainable Development and Water Resource Section
Environment and Development Division
UNESCAP
United Nations Building
Rajadamnern Avenue
Bangkok 10200, Thailand