Seventy-five years ago, the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East was established in Shanghai with the aim of helping the region rebuild from the ashes of war. At the time, many post-colonial territories in the region were also starting the arduous process of redefining themselves as independent countries. Since then, Asia and the Pacific has witnessed extraordinary economic progress. This unprecedented growth has lifted millions of people out of poverty and improved countless lives. Today, this region stands out for having some of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies. However, the region’s achievements are now threatened by the twin crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Asia and the Pacific is also the most disaster-prone region, and inequality - of income as well as opportunity - continues to pose a formidable barrier to sustainable development. In this book, produced in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of ESCAP, experts from the region and beyond offer their takes on what ESCAP can do to help its member States build back better from the pandemic and foster an Asia and the Pacific that is greener, healthier and more sustainable.