Regional launch of Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2020

The Asia-Pacific region is in danger of failing to achieve any of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without extra efforts from all stakeholders. While many countries are moving decisively to improve the quality of education and provide access to affordable and clean energy, progress in other areas such as gender equality and building sustainable cities has been far too slow. More worryingly, the region is moving in the wrong direction when it comes to responsible consumption and production, and climate action. These findings sound the alarm for the region to urgently foster sustainable use of natural resources, increase its resilience against natural disasters and adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change through integrated policies.

For the first time, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is hosting a virtual regional launch and press briefing for its Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2020 on 25 March at 11.00AM – 1.00PM (Bangkok time). The report uses the latest data on global SDG indicators to determine where additional effort is needed in the region and where momentum for future progress is building. The report also spotlights the diverse patterns of progress across five Asia-Pacific subregions.

Note to Editor: You or your representatives are cordially invited to participate in the virtual regional launch and press briefing via webcast -

What: Virtual regional launch of Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2020
When: Wednesday, 25 March 2020, 11.00am – 1:00pm (Bangkok time)
Webcast link: https://www.unescap.org/events/SDG-Progress-Report-Launch-2020
Key Speaker: Ms. Gemma Van Halderen, Director, Statistics Division, ESCAP

A full copy of the Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2020 can be accessed following the launch at: https://www.unescap.org/publications/asia-and-pacific-sdg-progress-report-2020

For media enquiries and individual interview requests with ESCAP spokespersons,
please contact:
Ms. Kavita Sukanandan, Public Information Officer
Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section, ESCAP
T: (+66) 2 288 1869 / E: sukanandan@un.org