Media Advisory

Post-pandemic economic growth in developing Asian and Pacific countries weakened considerably in 2022 and is expected to remain weak in 2023. Not surprisingly, monetary tightening has gathered pace in many economies amid historical high inflation. This will have significant implications for the fiscal and debt positions of developing economies and thus their ability to pursue sustainable development and tackle climate challenges.

This year’s Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific, produced by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), offers new perspectives on fiscal and public debt analysis to help developing countries in the region step up their investments aimed at achieving the SDGs and maintaining public debt sustainability in the longer term.

What:      Launch of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2023

When:     Wednesday, 5 April 2023, 10.30am – 11.30am (UTC+7)

Where:    In-person at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand, Penthouse, Maneeya Centre,   Ploenchit Road, Bangkok and online via ZOOM

Register your in-person/online attendance here: https://bit.ly/APsurvey2023-launch

Key Speakers:

• H.E. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Finance, Thailand
• Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
• Hamza Ali Malik, Director, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP
• Vatcharin Sirimaneetham, Chief, Macroeconomic Policy and Analysis Section, ESCAP

For more information: https://www.unescap.org/events/2023/launch-survey-2023-rethinking-public-debt

Government officials as well as representatives from the civil society, private sector and other stakeholder groups are gathering in Bangkok next week to explore evidence-based policies and solutions for the Asia-Pacific region to emerge from the impacts of the polycrisis (COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, climate change).

The 10th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development will also assess the region’s progress at the mid-point of the 2030 Agenda and identify priorities for accelerating implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the remaining seven years.

Delegates will further undertake in-depth review of Goal 6 (Clean water and sanitation); Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy); Goal 9 (Industry. innovation, and infrastructure); Goal 11 (Sustainable cities and communities) and Goal 17 (Partnership for the Goals). Regional recommendations will be presented at the global High-Level Political Forum and SDG Summit.

Note to Editor: Members of the media are invited to attend in-person or via the online webcast.

What:                   10th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development

When:                  27 to 30 March 2023

In-person accreditation: https://indico.un.org/event/1003108/

Watch online: https://www.youtube.com/unescap

For more information and the full timetable of events: https://www.unescap.org/events/apfsd10

For APFSD multimedia assets: https://trello.com/b/fmRAPWUL/apfsd-2023

The year 2023 marks the mid-point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This is an opportune moment to reflect on progress in the Asia-Pacific region towards achieving the SDGs, as well being reminded of the significant work that remains to be done. 

Produced by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Asia-Pacific SDG Progress Report 2023 will shine a spotlight on countries that have demonstrated commitment and progress towards the 17 global goals. Their strong performance deserves recognition, and their experiences provide important lessons and illuminate pathways for progress in the years ahead.

Unfortunately, this year’s report also reveals that the Asia-Pacific region has achieved less than 15 per cent of the necessary progress, which could result in substantial delays in accomplishing our 2030 ambitions. While the full impact of COVID-19 has yet to be quantified, data on a limited number of indicators are beginning to reveal impacts on people, planet and prosperity.

Join us at the launch to hear more key data and regional insights:

What:       Launch of Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2023

When:      Wednesday, 22 March 2023, 11.00am – 12.00pm (UTC+7)

Where:     In-person at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand, Penthouse, Maneeya Centre,   Ploenchit Road, Bangkok and online via ZOOM

Key Speakers:

• Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
• Rachael Beaven, Director, Statistics Division, ESCAP

Register your in-person/online attendance here: https://bit.ly/SDGProgressLaunch

For more information: https://www.unescap.org/events/2023/launch-asia-and-pacific-sdg-progress-report-2023  

Nearly 90 per cent of the population of the Asia-Pacific region regularly breathe air considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be unsafe. Globally, more than 7 million premature deaths are attributed to air pollution, with two-thirds occurring in the Asia-Pacific region.

Responding to the urgency for solutions to this growing environmental challenge common to many countries and cities across the region, the High-Level Forum on Clean Air will take place in Ulaanbaatar this week bringing together Ministers, senior policymakers and key stakeholders. The Forum is jointly organized by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP),

The Forum aims to further elaborate areas of policy and technical cooperation under the Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution, and engage multilateral, regional and national stakeholders to strengthen science-based and policy-oriented cooperation for improved air quality management. It will also explore partnership opportunities among multilateral and international organizations to accelerate national actions on clean air.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event.

What:                   High-Level Forum on Clean Air

When:                  2 – 3 March 2023

Where:                 Shangri-la Hotel, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Registration for in-person or online participation: https://indico.un.org/event/1003855/registrations/9775/

Key speakers:

• Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, Prime Minister of Mongolia
• Bat-Erdene Bat-Ulzii, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mongolia
• Ali Salajegheh, Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Head of the Department of Environment
• Zulfiya Suleimenova, Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources, Kazakhstan
• Naseer Ahamed, Minister of Environment, Sri Lanka
• Ono Hiroshi, Vice Minister of Environment, Japan
• Choijilsuren Battogtokh, Minister of Energy, Mongolia
• Dongjin Kim, Deputy Minister and President, National Institute of Environmental Research, Republic of Korea
• Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
• Dechen Tsering, Regional Director and Representative for Asia and the Pacific, UNEP

For more information on the High-Level Forum: https://www.unescap.org/events/High-Level-Forum-Clean-Air

For multimedia content: https://bit.ly/APCleanAirForAll

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is convening top policymakers, business leaders and other key stakeholders from across the region next week to explore policies which ensure the benefits of the region’s rapid growth reaches everyone.

The first session of the Committee on Trade, Investment, Enterprise and Business Innovation will also delve into ways to enhance regional integration and trade competitiveness, promote climate-smart trade, leverage the digital economy as well as mobilize investments, business innovation and partnerships towards more sustainable and inclusive development.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event:

What:                   Committee on Trade, Investment, Enterprise and Business Innovation

When:                  22- 24 February 2023

Where:                 UN Conference Centre, Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, Bangkok

Watch online:    www.youtube.com/unescap

Accreditation for in-person participation: https://indico.un.org/event/1003090/  

Key speakers:

• Tipu Munshi, Minister of Commerce, Bangladesh
• Chhem Keith Rethy, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, Cambodia
• Teten Masduki, Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs, Indonesia
• Gantumur Tuvdendorj, Vice Minister of Economy and Development, Mongolia
• Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
• Deepak Bagla, Chief Executive Officer, Invest India

For more information and the full programme: https://bit.ly/CTIEBI1-2023

For multimedia assets related to the Committee: https://bit.ly/CTIEBIassets

The seventh session of the Committee on Environment and Development will bring together Ministers and high-level representatives from countries across the Asia-Pacific region to identify opportunities to protect our planet through regional cooperation and solidarity.

Convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the session is expected to adopt a ministerial declaration on “Protecting our planet through regional cooperation and solidarity in Asia and the Pacific.” The declaration would foster stronger regional cooperation in climate action, the protection of ecosystems and oceans, sustainable urban development, and implementation of principles on environmental rights, all critical elements to achieve the common goal of a healthy environment. The declaration also includes a regional action programme on air pollution, to build momentum for stronger science-based and policy-oriented cooperation to improve air quality management, including through improved air quality standards, open data sharing, exchange of best practices and capacity building. 

Members of the media are invited to attend the ESCAP Committee on Environment and Development both online and at the United Nations Conference Center, following accreditation.

When:                29-30 November 2022 (Senior Official segment) & 1 December 2022 (Ministerial Segment) 10.00am – 4.00pm (Bangkok time)

Watch online:   See the Youtube links on the programme at https://www.unescap.org/events/2022/ced7

Accreditation for in person participation: https://indico.un.org/e/ced7

Key speakers:   

• Say Samal, Minister of Environment of Cambodia
• Semi Koroilavesau, Minister for Fisheries, Oceans Champion and Representative from the UN Major Group on Children and Youth of Fiji
• Bat-Ulzii Bat-Erdene, Minister of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia
• Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Samoa
• Alue Dohong, Vice Minister of Environment and Forestry of Indonesia
• Zulfiya Suleimenova, Vice Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan
• Vilaykham Phosalath, Vice Minister of Public Works and Transport of the Lao People's Democratic Republic
• Dong Jin Kim, President, National Institute of Environmental Research, Republic of Korea
• Ambassador Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Special Envoy of French President and Ambassador for Polar and Maritime Issues
• Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
• Representatives of youth and civil society organizations

For more information and the full programme: https://www.unescap.org/events/2022/ced7

High-level government officials and leaders in the transport sector are set to convene next week in Bangkok to discuss efficient and resilient transport and logistics networks and mobility for economic growth, environmentally sustainable transport systems and services, as well as safe and inclusive transport.

The seventh session of the Committee on Transport will also provide further guidance on future activities in support of the implementation of the Regional Action Programme for Sustainable Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific (2022-2026), a roadmap for ensuring transport systems are sustainable and connected.

Among other actions, the Committee is expected to endorse the Regional Plan of Action for Asia and the Pacific for the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 to tackle the persistent issue of traffic deaths and injuries in the region. It is also expected to endorse the ten guiding principles on sustainable freight transport in Asia and the Pacific in order to raise the sustainability of freight transport. The Committee will also explore strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector and accelerate the transition to electric mobility in public transport.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:

What:                  Committee on Transport, Seventh Session

When:                 23- 25 November 2022

Where:               United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok and webcasted at www.youtube.com/unescap

Key speakers:

• Ahmed Zuhair, Minister of State for Transport and Civil Aviation of Maldives
• Saksayam Chidchob, Minister of Transport of the Royal Thai Government
• Min Meanvy, Secretary of State of Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Cambodia
• Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
• Jean Todt, United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety

For more information and the full programme: https://www.unescap.org/events/2022/committee-transport-seventh-session

For media attending in-person at UNCC Bangkok, please register in advance at: https://indico.un.org/event/1000727/

The Asia-Pacific region is home to many countries, economies and people most affected by climate change. Thus, the region has a major responsibility to reduce its increasing vulnerability to climate change by rapidly moving towards low- or zero-carbon pathways and increasing investment in resilience.

Under this context, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) will hold a series of COP27 side events and other activities in collaboration with member States and various partners, which will showcase the outcomes of regional deliberations and innovative initiatives at the global platform.

ESCAP’s engagements during COP27 will also draw attention to several key recommendations for countries in the region, including:

• The need to focus on climate justice from multiple angles such as access to concessional finance and debt relief measures which acknowledge the link between rising debt levels and consequences of climate change;
• A revisit to measuring society’s well-being with full reflection of environmental considerations and their interplay with the economic and social aspects of development;
• Investing in disaster risk reduction and resilience will be vital to protecting development gains and countries from cascading crises;
• The region needs to align development strategies and policies with climate neutrality commitments by 2050 to 2060; and
• Regional cooperation to mutually support the implementation of updated NDC and carbon neutrality commitments should be strengthened.

For more information and up-to-date list of all ESCAP engagements at COP27: https://www.unescap.org/cop27

Countries are set to gather next week in Jakarta to assess the potential of space applications and technological innovations to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and other development-related activities.

The Fourth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Government of Indonesia, will meet under the theme “Space+ for our Earth and Future.” The Conference is expected to adopt a ministerial declaration recognizing the utility of space-based data and deepening regional partnerships to support countries in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises.

The Conference will also discuss concrete country-driven regional initiatives to support the implementation of the second phase of the Asia-Pacific Plan of Action on Space Applications for Sustainable Development (2018-2030), which addresses 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:

What:     The Fourth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific

When:    Wednesday, 26 October 2022, 09:00 - 16:30 (GMT+7, Jakarta time)

Where:   Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, Indonesia and webcasted live at https://www.youtube.com/unescap

Key speakers:

• Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia (tbc – video keynote message)
• Suharso Monoarfa, Minister for National Development Planning and Head of the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS) of Indonesia 
• Laksana Tri Handoko, Chair of the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN)
• Susil Premajayantha, Minister for Education of Sri Lanka
• Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr., Director General of the Philippine Space Agency
• Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
• Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (video message)

For more information and the full programme: https://www.unescap.org/events/2022/fourth-ministerial-conference-space-applications-sustainable-development-asia-and

For media attending in-person at Ritz-Carlton Hotel Jakarta, please register in advance at: https://indico.un.org/event/1001472/

Ministers, government officials, persons with disabilities, civil society and private sector allies from across Asia and the Pacific will gather in Jakarta next week to chart a new path for the over 700 million persons with disabilities in the region.

Ten years ago, the Asia-Pacific region pioneered the world’s first set of disability-specific development goals - the Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities. However, persons with diverse disabilities continue to face significant barriers to their full and effective participation in society. 

The high-level meeting, co-hosted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Ministry of Social Affairs of Indonesia, will review progress and achievements made in the Decade (2013-2022), foster consensus on new strategic developments, and renew the region’s commitments to disability rights and disability-inclusive development.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:

What:                 High-level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Final Review of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013-2022

When:                19 – 21 October 2022

Where:               Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta and webcast live at www.youtube.com/unescap

Key speakers:

• Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia (tbc)
• Tri Rismaharini, Minister of Social Affairs of Indonesia
• Jun Byung Wang, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare Policy, Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea
• Zhang Haidi, Chairperson of China Disabled Persons’ Federation and President of Rehabilitation International
• Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
• María Soledad Cisternas Reyes, Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Disability and Accessibility
• Maulani Agustiah Rotinsulu, Secretary General of the ASEAN Disability Forum and Co-Founder of the Indonesian Association of Women with Disabilities

For media interested to attend in-person at Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta, please register in advance via https://indico.un.org/event/1001790/registrations/8119/   

For more information and full programme: https://www.unescap.org/events/2022/high-level-intergovernmental-meeting-final-review-asian-and-pacific-decade-persons