Most countries in the Asia-Pacific region are on track to reach universal birth registration by 2030: an incredible achievement and a significant milestone in realizing human rights and equality. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed, many weaknesses remain in official recording systems, creating gaps in knowledge about the population and affecting how authorities respond […]
As the leaders of Asia and the Pacific prepare to head to Glasgow for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), they can be sure that our region will be in the spotlight; many of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change are located here. The seven G20 […]
Memories of idyllic beaches and sonorous waves may seem far away while we remain sheltering at home. Yet, we need not look far to appreciate the enduring history of the ocean in Asia and the Pacific. For generations, the region has thrived on our seas. Our namesake bears a nod to the Pacific Ocean, a […]
The unprecedented public health emergency triggered by the COVID -19 pandemic and its multi-faceted impact on people’s lives around the world is taking a heavy toll on Asia and the Pacific. Countries in our region are striving to mitigate the massive socio-economic impact of the pandemic, which is also expected to affect the region’s economic […]
Rising economic prosperity and poverty reduction may not tell the whole story of progress in Asia and the Pacific. Telling signs in the natural world recount a narrative that is far from complete. This year has been particularly affected by the COVID-19 global health pandemic, with devastating impacts on our health and the economy. Yet, […]
The upheaval caused by the coronavirus — COVID-19 — is all around us. And I know many are anxious, worried and confused. That’s absolutely natural. We are facing a health threat unlike any other in our lifetimes. Meanwhile, the virus is spreading, the danger is growing, and our health systems, economies and day-to-day lives are being […]
Great strides have been taken to empower women and girls in the Asia-Pacific region since the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing 25 years ago adopted an ambitious global agenda to achieve gender equality. In that time gender parity has been achieved in primary education and maternal mortality has been halved. Today, the region’s […]
Senior government officials from across Asia and the Pacific will meet in Bangkok this week for the first Asia-Pacific Ministerial Summit on the Environment. Co-convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN Escap) and UN Environment, this historic high-level summit is a unique opportunity for the region’s environment […]
