Sustainable Business

Youth Solutions Report 2019


After two successful editions of the Youth Solutions Report, published in January
2017 and June 2018, respectively, this year’s publication continues to expand its
scope and objectives. Not only do we celebrate the efforts of young innovators
towards achieving the 2030 Agenda, we also seek to provide all public and private
stakeholders with actionable insights on the value and opportunity of investing in
youth-led innovation as a key enabler of sustainable development.

Evolution of Science, Technology and Innovation Policies for Sustainable Development: The Experiences of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Singapore

This book aims to give policy makers an overview of the evolution of science, technology and innovation (STI) policies in a selected number of East Asian countries. China, Japan, Republic of Korea and Singapore have transformed their economies and societies in recent decades. From STI policies that enabled catch-up growth, these countries have evolved towards policies that are more aligned with sustainable development through integrating social, economic and environmental dimensions into their STI policies.

ASEAN Social Enterprise Structuring Guide

In partnership, British Council, Tilleke & Gibbins, the Thomson Reuters Foundation and United Nations ESCAP have developed the ASEAN Social Enterprise Structuring Guide – a practical resource to guide social entrepreneurs on the most appropriate legal structure to enable them to deliver impact in social enterprise. The guide sets out in detail the advantages and disadvantages and associated regulatory and compliance obligations of each available structure in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific

Business as usual is not an option if the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are to be met. The scale and depth of the goals require a radically different and disruptive approach—the essence of innovation—along with significant scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements. Science, technology and innovation (STI) have the potential to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of our efforts to meet the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda and create benefits for society, the economy and the environment.

Encouraging Interest on E-Money

In too many countries, mobile money account numbers are high and usage rates low. Most accounts in many countries are used only to receive government payments that are then quickly withdrawn as cash. This pattern does not lead to the development of a vibrant digital financial ecosystem that truly supports financial inclusion. In this briefing note, authors explore one way to tackle this problem, which is to encourage the payment of interest on e-money.