SDG13 Climate Action

In the dry and arid central region of Myanmar, water for drinking and farming is scarce. Village communities eke out a living growing peanuts and sesame, walking or using bullock carts over long distances to get water for their homes and farms. Some communities have tried to dig ponds or install bore wells; others pay for water to those who own carts, to maintain their livelihoods and families. Climate risks are worsening the situation as dry seasons get longer and more intense; most young people are migrating to the cities.

The Pacific Urban Forum (PUF) is a regional event that aims to provide a unique and accessible platform for urban stakeholders to debate what creates a sustainable urban future for the region. The first PUF in 2003 gave rise to the Pacific Urban Agenda (PUA) which was endorsed by the United Nations ESCAP Commission in 2004 and by the Pacific Island Forum Leaders in 2005. The PUFs in 2007 and 2011 reaffirmed commitment to the PUA in its format up to then.

The Ocean Cities Snapshot for Policy-makers serves as a companion document to the Ocean Cities Regional Policy Guide. The Ocean Cities concept is an integrated policy approach for ocean-focused and climate-responsive urban development strategies, with a focus on urban areas in Pacific island developing States. Ocean Cities are where urban landscapes and seascapes meet, where built and natural environments near coastlines interface and where human behaviour and urban development have profound impacts on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

The Ocean Cities concept is an integrated policy approach for ocean-focused and climate-responsive urban development strategies, with a focus on urban areas in Pacific island developing States. Ocean Cities are where urban landscapes and seascapes meet, where built and natural environments near coastlines interface and where human behaviour and urban development have profound impacts on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Ocean Cities are at the forefront of the climate change consequences, the urbanization challenges and other development pressures.

This call for Case Studies provides an opportunity to highlight specific innovative policies, case studies, initiatives or partnerships that fit the overall theme of The Future of Asia-Pacific Cities 2019 Report. These case studies aim to deepen practical knowledge on sustainable urban development solutions, identify new and emerging issues. Knowledge can be drawn from both successful and unsuccessful experiences. These case studies should introduce themes that are directly related to the four main chapters of the Report. Case Studies will be collected through an open call.

This report analyses Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) trends as well as data availability for monitoring progress in Asia and the Pacific and its five subregions. It assesses progress towards the SDGs and the gaps which must be closed for these to be achieved by 2030. This assessment is designed to ensure the region’s actions remain on target, shortcomings are addressed as they arise, and all interested parties remain engaged.

At UNESCO, we take this issue very seriously. With its World Network of Biosphere Reserves, as well as its capacities in the Natural Sciences, Education and Youth Mobilization, UNESCO is capable of playing a substantial role in addressing the problem. The Organization has a clear mandate in particular in the Natural Sciences, as well as in Education, with a view to the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. 

This brochure showcases beautiful imagery from landscapes, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks throughout the region; and features ongoing environmental projects and research initiatives aimed at enhancing scientific knowledge for sustainable human living in Asia-Pacific. Natural Sciences at UNESCO Bangkok supports the six cluster countries including: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Welcome! REN21's Asia and the Pacific Renewable Energy Status Report will draw on the experience of an expert community across the Asia-Pacific region making it an international, collaborative effort. You too can be a part of this community. 

For the 22nd of May, we have invited the UN agencies, the private sector, government authorities and agencies, and NGOs, in order to catalyse public-private partnerships for environmental security and sustainable growth, with a focus on plastic. We are also planning to organize a specific Donor and Fund-raising Event in support of The Plastic-Initiative, on the 27th of September 2019, at the new Rama IX Museum.