SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2020

Decades of high economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region have transformed its socioeconomic landscape – lifting a billion people out of extreme poverty in the past two decades and raising living standards of even greater numbers. However, such growth has been accompanied by growing inequality of income and opportunity and is beginning to breach planetary limits, thus endangering the well-being of future generations. Yet, the Asia-Pacific region is not on track to achieve any of the 17 Goals by 2030 if we continue on our business-as-usual pathway.

Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2020: Towards sustainable economies

Decades of high economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region have transformed its socioeconomic landscape – lifting a billion people out of extreme poverty in the past two decades and raising living standards of even greater numbers. However, such growth has been accompanied by growing inequality of income and opportunity and is beginning to breach planetary limits, thus endangering the well-being of future generations. Yet, the Asia-Pacific region is not on track to achieve any of the 17 Goals by 2030 if we continue on our business-as-usual pathway.

Increase spending on managing COVID-19 pandemic and decarbonize to tackle climate emergency, urges UN regional arm

Bangkok (ESCAP news) – The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having far-reaching economic and social consequences for the Asia-Pacific region, with strong cross-border spillover effects through trade, tourism and financial linkages, according to a new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released today.

Infrastructure Financing in Asian Landlocked Developing Countries: Challenges, Opportunities and Modalities

As one of the main goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the development of reliable and resilient infrastructure (Goal 9), it is imperative that infrastructure financing be given its due importance. Infrastructure development also leads to positive spillover effects such as the promotion of sustainable economic growth and employment (Goal 8) as well as poverty reduction (Goal 1). Infrastructure development directly influences over 80 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goals targets.

Strengthening monitoring and evaluation for adaptation planning in the agriculture sectors

The importance of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of climate change adaptation has been highlighted at global level, including under the Paris Agreement. Simultaneously, adaptation M&E systems are beginning to emerge at the national level in the context of national planning and budgeting processes. This technical guidance note details how to develop M&E systems for adaptation planning in agriculture sectors.

Local and Regional Governments' Report to the HLPF (3rd Report) – Towards the Localization of the SDGs

This Report explores the involvement of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) in the ‘localization’ of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following UN guidelines, it complements the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) submitted by 143 countries to the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) throughout the first four- year cycle of voluntary reporting. It delivers first-hand information from LRGs in 80 different countries, including 24 of the 47 countries reporting in 2019.

Digital Economy Report 2019

The rapid spread of digital technologies is transforming many economic and social activities. While creating many new opportunities, widening digital divides threaten to leave developing countries, and especially least developed countries, further behind. A smart embrace of new technologies, enhanced partnerships and greater intellectual leadership are needed to redefine digital development strategies and the future contours of globalization.

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.