The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) is a regional arm of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to enhancing cooperation and promoting sustainable development among its member states in the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1947, UNESCAP serves as a platform for member countries to address the unique social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by the region.
Under its mandate, UNESCAP aims to foster regional partnerships, support policy dialogue, and provide technical expertise to promote inclusive and sustainable development. The commission focuses on a wide range of areas, including poverty reduction, trade and investment, transport, connectivity, energy, climate change, and social development. It plays a crucial role in generating research, conducting policy analysis, and disseminating knowledge to assist member countries in formulating and implementing policies that address current socio-economic issues.
UNESCAP facilitates cooperation and collaboration among member states through various mechanisms, including regional forums, ministerial conferences, and capacity-building initiatives. It acts as a platform for sharing best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions to regional challenges. The commission also promotes dialogue between governments, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector to foster partnerships and enable knowledge sharing.
Overall, UNESCAP acts as a regional knowledge hub and an advocate for sustainable development, promoting economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region. Through its activities, it contributes to the achievement of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports regional integration and cooperation to address shared challenges.
