II. MATTERS CALLING FOR ACTION BY THE COMMISSION OR TO BE BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION

20. In compliance with paragraph 1, (3)(a) and (4)(a) of resolution 53/1 of 30 April 1997, the Commission's approval will be sought during the fifty-fifth session for the organization of an ad hoc ministerial conference and two intergovernmental meetings proposed for the biennium 2000-2001, as shown below:

Should the organization of the ministerial conference on infrastructure in 2001 be approved by the Commission at its fifty-fifth session, the Committee on Transport, Communications, Tourism and Infrastructure Development would not be convened in that year. The Commission may wish to note that the organization of the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific, to be held at Bangkok in the fourth quarter of 2000, was approved by the Commission at its fifty-second session.⁽¹⁰⁾ The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Development will therefore not be convened in that year.

21. The Commission is requested to examine the draft programme of work for the biennium 2000-2001 annexed to the present document. It should be noted that any amendments to the draft programme of work involving additional outputs that might be adopted by the Commission at its fifty-fifth session would have financial implications. The Commission's deliberations and decisions on any changes in the draft programme of work for the biennium 2000-2001 will be communicated to United Nations Headquarters immediately upon the conclusion of the fifty-fifth session, so that they may be incorporated in the proposed programme budget of ESCAP for the biennium 2000-2001 for consideration by the Committee for Programme and Coordination at its thirty-ninth session, to be held sometime in June 1999, prior to the sessions of ACABQ and the General Assembly.

Annex I

DRAFT PROGRAMME OF WORK, 2000-2001

Programme overview

1. In accordance with the revised conference structure of the Commission mandated by resolution 53/1 of 30 April 1997, the programme is guided by the Commission and its five subsidiary bodies, the Committees on Regional Economic Cooperation; Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas; Environment and Natural Resources Development; Transport, Communications, Tourism and Infrastructure Development; and Statistics, as well as the Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries and the Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries.

2. As the levels of development and the needs of ESCAP members and associate members are diverse and taking into account the growth achievements within the region, especially by the newly industrializing economies, the ESCAP programme of work for the biennium 1998-1999 was focused on three major themes: (a) the promotion of regional economic cooperation in such essential areas as trade, investment, building of technological capabilities, transport and infrastructure development; (b) environment and sustainable development that seeks to contain environmental degradation and emphasizes sound management of natural resources; and (c) the formulation and implementation of effective social policies, action plans and programmes aimed at alleviating poverty, extending the quality of life of all social groups and pursuing vigorous development of the region's human resources. However, the financial and economic crisis, which occurred in a number of East and South-East Asian countries in the second half of 1997, brought in its wake sharp currency devaluation and rising inflation, recession, unemployment and poverty levels in the region. The crisis had an adverse impact on the progress achieved in many areas of social development over the last two decades in the region and on the lives of millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. The crisis clearly demonstrates that globalization and liberalization offer both opportunities for growth and attendant risks, especially for less developed countries. In the process, it poses a risk of the polarization of countries and societies into two groups: a minority with capital and skills who are able to flourish in the global market place, and a majority who are unable to partake of the benefits. Therefore, the major challenges facing countries in Asia and the Pacific towards the twenty-first century will be to ensure that all countries and segments of the population can share equitably in the fruits of economic and social development and to enhance the capability of the developing countries to access the opportunities as well as to anticipate and respond to the risks which accompany the continuing globalization and liberalization process. As economic and social development are inextricably linked, sustained development can only be effected through broad-based social investment and capacity-building. Emphasis will be placed on improving the capacity of least developed, landlocked and island developing countries, as well as the economies in transition, to integrate more closely into the region's dynamic development and enhance their participation in international development in the economic and social fields.

3. The Commission acknowledged the serious implications of the financial and economic crisis and revised the medium-term plan accordingly. It was also concerned with the depth and duration of the crisis. The programme of work for the biennium 2000-2001, that is, the second half of the revised medium-term plan contained in document A/53/6/Rev.1, reflects a streamlined programme structure, from the existing 10 subprogrammes to 7, in conformity with the revised conference structure as approved by the Commission at its fifty-fourth session held in April 1998. The efforts to rationalize the structure of the ESCAP secretariat in line with the revised programme structure and the consequent mergers and consolidation of functions and redeployments of resources to priority areas are featured in the ESCAP proposed programme budget for the biennium 2000-2001.

4. The overall objective of the proposed programme is to assist member and associate member governments in responding more effectively and efficiently to the global environment, which has an impact on the region, as well as to the rapidly changing environment within the region itself. While the Commission will continue to focus on the three major themes, regional economic cooperation, poverty alleviation, and environment and natural resources development, the emphasis will be shifted. In regard to regional economic cooperation, the emphasis will be on the strengthening of national capacity to deal with the economic volatility associated with participation in the globalization process, and enhancement of trade efficiency to increase competitiveness in the international market place to keep pace with the process of globalization, including through industrial restructuring and technological capability-building, as well as the promotion of foreign direct investment; in regard to poverty alleviation, the emphasis will be on enhancing national capacity to plan and deliver services to meet the basic needs of the poor and to provide them with the skills and foundation enabling them to participate meaningfully in development; and in regard to environment and natural resources development, the emphasis will be on promoting the sustainable development and use of natural resources, regional cooperation on transboundary environmental issues, and prevention and mitigation of natural disasters. The Commission will also seek to promote efficient, reliable and cost-effective development and operation of transport infrastructure and services. Support will also be rendered to enhancing national statistical systems, particularly in meeting the additional demands for data created by the financial crisis and developing regional comparable data on the incidence and severity of poverty.

5. The programme of work for the biennium 2000-2001 will emphasize (a) research and analysis of the effects of the economic and financial crisis and the formulation of recommendations on ways and means for countries to respond to the crisis and to minimize the attendant risks; (b) technical assistance activities, especially those with the potential for strong multiplier effects, including advisory services; (c) broader and more efficient means of information dissemination, through the ESCAP Web site and databases; and (d) the sharing of experience among countries through technical cooperation among developing countries (TCDC), South-South cooperation and networking.

6. In accordance with the policy directives of the General Assembly, efforts will be intensified towards gender mainstreaming in the programme of work.

7. The Commission will continue to serve as an important link in the integrated follow-up of the plans of action adopted by global conferences and efforts will be exerted to further strengthen cooperation with United Nations and non-United Nations regional and subregional intergovernmental bodies, including enhancement of collaboration with non-governmental organizations and the formation of strategic alliances with major institutions in implementing the work of the Commission.

Subprogramme 1. Regional economic cooperation

Introduction

The subprogramme encompasses the work that had been carried out previously in 1998-1999 under subprogramme 1, Regional economic cooperation: trade and investment and subprogramme 3, Regional economic cooperation: industry and technology. The subprogramme is carried out by the Trade and Industry Division, which is headed by a division chief who is accountable to the Executive Secretary.

The overall objective of the subprogramme is to strengthen regional and subregional economic cooperation for promoting trade, investment and technology linkages and accelerating industrial development. For the biennium 2000-2001, the subprogramme will aim to (a) enhance the national capacity of developing countries to respond effectively to challenges and opportunities emerging from the global environment for trade, investment and technology flows and industrial development; (b) assist the developing countries, with particular attention to the needs of least developed, landlocked and island developing countries with economies in transition, to accelerate their industrial and technological development and to promote their exports; (c) enhance regional cooperation to promote trade efficiency and electronic commerce and to facilitate access to information technology; and to (d) enhance intraregional and intersubregional flows of trade, investment and technology, inter alia, through the strengthening of networks of institutional support services, including regional information services. The subprogramme will be implemented through a concerted mix of research and operational activities. Based on policy analyses addressing emerging challenges and opportunities, a forum will be provided for continuing dialogue and cooperative action at the regional level. The capacity of governments to respond effectively will be enhanced through technical assistance activities promoting exchange of experiences and human resources development. The implications of globalization and liberalization for intraregional trade, investment and technology flows, as well as industrial development, will be analysed with particular focus on the more vulnerable groups of countries and taking into account the special needs of least developed countries, island developing countries and economies in transition. The needs for capacity-building of national institutions will be identified in the context of the changing regional economic development and activities will be undertaken to strengthen the capabilities, inter alia, through institutional reform and networking. At the end of the biennium, the subprogramme will have sensitized policy makers in the developing countries to the emerging challenges and opportunities and assisted in identifying positive elements of common interest for future negotiations under WTO. It will have strengthened institutional and human capacity for the promotion of industrial development and diversification of exports of strategic importance to least developed countries, landlocked countries and Pacific island countries, and economies in transition; investment inflows, including through improved understanding of the importance of capital market reform; understanding and cooperation among government authorities and private sector representatives; capabilities of the countries in the region to deal with the different facets of trade facilitation and electronic commerce to enhance trade facilitation and electronic commerce; policies for strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship development, with particular emphasis on women entrepreneurs; and institutionalized cooperation through existing networks.

Outputs

I. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies (RB)

1. Substantive servicing of meetings:

(a) Commission:

1-1-101 Plenary and committees (2000) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

1-1-102 Plenary and committees (2001) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

(b) Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation:

1-1-103 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings)

(c) Steering Group of the Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation:

1-1-104 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings)

1-1-105 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings)

(d) Standing Committee of the Bangkok Agreement:

1-1-106 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings)

1-1-107 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings)

2. Parliamentary documentation:

(a) Commission:

1-1-201 Report on issues relating to trade and industry (2000, 2001)

1-1-202 Report of the Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation (2001)

1-1-203 Report of the Steering Group of the Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation (2000)

(b) Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation:

1-1-204 Report on issues related to trade and investment (2001)

1-1-205 Report on issues related to industry and technology (2001)

1-1-206 Report of the Steering Group of the Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation (2001)

(c) Steering Group of the Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation:

1-1-207 Report on issues relating to trade and investment (2000, 2001)

1-1-208 Report on issues relating to industry and technology (2000, 2001)

(d) Standing Committee of the Bangkok Agreement:

1-1-209 Report (2000, 2001)

3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work (intermediate outputs):

1-1-301 Ad hoc expert group on issues of common concern to developing countries on future multilateral trade negotiations (2000)

1-1-302 Ad hoc expert group on exchange rate regimes and trade performance (2000)

1-1-303 Ad hoc expert group on integration of industrial activities at the regional and global levels: prospects and challenges in an era of globalization and liberalization (2000)

1-1-304 Ad hoc expert group on promotion of new forms of financing for transfer, development, and application of environmentally sound technologies (2001)

1-1-305 Ad hoc expert group on emerging issues for trade facilitation and electronic commerce (2001)

II. Other substantive activities (RB/XB)

1. Mandated recurrent publications:

1-2-101 Industrial and Technological Development News for Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-2-102 Small Industry Bulletin for Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-2-103 Directory of Trade and Investment-related Organizations of Developing Countries in Asia and the Pacific, 10th edition (2001) (RB)

1-2-104 TISNET Trade and Investment Information Bulletin (12 in 2000, 12 in 2001) (RB/XB)

3. Mandated non-recurrent publications:

1-2-301 Implications of globalization of economic activities for industrial diversification and restructuring and technological development in Asian and Pacific economies: prospects and challenges in the twenty-first century (2001) (RB)

1-2-302 Study on comparative assessments of policies and measures to promote industrial complementarities and investment in selected manufacturing sectors for selected Asian and Pacific economies (2000) (RB)

1-2-303 Study on comparative assessment of and policy options for private sector development and privatization in least developed countries and economies in transition (2001) (RB)

1-2-304 Studies on implications of the emerging trade agenda for developing countries (2 in 2000, 1 in 2001) (RB/XB)

1-2-305 Development and promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises, including agro and agro-allied industries (2000) (RB/XB)

1-2-306 Study on new modalities for the transfer, financing and management of environmentally sound technologies (2000) (RB)

1-2-307 Study on enhanced competitiveness of small and medium-sized industries through applications of new technology (2001) (RB)

1-2-308 Study on the promotion of new forms of technology transfer and technology partnerships within the context of TRIPS and TRIMS (2001) (RB/XB)

1-2-309 Guidebooks on trading and investing conditions (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-2-310 Electronic commerce initiative of ESCAP (2001) (RB/XB)

1-2-311 Exchange rates regimes and trade performance (2000) (RB)

1-2-312 Coping with external shocks and discontinuities in trade and investment: the role of regional cooperation arrangements (2001) (RB/XB)

8. Technical material for outside users (databases, software etc.):

1-2-801 Case studies, pilot projects, guidelines and recommendations for the adoption of the trade facilitation measures and standards, best practices and business strategies for electronic commerce to enhance micro-level efficiency in the conduct of international trade (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-2-802 Training material/modules and information on the trade facilitation measures and electronic commerce, both in paper and electronic format, such as the use of the Internet, for human resources development and sharing of information and experiences on a global scale (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-2-803 Manuals on using capital markets to advance privatization and on investment promotion measures (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-2-804 Technical information in response to requests from the public and private sectors and non-governmental organizations, and dissemination of information (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-2-805 Training material for training of personnel involved in transfer of selected environmentally sound technologies and their applications (2000) (RB)

III. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison (RB/XB)

1-3-001 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on Trade and Industry (2000, 2001) (RB)

1-3-002 Collaboration with intergovernmental/international organizations, including ACU, ADB, APEC, ARC, ASEAN, ECO, Pacific Community, PECC, SAARC, South Pacific Forum, WEF and WTO, as well as non-governmental organizations (6 in 2000, 6 in 2001) (RB/XB)

1-3-003 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, UNCTAD, UNDP, FAO, UNIDO, and ITC (3 in 2000, 3 in 2001) (RB/XB)

1-3-004 Collaboration with regional commissions in the areas of trade, investment, industry and technology in developing interregional linkages and in promoting information exchange and cooperation (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-3-005 Technical and substantive support to the regional and international trade facilitation and electronic commerce-related organizations such as CEFACT and AFACT (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-3-006 Technical and substantive support to BIMST-EC and SPECA (2000, 2001) (RB)

1-3-007 Technical and substantive support to the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-3-008 Technical, substantive and managerial support to the Regional Network for Agricultural Machinery (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

IV. Technical cooperation (RB/XB)

1. Advisory services at the request of the governments (number of missions):

1-4-101 Advisory services on industrial investment promotion measures (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-4-102 Advisory services on institutional support for industrial diversification and promotion of complementarities (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

1-4-103 Advisory services on promoting agro-industrial linkages and development of small and medium-sized industries (2001) (RB/XB)

1-4-104 Advisory services on institutional capacity-building in consultancy for better application of new and environmentally sound technology (2000) (RB/XB)

1-4-105 Advisory services on creation of a climate conducive to investment-related technology transfer to economies in transition and least developed countries (2001) (RB/XB)

2. Group training (seminars, workshops, symposia) (number of events and number of officials to be trained should be indicated):

1-4-201 Training workshops on WTO-related issues, including accession of non-WTO members (1 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (45 participants)

1-4-202 Regional seminar to review investment promotion measures (2001) (RB/XB) (10 participants)

1-4-203 Seminar on capacity-building in trade policy for Central Asian economies (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

1-4-204 Seminar on the role of regional cooperation arrangements in coping with external shocks and discontinuities in trade and investment (2000) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

1-4-205 Workshop/national seminars on the strategies for promotion of exports and foreign direct investment in Indo-China under the Forum for the Comprehensive Development of Indo-China (3 in 2000, 1 in 2001) (RB/XB) (160 participants)

1-4-206 Meetings of the Private Sector Advisory Group and the Networking of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the Greater Mekong subregion under the Forum for the Comprehensive Development of Indo-China (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (280 participants)

1-4-207 Promotion of intraregional trade through trade fairs and seminars (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (50 participants)

1-4-208 Seminar on strengthening institutional capacity for commodity sector trade development (2000) (RB/XB) (15 participants)

1-4-209 Regional seminars on training of trainers in industrial project preparation and management in least developed countries, Pacific island developing countries, and economies in transition (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (50 participants)

1-4-210 Investment forum for selected countries of the ESCAP region (2001) (RB/XB) (50 participants)

1-4-211 Workshops on promotion of agro-technical equipment for agro-industrial linkages in disadvantaged economies (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (24 participants)

1-4-212 Workshop on strengthening the partnership among governments, the private sector and NGOs for the greater application of environmentally sound technologies (2000) (RB/XB) (10 participants)

1-4-213 Seminar on enhanced competitiveness of small and medium-sized industries through applications of new technology (2000) (RB/XB) (9 participants)

1-4-214 Training of personnel involved in transfer of selected environmentally sound technologies and their applications (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (15 participants)

1-4-215 Training in standardization, metrology and quality control management systems for improved industrial competitiveness (2001) (RB/XB) (15 participants)

1-4-216 Workshops/seminars on capacity-building for the adoption of trade facilitation measures (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

1-4-217 Seminar on enhancing capacity and networking of trade-related training institutions (2000) (RB/XB) (12 participants)

1-4-218 Seminar on trade and investment information access for economies in transition (2000) (RB/XB) (16 participants)

1-4-219 Workshop on networking for trade-related research for economies in transition (2001) (RB/XB) (16 participants)

4. Field (country, subregional, regional) projects:

1-4-401 Project on capacity-building of enterprises in selected least developed countries/economies in transition to enhance their export competitiveness (including seminars, workshops and advisory services) (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB/XB)

Subprogramme 2. Development research and policy analysis

Introduction

The subprogramme encompasses the work that had been carried out previously in 1998-1999 under subprogramme 2, Regional economic cooperation: research and policy analysis and subprogramme 10, Least developed, landlocked and island developing countries. The subprogramme is carried out by the Development Research and Policy Analysis Division and the ESCAP Pacific Operations Centre, which are headed by a division chief and the Head of the Centre, respectively, both of whom are accountable to the Executive Secretary.

The principal objectives of the subprogramme are to increase understanding of the economic and social development situation in the region, to highlight trends and emerging problems, to draw the attention of policy makers to priority concerns and to advocate those policies which promote regional cooperation in economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific on the basis of shared experiences and the growing complementarities among economies of the region. In addition to its own activities, the subprogramme monitors and coordinates the ESCAP-wide activities on least developed, landlocked and island developing countries. The activities under this subprogramme will focus on (a) monitoring, analysis and dissemination of recent developments in macroeconomic performance and related policies and their implications for development, particularly in the light of the Asian crisis which occurred in mid-1997; (b) strengthening and improving coordination among policy-making institutions, especially those dealing with monetary, fiscal and financial sector policies and those responsible for overall development strategies; and (c) strengthening human resource capacity in institutions responsible for macroeconomic management.

The subprogramme activities will also give priority to issues relating to least developed, landlocked and Pacific island developing countries and economies in transition. Particular attention will be given to supporting these countries' efforts at economic reform, mobilization and efficient utilization of resources, greater understanding of globalization issues, including their implications for trade and investment, problems of debt-servicing liabilities, and greater appreciation of social sector and sustainable development issues.

The objectives of the subprogramme will be addressed mainly through technical assistance encompassing advisory services, expert group meetings, workshops and training courses, with the prime objective of enhancing the development of human resources, especially developing the skills of public officials and promoting public-private sector cooperation for policy identification, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in the identified areas as well as facilitating the sharing of experiences and information among countries. For least developed countries, these issues will also be addressed in the context of the Final Review of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s.

Recurrent and non-recurrent publications will be prepared. Documentation and substantive services will be provided to the Commission, the Committees on Regional Economic Cooperation, Environment and Natural Resources Development, and on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas, as well as to the Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries and the Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries.

Outputs

I. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies (RB)

1. Substantive servicing of meetings:

(a) Commission:

2-1-101 Plenary and committees (2000) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

2-1-102 Plenary and committees (2001) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

2-1-103 Informal meetings on least developed countries, Pacific island developing countries and economies in transition (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001)

(b) Committee on Regional Economic Cooperation:

2-1-104 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings)

(c) Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Development:

2-1-105 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings)

(d) Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas:

2-1-106 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings)

2-1-107 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings)

(e) Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries:

2-1-108 Plenary (2000) (4 meetings)

(f) Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries:

2-1-109 Plenary (2001) (4 meetings)

2. Parliamentary documentation:

(a) Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries:

2-1-201 Regional report on final review of implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s (2001)

(b) Commission on Sustainable Development:

2-1-202 Report on follow-up to the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (2000) (RB/XB)

(c) Commission:

2-1-203 Reports on the current economic situation and policy issues (2000, 2001)

2-1-204 Report of the Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries (2000)

2-1-205 Report of the Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries (2001)

(d) Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries:

2-1-206 Reports on issues related to Pacific island developing countries (3 in 2000)

(e) Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries:

2-1-207 Reports on issues related to least developed and landlocked developing countries (3 in 2001)

3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work (intermediate outputs):

2-1-301 Ad hoc expert group on development issues and policies (2000, 2001)

II. Other substantive activities (RB/XB)

1. Mandated recurrent publications:

2-2-101 Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB)

2-2-102 Asia-Pacific Development Journal (biannual) (RB)

2-2-103 Development Papers (2000, 2001) (RB)

3. Mandated non-recurrent publications:

2-2-301 Analysis of policy responses to the social impact of the economic crisis (2000) (RB/XB)

2-2-302 Policy issues related to the interdependence of development and environment issues in the context of the promotion of sustainable development (2001) (RB/XB)

2-2-303 Globalization, liberalization and volatility: policy issues arising for the financial sector (2001) (RB/XB)

2-2-304 Economic management and institutional capacity-building in least developed and Pacific island countries (2000) (RB/XB)

2-2-305 Final review of implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s (2001) (RB/XB)

5. Electronic, audio and video issuances, including films, video tapes, radio broadcasts, tapes of news, documentary and feature programmes (number of the activities for each type):

2-2-501 ESCAP Virtual Conference on Integrating Environmental Considerations into Economic Decision-making Processes (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

2-2-502 ESCAP Homepage on Development Research and Policy Analysis on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/drpad/> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB)

9. Special events:

2-2-901 Launching of the annual Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB)

III. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison (RB/XB)

2-3-001 Collaboration with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, ECE, UNCTAD, World Bank, IMF and ADB on development issues and policies, including those relating to economies in transition (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

2-3-002 Collaboration and liaison with inter-agency committees, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in the region working on economic development issues, strategies and policies (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

2-3-003 Collaboration with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs in the work of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

2-3-004 Collaboration with intergovernmental institutions, including the Commission on Sustainable Development, UNEP, SACEP, SPREP and the Mekong River Commission on issues concerned with integration of environmental considerations into economic decision-making processes (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

2-3-005 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, including UNDP, UNIFEM, ILO, UNESCO, World Bank and ADB on poverty and social issues, strategies and policies (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

2-3-006 Collaboration with ECA and UNCTAD on follow-up to the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s (2000, 2001) (RB)

2-3-007 Collaboration with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and SPREP on follow-up to the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (2000, 2001) (RB)

2-3-008 Collaboration with the Forum Secretariat and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community on matters related to Pacific island developing countries (2000, 2001) (RB)

2-3-009 Collaboration with the World Bank, IMF and ADB on matters related to least developed, landlocked and Pacific island developing countries (2000, 2001) (RB)

IV. Technical cooperation (RB/XB)

1. Advisory services at the request of the governments (number of missions):

2-4-101 Advisory services on macroeconomic policy and economic reform in economies in transition (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

2-4-102 Advisory services on policy responses to the social impacts of the economic crisis (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

2-4-103 Advisory services on institution-building for integrating environmental considerations into economic decision-making processes (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

2-4-104 Advisory services on macroeconomic policy and related institution-building in least developed and Pacific island developing countries (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

2-4-105 Advisory services on promotion of sustainable development in small island developing States (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

2. Group training (seminars, workshops, symposia) (number of events and number of officials to be trained should be indicated):

2-4-201 National workshops on financial sector management (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (50 participants)

2-4-202 Regional seminar on achieving sustainable development in economies in transition: from stabilization to growth (2000) (XB) (25 participants)

2-4-203 Regional seminar on policy responses to the social impacts of the economic crisis and lessons for the future (2000) (XB) (30 participants)

2-4-204 Subregional workshops on integrating environmental considerations into economic decision-making processes (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (100 participants)

2-4-205 National workshops on strategies for poverty alleviation policy design and implementation and evaluation (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants)

2-4-206 Expert group meeting on the final review of implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

2-4-207 High-level expert group meeting on the final review of implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s (2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

2-4-208 Workshop on economic management and institutional capacity-building in least developed and Pacific island developing countries (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

Subprogramme 3. Social development

Introduction

The subprogramme encompasses the work that had been carried out previously in 1998-1999 under subprogramme 5, Poverty alleviation: social development and the component on women in development of subprogramme 6, Poverty alleviation: rural and urban development. The subprogramme is carried out by the Social Development Division, which is headed by a division chief who is accountable to the Executive Secretary.

The aim for the biennium will be to strengthen national capacity to promote social development as a means of alleviating poverty in the Asian and Pacific region. This aim will be achieved through three areas of intervention: (a) social policy and integration of disadvantaged groups; (b) human resources development; and (c) women in development. Activities will focus on strengthening the social policy and institutional framework to create an environment conducive to promoting the rights and needs of disadvantaged and socially excluded groups, especially the poor, youth, women, older persons and people with disabilities. Another area of emphasis will be strengthening the capacity of social development personnel to promote the human resources development of key target groups, especially the poor and youth, through more effective planning and delivery of social services. Activities will also focus on promoting gender equality and the advancement of women through their economic and social empowerment as well as gender mainstreaming in the development process. In implementing activities, special attention will be given to the needs of the least developed and landlocked countries, and economies in transition, as well as those countries affected by the regional economic crisis.

An important component of the subprogramme will be to provide regional support to the implementation of global mandates, including the Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development; the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; the Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes and World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond; and the United Nations Proclamation on Ageing. The subprogramme will also be guided by the following regional mandates: the Manila Declaration on Accelerated Implementation of the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region; the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region; the Jakarta Plan of Action on Human Resources Development in the ESCAP Region; the Jakarta Declaration and Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women in Asia and the Pacific; and the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons.

The subprogramme will coordinate the ESCAP-wide activities relating to gender issues with the aim of ensuring that a gender perspective is properly integrated into the mainstream of all areas of work of ESCAP.

Outputs

I. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies (RB)

1. Substantive servicing of meetings:

(a) Commission:

3-1-101 Plenary and committees (2000) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

3-1-102 Plenary and committees (2001) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

(b) Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas:

3-1-103 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings)

3-1-104 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings)

(c) Intergovernmental high-level meeting on progress in the regional implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region:

3-1-105 Plenary (2001) (8 meetings)

(d) Third Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on Human Resources Development for Youth:

3-1-106 Plenary and working groups (2001) (16 meetings: 8 plenary and 8 working group sessions)

3-1-107 Panel discussion on HRD for youth: integrated approaches to youth health, focusing on reproductive health, and substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention (2001)

2. Parliamentary documentation:

(a) Commission:

3-1-201 Reports on issues related to social development (2000, 2001)

3-1-202 Report of the senior officials meeting on the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region (2000)

3-1-203 Report on the outcome of the high-level intergovernmental meeting to review regional implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (2000)

(b) Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas:

3-1-204 Reports on issues related to social development (2000, 2001)

3-1-205 Report on the outcome of the global review of the Beijing Platform for Action (2000)

(c) Intergovernmental high-level meeting on progress in the regional implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region:

3-1-206 Reports on issues relating to the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region (2 in 2001)

(d) Third Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on Human Resources Development for Youth:

3-1-207 Report on HRD for youth: regional implementation of the Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes and the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond (2001)

3-1-208 Report on HRD for youth: integrated approaches to youth health, focusing on reproductive health, and substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention (2001)

3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work (intermediate outputs):

3-1-301 Ad hoc expert group on regional implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region preparatory to the intergovernmental high-level meeting (2001)

3-1-302 Ad hoc expert group on disabled persons' participation in mainstream development (2000)

3-1-303 Ad hoc expert group on preparations for the Third Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on Human Resources Development for Youth (2001)

3-1-304 Ad hoc expert group on regional implementation of the outcome of the global review of the Beijing Platform for Action (2000)

II. Other substantive activities (RB/XB)

1. Mandated recurrent publications:

3-2-101 Social Development Newsletter (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

3-2-102 ESCAP Human Resources Development Newsletter (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

3-2-103 WINAP Newsletter (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

3-2-104 Monograph series on emerging issues on women in development in Asia and the Pacific (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

3. Mandated non-recurrent publications:

3-2-301 Programmes for the empowerment and social integration of the poor and disadvantaged groups (2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-302 Strengthening public policies for sustaining social development in times of crisis (2000) (RB/XB)

3-2-303 Macau Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific: goals and targets for 2000 and beyond (2000) (RB/XB)

3-2-304 National policies and programmes on ageing and older persons in Asia and the Pacific: success cases (2000) (RB/XB)

3-2-305 Pathfinders: towards full participation and equality of persons with disabilities in the ESCAP region (2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-306 The state of human resources development in Asia and the Pacific: education, employment and health (2001) (RB)

3-2-307 Review of the HRD status of youth in the Asian and Pacific region (2001) (RB)

3-2-308 HRD country monograph series on the youth situation, policies and programmes (2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-309 Guidelines for genderizing microcredit (2000) (RB/XB)

3-2-310 National machineries for women in Asia and the Pacific (2000) (RB/XB)

5. Electronic, audio and video issuances, including films, video tapes, radio broadcasts, tapes of news, documentary and feature programmes (number of the activities for each type):

3-2-501 ESCAP Homepage on Social Policy and Integration of Disadvantaged Groups on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/sps> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-502 ESCAP Homepage on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/decade> (biannual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-503 ESCAP Homepage on Human Resources Development (HRD) on the World Wide Web <http://www.escap-hrd.org> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-504 Videotapes on the ESCAP HRD Award-winners (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-505 Videotape on health issues concerning youth: reproductive health, and substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention (2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-506 ESCAP Homepage on Women in Development on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/wid> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

6. Exhibits:

3-2-601 Exhibits on the ESCAP HRD Award-winners (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-602 Exhibit on HRD for youth (2001) (RB/XB)

7. Booklets, pamphlets, fact sheets, wall charts, information kits:

3-2-701 Brochures and booklets on the ESCAP HRD Award (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-702 Fact sheets on the national HRD situation in Asia and the Pacific (40 in 2000) (RB/XB)

3-2-703 Information kit for the Third Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on Human Resources Development for Youth (2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-704 Booklets and information materials on critical HRD issues (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

8. Technical material for outside users (databases, software etc.):

3-2-801 Development and maintenance of ESCAP database on national action for implementation of the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region and follow-up of the World Summit for Social Development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-802 Development of an ESCAP database on a regional network of social development management information systems (2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-803 HRD training modules for poverty alleviation: focus on education and skills development, employment-creation and health promotion (2000) (RB/XB)

3-2-804 HRD training modules for youth participation in development: focus on income-generation and entrepreneurship development (2000) (RB/XB)

3-2-805 HRD training modules for social and health development of sexually abused and exploited children and youth (2000) (RB/XB)

3-2-806 HRD training module on the linkage between substance abuse and sexual abuse and exploitation of children and youth (2000) (RB/XB)

3-2-807 Training needs assessment of youth in countries affected by the regional economic crisis (2000) (RB/XB)

3-2-808 HRD/IEC materials to promote awareness among youth of issues related to reproductive health, and substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention (2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-809 Maintenance and updating of the ESCAP database on centres of excellence for HRD (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-810 ESCAP-international child health HRD database on sexual abuse and exploitation of children and youth in Asia and the Pacific (2000) (RB/XB)

3-2-811 Maintenance and updating of the ESCAP database of NGOs on women in the ESCAP region (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

9. Special events:

3-2-901 International Day of Disabled Persons (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-902 Regional campaign to promote the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-2-903 Presentation ceremony for the ESCAP HRD Award (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

III. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison (RB/XB)

3-3-001 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on the Regional Social Development Agenda and follow-up of the World Summit for Social Development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-3-002 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on Disability-related Concerns (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-3-003 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, UNDCP, UNAIDS, ILO, UNESCO and WHO on activities and programmes for social development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-3-004 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations and NGOs on regional programmes and activities for social development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-3-005 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNDP, UNDCP, UNFPA, ILO, UNESCO and WHO, and NGOs on regional programmes and activities in support of the United Nations Proclamation on Ageing, the Macau Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific and other mandates relating to ageing and older persons (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-3-006 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, intergovernmental bodies, national institutions and NGOs on the promotion of the implementation of the Agenda for Action for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-3-007 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, including ASEAN, ECO, SAARC and the Pacific Forum, and NGOs in implementing the Jakarta Plan of Action on Human Resources Development in the ESCAP Region (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-3-008 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations and NGOs, including the Commonwealth Youth Programme, RCCAP and the Asian and Pacific Youth Councils, in regional implementation of the Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes and the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond (2001) (RB/XB)

3-3-009 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies and international and national centres of excellence in implementing the Jakarta Plan of Action on Human Resources Development in the ESCAP Region (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-3-010 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the United Nations Youth Unit of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs UNDCP, UNFPA, UNAIDS, ILO, UNESCO and WHO, in regional implementation of the Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes and the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond (2001) (RB/XB)

3-3-011 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on the Advancement of Women (2000, 2001) (RB)

3-3-012 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, including ASEAN, SAARC and SPC, development banks and NGOs in implementing the Jakarta Declaration and Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women in Asia and the Pacific and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (2000, 2001) (RB)

3-3-013 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies in the ACC Inter-agency Committee on Women and Gender Equality in the system-wide medium-term plan for the advancement of women (2000, 2001) (RB)

IV. Technical cooperation (RB/XB)

1. Advisory services at the request of the governments (number of missions):

3-4-101 Advisory services on implementation of the Agenda for Action on Social Development in the ESCAP Region and regional follow-up of the Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development, focusing on the strengthening of national strategies for poverty alleviation (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

3-4-102 Advisory services on implementation of the Macau Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

3-4-103 Advisory services on implementation of the Agenda for Action for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

3-4-104 Advisory services on implementation of the Jakarta Plan of Action on Human Resources Development in the ESCAP Region (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3-4-105 Advisory services on regional implementation of the Lisbon Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes and the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond (2000, 2001) (RB)

3-4-106 Advisory services on implementation of the Jakarta Declaration and Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women in Asia and the Pacific and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

2. Group training (seminars, workshops, symposia) (number of events and number of officials to be trained should be indicated):

3-4-201 Subregional workshops on mechanisms for government, private sector and NGO collaboration in planning, implementation and evaluation of social development programmes (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (80 participants)

3-4-202 Field study-cum-regional workshop on social safety nets for the poor (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

3-4-203 Meetings on critical social issues and programmes (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants)

3-4-204 Regional workshop for government and NGO officials on formulation and implementation of national plans of action on ageing (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

3-4-205 Country-level training workshops for public administration personnel on the rights of disabled persons to full participation and equality in the development process (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants)

3-4-206 Regional training of trainers on the promotion of non-handicapping environments for persons with disabilities (2000) (RB/XB) (40 participants)

3-4-207 Regional training workshop on the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in mainstream gender equality initiatives (2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

3-4-208 Subregional training workshop for statisticians on the full participation and equality dimensions of disability statistics (2000) (RB/XB) (15 participants)

3-4-209 Field study-cum-regional seminar on poverty alleviation among rural persons with disabilities (2000) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

3-4-210 ESCAP subregional/national HRD courses for poverty alleviation: focus on education and skills development, employment-creation and health promotion (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants)

3-4-211 ESCAP subregional/national HRD courses for social and health development of sexually abused and exploited children and youth (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants)

3-4-212 ESCAP national HRD courses for youth development in transitional and least developed countries, and countries affected by the economic crisis (4 in 2000) (RB/XB) (40 participants)

3-4-213 ESCAP regional/national HRD seminars on integrated approaches to youth health: focus on reproductive health, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants)

3-4-214 Regional meetings on critical HRD issues (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

3-4-215 Regional seminar on empowerment of women through poverty alleviation, improved access to productive resources and greater participation in the development process (2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

3-4-216 Regional seminar on emerging issues and innovative approaches in advancing the status of women in a rapidly globalizing world economy (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

3-4-217 Regional seminar on the implementation of the Bangkok Accord and Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Women (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

3-4-218 Training workshop on promoting women's networking in modern information technology (2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

3-4-219 Training workshop on the promotion of women in business through entrepreneurship and skills development (2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

3-4-220 Meeting of national machineries for the advancement of women (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

3. Fellowships:

3-4-301 ESCAP HRD Award (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

Subprogramme 4. Population and rural and urban development

Introduction

The subprogramme encompasses the work that had been carried out previously in 1998-1999 under subprogramme 7, Poverty alleviation: population and development and the components of rural development and urban development of subprogramme 6, Poverty alleviation: rural and urban development. The subprogramme is carried out by the Population and Rural and Urban Development Division, which is headed by a division chief who is accountable to the Executive Secretary.

The objective of the subprogramme is to strengthen the technical, managerial and organizational capacity of government agencies and civil society organizations at all levels to formulate population, rural and urban development policies and programmes designed to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life.

During the biennium 2000-2001, the subprogramme will pursue these objectives through the organization of training workshops on reproductive health and population and development. Technical assistance will be provided to countries, upon request, in the implementation of the Bali Declaration on Population and Sustainable Development and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. In preparation for the Fifth Asian and Pacific Population Conference, scheduled for 2002, two preparatory meetings will be organized. Population information will be disseminated to policy makers and programme managers throughout the region by the publication of technical reports, a journal and newsletters and by electronic means. Information networks will be maintained and government and non-governmental organization (NGO) staff in information technology will be trained. The subprogramme will aim to strengthen the capacity of government and NGOs to reduce rural poverty, enhance food security and sustainable agricultural development through normative research, advisory services, training, information dissemination and exchange of experience in cooperation with other international organizations. To follow up the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), a high-level meeting, regional and local forums and seminars will be organized to enhance the capacity of and dialogue between local and national governments, and civic groups. In addition, the subprogramme will promote the dissemination of information on relevant experience through Web sites, in order to strengthen the capacity of government, local authorities, NGOs, the private sector, academic institutions and other networks to address priority issues in shelter and service provision to the Asian and Pacific region.

As a result of these activities, policy makers, programme managers, academics and educators will have gained knowledge concerning population and sustainable development linkages, rural poverty alleviation and sustainable agricultural development and shelter and urban issues, and will have improved the technical skills needed for implementing that knowledge.

Outputs

I. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies (RB)

1. Substantive servicing of meetings:

(a) Commission:

4-1-101 Plenary and committees (2000) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

4-1-102 Plenary and committees (2001) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

(b) Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas:

4-1-103 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings)

4-1-104 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings)

2. Parliamentary documentation:

(a) Commission:

4-1-201 Reports of the Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas (2000, 2001)

4-1-202 Reports on issues related to population and rural and urban development (2 in 2000, 3 in 2001)

(b) Committee on Socio-economic Measures to Alleviate Poverty in Rural and Urban Areas:

4-1-203 Reports on issues related to population and development (2000, 2001)

4-1-204 Report on issues related to rural poverty alleviation and sustainable agricultural development (2000)

4-1-205 Reports on issues related to urban development, including urban poverty (2000, 2001)

3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work (intermediate outputs):

4-1-301 Ad hoc expert group meeting on population database development (2000)

4-1-302 Ad hoc expert group meeting in preparation for the Fifth Asian and Pacific Population Conference (2001)

II. Other substantive activities (RB/XB)

1. Mandated recurrent publications:

4-2-101 Asia-Pacific Population Journal (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB)

4-2-102 Population Headliners (6 in 2000, 6 in 2001) (XB)

4-2-103 Newsletter on Poverty Alleviation Initiatives (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB)

4-2-104 Agro-Chemical News in Brief (5 in 2000, 5 in 2001) (RB/XB)

4-2-105 Compendium of United Nations work programmes on rural poverty alleviation, 2000-2001 (2000) (RB)

3. Mandated non-recurrent publications:

4-2-301 Study on population and development (2001) (RB/XB)

4-2-302 Study on migration and urbanization (2001) (XB)

4-2-303 Study on adolescent reproductive health (2001) (XB)

4-2-304 Manual for creating population directory databases (2000) (RB/XB)

4-2-305 Country profile on plant nutrient sector development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

4-2-306 Strengthening income-generating opportunities for rural women in selected Central Asian republics (2000) (RB/XB)

4-2-307 Rural employment promotion (2000) (RB/XB)

4-2-308 Overview of housing rights in Asia and the Pacific (2000) (RB)

5. Electronic, audio and video issuances, including films, video tapes, radio broadcasts, tapes of news, documentary and feature programmes (number of the activities for each type):

4-2-501 ESCAP Population Homepage, including population databases and full text of the Asia-Pacific Population Journal articles, on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/pop/> (monthly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

4-2-502 Training modules on population information technology on CD-ROM (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

4-2-503 ESCAP Homepage on Rural Development on the World Wide Web <http://www.fadinap.org> (monthly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

4-2-504 ESCAP Homepage on Human Settlements on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/huset/index.html> (triannual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

7. Booklets, pamphlets, fact sheets, wall charts, information kits:

4-2-701 ESCAP population data sheet (2000, 2001) (RB)

4-2-702 Pamphlets for population information products (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

8. Technical material for outside users (databases, software etc.):

4-2-801 Population directory database series (annual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

4-2-802 Database on family planning/reproductive health and population law (annual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

4-2-803 Database on reproductive health indicators (annual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

4-2-804 Updating of the databases on projects and experts in human settlements development at the joint ESCAP/AIT human settlements Web site, maintained by AIT (2000, 2001) (RB)

4-2-805 Development of an Asia-Pacific urban observatory in the form of a database for monitoring the implementation of the Habitat Agenda at the local national and regional levels (2000, 2001) (XB)

III. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison (RB/XB)

4-3-001 Collaboration with United Nations bodies, funds, programmes and agencies on matters related to population and development (2000, 2001) (RB)

4-3-002 Collaboration with NGOs on matters related to population and development (2000, 2001) (RB)

4-3-003 Collaboration with national, regional and interregional bodies outside the United Nations system on matters related to population and development (2000, 2001) (RB)

4-3-004 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on Population and Development (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

4-3-005 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on Poverty Alleviation (2000, 2001) (RB)

4-3-006 Cooperation with intergovernmental organizations, including CIRDAP, and NGOs on matters related to agriculture and rural development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

4-3-007 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the ACC Subcommittee on Rural Development, on matters related to agriculture and rural development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

4-3-008 Technical and substantive support to the CGPRT Centre (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

4-3-009 Organization of the RICAP Subcommittee on Urbanization (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

4-3-010 Coordination of programme activities with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including UNCHS, in implementing the Regional Action Plan on Urbanization and the Habitat Agenda (2000, 2001) (RB)

4-3-011 Technical and substantive support to regional networks in the field of human settlements development, including ACHR, CITYNET, CIVICNET, IULA-ASPAC, Network of Local Government Training Institutes, and TRISHNET (5 in 2000, 5 in 2001) (RB)

IV. Technical cooperation (RB/XB)

1. Advisory services at the request of the governments (number of missions):

4-4-101 Advisory services on implementation of the Bali Declaration on Population and Sustainable Development and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

4-4-102 Advisory services on adolescent reproductive health (3 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

4-4-103 Advisory services on population information systems/services development (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

4-4-104 Advisory services on demographic analysis (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

4-4-105 Advisory services on information management on agro-chemicals (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

4-4-106 Advisory services on review of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda and the Regional Action Plan on Urbanization at national and local levels (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

2. Group training (seminars, workshops, symposia) (number of events and number of officials to be trained should be indicated):

4-4-201 Pre-Conference seminar on migration and development (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

4-4-202 Workshop on population and development (2001) (XB) (20 participants)

4-4-203 Regional training workshop on adolescent reproductive health (2000, 2001) (XB) (30 participants)

4-4-204 Human resources development to improve access to and dissemination of population information through the use of information technologies (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (60 participants)

4-4-205 Workshop on Web publishing and population information dissemination (2000) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

4-4-206 POPIN/NGO cooperation for population information activities: information needs assessment workshop (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

4-4-207 Training workshop on information technology as a tool for training: training workshop for trainers (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

4-4-208 Workshop on population information repackaging (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

4-4-209 Regional seminar on the Integrated Plant Nutrition System concept implementation (2000) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

4-4-210 Regional seminar on policies and programmes on rural poverty alleviation (2001) (RB/XB) (15 participants)

4-4-211 Regional seminar on sustainable agricultural development strategies for Asia and the Pacific (2001) (RB/XB) (15 participants)

4-4-212 Regional seminar on the impact of the Asian economic crisis on rural poverty alleviation (2000) (RB/XB) (15 participants)

4-4-213 Expert group meeting on a regional network for integrated pest management and green farming (2000) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

4-4-214 Regional workshop on Internet-based networking for sustainable fertilizer information management in Asia and the Pacific (2000) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

4-4-215 Subregional seminar on strategies to enhance rural employment (2000) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

4-4-216 Policy seminar on curbing rampant speculation in land and property markets and ensuring equitable access to land and property markets (2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

4-4-217 Workshop on privatization of urban infrastructure and service delivery and its impacts on the urban poor (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

4-4-218 Regional workshop on the promotion of civic engagement in urban management (2000) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

4-4-219 Workshop on capacity-building of local government training institutes (2000) (40 participants) (RB/XB)

4-4-220 Policy seminar on strengthening women's participation in local government (Women Mayors' Summit) (2000) (RB/XB) (60 participants)

4-4-221 Regional policy seminar on urban challenges to local governments in a globalizing world (2001) (RB/XB) (60 participants)

Subprogramme 5. Environment and natural resources development

Introduction

The subprogramme encompasses the work that had been carried out previously in 1998-1999 under subprogramme 4, Environment and sustainable development. The subprogramme is carried out by the Environment and Natural Resources Development Division, which is headed by a division chief who is accountable to the Executive Secretary. The overall goal of this subprogramme is to strengthen national capacity in achieving environmentally sound and sustainable development, in accordance with Agenda 21 and the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, adopted by the General Assembly at its nineteenth special session in 1997.

The focus of the subprogramme is on supporting the efforts of member and associate member governments in the formulation and implementation of policies which integrate environmental considerations into overall social and economic development plans, as well as in specific sectors such as energy resources, water resources, mineral resources, marine resources and land-use and urban planning. At the national level, this entails improving regulatory mechanisms and legislative frameworks; medium- and long-term integrated planning and strategy development; the use of economic instruments for sustainable consumption and production patterns; and general awareness-raising and educational activities relating to sustainable development. The main thrust of the work is on human resources development through technical assistance and training activities. In addition to the need to strengthen human resources, a major constraint faced by the developing countries of the region is the lack of financial resources for the implementation of sustainable development policies and strategies. To address this issue, the work of the subprogramme also considers ways to involve multilateral and private sector partners for the development of natural resources in a sustainable manner.

At the subregional and regional levels, the subprogramme will continue to strengthen cooperative mechanisms to address common environmental problems. The work of the subprogramme will include building on the initiatives established under the Regional Space Applications Programme for Sustainable Development (RESAP), established at the 1994 Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development, and the various networks relating to international environmental conventions, particularly those on climate change and desertification. The secretariat will continue to service the meetings and workshops of the North-East Asian Subregional Programme of Environmental Cooperation. Furthermore, efforts will be made to strengthen cooperation with other subregional organizations in the various sectors. The achievements and activities of regional programmes and country experiences will be disseminated through publications and other modalities.

A major event to be organized during the biennium will be the Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development, scheduled to be held in 2000. The Conference, the fourth of its kind to be organized by ESCAP, will review the implementation of Agenda 21 in the region and highlight the most critical environmental issues faced by the countries at the start of the new century. One of the main outputs of the biennium will be the regional input to the "Earth Summit +10", scheduled to be held in 2002.

During the biennium 1998-1999, a number of countries of the region experienced some of the worst natural disasters in recent history. The biennium 2000-2001 will place greater emphasis on the strengthening of policies and capacity for better preparedness and mitigation of natural disasters, including through the RESAP three-tier network and continued support to the Typhoon Committee, the Panel on Tropical Cyclones, and the Forum on Urban Geology for Asia and the Pacific. Efforts will be made to encourage national governments to improve interministerial and intraministerial coordination, to formulate integrated natural disaster mitigation plans, and to operationalize natural disaster management programmes using space technology applications.

Outputs

I. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies (RB)

1. Substantive servicing of meetings:

(a) Commission:

5-1-101 Plenary and committees (2000) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

5-1-102 Plenary and committees (2001) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

(b) Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Development:

5-1-103 Plenary (2001) (6 meetings)

(c) Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development:

5-1-104 Plenary (2000) (12 meetings)

2. Parliamentary documentation:

(a) Commission:

5-1-201 Report of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Development (2000)

5-1-202 Report of the Ministerial Conference on Space and Development, 1999 (2000)

5-1-203 Report of the Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development, 2000 (2001)

5-1-204 Reports on issues related to the environment and sustainable development of natural resources (2000, 2001)

(b) Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Development:

5-1-205 Reports on issues related to the environment and sustainable development of natural resources (2 in 2001)

5-1-206 Report on issues related to natural disaster preparedness and mitigation (2001)

5-1-207 Report on follow-up to the Ministerial Conference on Space and Development, 1999 (2001)

5-1-208 Report on the Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development, 2000 (2001)

(c) Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development:

5-1-209 Reports (6 in 2000)

3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work (intermediate outputs):

5-1-301 Ad hoc expert group meeting on strategic planning towards sustainable energy future: policy options, barriers and action plans (2000)

5-1-302 Ad hoc expert group on water use efficiency and conservation (2000)

5-1-303 Ad hoc expert group on space technology applications on the Minimum Common Programmme (2000)

4. Assistance to intergovernmental bodies under their established mandates:

5-1-401 Intergovernmental Consultative Committee on the Regional Space Applications Programme (2000, 2001)

II. Other substantive activities (RB/XB)

1. Mandated recurrent publications:

5-2-101 ESCAP/UNEP Asia-Pacific Environment Newsletter (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB)

5-2-102 ESCAP Energy News (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

5-2-103 Energy Resources Development Series (sustainable energy future: policy options, barriers and action plans) (2001) (RB)

5-2-104 Electric Power in Asia and the Pacific, 1997 and 1998 (2000) (RB)

5-2-105 Atlas of Mineral Resources of the ESCAP Region (2001) (RB)

5-2-106 Mineral Resources Assessment, Development and Management Series (2000, 2001) (RB)

5-2-107 Atlas of Urban Geology Series (2001) (RB/XB)

5-2-108 Mineral Concentrations and Hydrocarbon Accumulations in the ESCAP Region (2000) (RB)

5-2-109 Water Resources Journal (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB)

5-2-110 Confluence (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

5-2-111 Water Resources Series (2000, 2001) (RB)

5-2-112 Space Technology Applications Newsletter (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB)

5-2-113 Asian-Pacific Remote Sensing and GIS Journal (2000, 2001) (RB)

3. Mandated non-recurrent publications:

5-2-301 State of the environment in Asia and the Pacific, 2000 (2000) (RB/XB)

5-2-302 Guidebook on pollution control in coal-fired power plants (2000) (RB/XB)

5-2-303 Environmental challenges into the twenty-first century (2001) (RB)

5-2-304 Asia-Pacific input to Earth Summit +10 (2001) (RB/XB)

5-2-305 Sustainable development indicators (2001) (RB/XB)

5-2-306 Financing of energy efficiency projects in the Asian and Pacific region (2000) (RB/XB)

5-2-307 Guidebook for the promotion of sustainable energy consumption (2001) (RB/XB)

5-2-308 Assessment of water resources and water demand by user sectors (2001) (RB)

5-2-309 Ministerial Conference on Space and Development (2000) (RB)

5-2-310 Study on a policy framework relating to technology fusion and convergence on the information superhighway (2001) (RB/XB)

5-2-311 Studies on space technology applications for sustainable development and natural resources management (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

5. Electronic, audio and video issuances, including films, video tapes, radio broadcasts, tapes of news, documentary and feature programmes (number of the activities for each type):

5-2-501 ESCAP Homepage on Environment on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/enrd/> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

5-2-502 ESCAP Homepage on Energy on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/enrd/> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB)

5-2-503 ESCAP Homepage on Water and Mineral Resources on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/enrd/> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB)

5-2-504 ESCAP Homepage on Space Technology Applications for Sustainable Development on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/enrd/> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

6. Exhibits:

5-2-601 Exhibits for the World Water Day (2000, 2001) (RB)

5-2-602 Exhibits for the International Disaster Reduction Day (2000, 2001) (RB)

7. Booklets, pamphlets, fact sheets, wall charts, information kits:

5-2-701 Pamphlets for the World Water Day (2000, 2001) (RB)

5-2-702 Pamphlets for the International Disaster Reduction Day (2000, 2001) (RB)

5-2-703 Brochure for the Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development (2000) (RB)

III. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison (RB/XB)

5-3-001 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, including ADB, NGOs, civil society groups and the private sector on the implementation of the outcome of the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

5-3-002 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, including ASEAN, BIMST-EC, ECO and SAARC; ADB and the World Bank; academic institutions, including AIT; NGOs; and the private sector on matters relating to energy resources (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

5-3-003 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, including ADB, ASEAN, CCOP, ECO, International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, the IOC Subcommission for the Western Pacific, IOMAC, Mekong River Commission, SAARC and SOPAC; NGOs, including CITYNET; and the private sector on matters relating to sustainable development of land, water and mineral resources (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB/XB)

5-3-004 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, including the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites, International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, and Asian Conference on Remote Sensing, on matters related to space technology applications (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

5-3-005 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the Commission on Sustainable Development and UNEP, in the implementation of Agenda 21, the outcome of the 1997 special session of the General Assembly, and preparations for the eighth and ninth sessions of the Commission on Sustainable Development (2000, 2001) (RB)

5-3-006 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for Development, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, ECE, FAO and IAEA, on matters relating to energy resources (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

5-3-007 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the ACC Subcommittee on Water Resources Development (hosting of the twenty-first session in 2000) and the secretariat for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, on matters related to natural resources and natural disaster reduction (3 in 2000, 3 in 2001) (RB/XB)

5-3-008 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the ACC Inter-agency Meeting on Outer Space Activities, on matters related to space technology applications (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

5-3-009 Collaboration and technical substantive support for SPECA (3 in 2000, 3 in 2001) (RB/XB)

5-3-010 Technical and substantive support for the Typhoon Committee (2000, 2001) (RB)

5-3-011 Technical and substantive support for the Panel on Tropical Cyclones (2000, 2001) (RB)

5-3-012 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

5-3-013 Organization and servicing of RICAP Subcommittee on Water (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

5-3-014 Organization and servicing of RICAP Subcommittee on Space Applications for Sustainable Development (2000, 2001) (RB)

IV. Technical cooperation (RB/XB)

1. Advisory services at the request of the governments (number of missions):

5-4-101 Advisory services on strategic environment planning and implementation of environment conventions (1 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

5-4-102 Advisory services in sustainable development and management of energy resources; energy efficiency policy measures in supply and demand side management; promotion of renewable energy technologies (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

5-4-103 Advisory services on water and mineral resources development and management, environmental geology and natural disaster reduction (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

5-4-104 Advisory services on space technology development and applications for environment and sustainable development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

2. Group training (seminars, workshops, symposia) (number of events and number of officials to be trained should be indicated):

5-4-201 Meetings/workshops on environmental cooperation in North-East Asia (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (60 participants)

5-4-202 Seminars/workshops on integration of environmental considerations into economic and social decision-making, including strategic environmental planning (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (60 participants)

5-4-203 Regional, subregional and national meetings/workshops to promote the implementation of Agenda 21, including environmental assessment, pollution control, sustainable development indicators, and coastal environmental management (1 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (75 participants)

5-4-204 Seminar/workshop on regional implementation of international environmental conventions (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

5-4-205 Regional, subregional or national seminars/workshops on sustainable energy development and management; promotion of energy efficiency in industries, commercial enterprises, residential sector and/or electrical appliances; promotion of regional cooperation in the marketing of renewable energy technologies (3 in 2000, 3 in 2001) (RB/XB) (120 participants)

5-4-206 Seminars/workshops on water and mineral resources development and management (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (60 participants)

5-4-207 Seminars/workshops on natural disaster reduction and environmental and urban geology (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (30 participants)

5-4-208 Meetings of regional working groups on various space applications sectors (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB/XB) (200 participants)

5-4-209 Meeting of the dialogue forum on harmonization of regional initiatives on space technology applications (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

5-4-210 Regional seminar on development of space technology applications for RESAP phase II (Minimum Common Programme) (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants)

5-4-211 Training workshops on space technology applications for natural resources management and natural disaster mitigation (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (40 participants)

5-4-212 TCDC arrangements in the area of environmental management (2001) (RB/XB) (4 participants)

5-4-213 TCDC arrangements to facilitate exchange of information on sustainable energy sector development and transfer of technologies for promotion of energy efficiency and enhanced use of renewable sources of energy (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (4 participants)

5-4-214 TCDC arrangements in the areas of water and mineral resources development and management, and natural disaster reduction (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (8 participants)

3. Fellowships:

5-4-301 Long-term fellowships on space technology applications (10 in 2000, 10 in 2001) (RB/XB)

5-4-302 Medium-term fellowships on space technology applications (10 in 2000, 10 in 2001) (RB/XB)

4. Field (country, subregional, regional) projects:

5-4-401 Pilot projects on space technology applications for natural resources management and natural disaster mitigation (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB/XB)

Subprogramme 6. Transport, communications, tourism and infrastructure development

Introduction

This subprogramme encompasses the work that had been carried out previously in 1998-1999 under subprogramme 8, Transport and communications. The subprogramme is carried out by the Transport, Communications, Tourism and Infrastructure Development Division, which is headed by a division chief who is accountable to the Executive Secretary.

The focus of work to be undertaken by this subprogramme will be in line with the regional action programme (phase 1) of the New Delhi Action Plan on Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific. Particular attention will be paid to addressing the special concerns of least developed, landlocked and island developing countries as well as the economies in transition. The subprogramme will also include gender-mainstreaming activities in transport and tourism.

The activities for the biennium are aimed at formulating and formalizing regional rail, road and inland waterway routes, and at establishing a legal basis for international traffic to move on these routes. Significant progress is expected to be achieved in the formulation of the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway routes, and in the accession status of ESCAP members and associate members to the conventions listed in Commission resolution 48/11 of 23 April 1992. To improve the efficiency of transport facilities, logistics and services in the region, activities will be undertaken to increase awareness of the public and private sectors of the various options available, as well to strengthen their capabilities in adopting commercially oriented policies and practices.

With a view to increasing awareness of emerging issues in transport, and to create a sound basis for participatory approaches to sustainable development of transport in the region, a wealth of data and information on transport and related issues will be made available to policy makers, and group training activities will be implemented to enhance national capacity. Assistance will also be provided to increase the knowledge base of policy makers and the public at large of environmental, health and safety issues in transport.

Assistance will be provided to member and associate member governments in strengthening national capabilities in policy formulation and planning of tourism, and to promote regional and subregional cooperation in tourism development.

For many of the subprogramme outputs, the initial focus will be senior policy makers, policy advisors and other actors who are in a position to initiate or influence the direction of policy changes. The subprogramme outputs will also be used by international organizations, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs and other civil society groups, as well as the private sector.

Users will be reached through participation in intergovernmental and expert group meetings and study tours; dissemination of information via technical publications, guidelines, newsletter and the Internet; networking of institutions; conduct of group training activities and provision of advisory services.

Outputs

I. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies (RB)

1. Substantive servicing of meetings:

(a) Commission:

6-1-101 Plenary and committees (2000) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

6-1-102 Plenary and committees (2001) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

(b) Committee on Transport, Communications, Tourism and Infrastructure Development:

6-1-103 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings)

(c) Ministerial Conference on Infrastructure:

6-1-104 Plenary (2001) (10 meetings)

2. Parliamentary documentation:

(a) Commission:

6-1-201 Report of the Committee on Transport, Communications, Tourism and Infrastructure Development (2000, 2001)

6-1-202 Report on implementation of Commission resolution 52/9 on Intra-Asia and Asia-Europe land bridges (2000)

6-1-203 Report on implementation of the New Delhi Action Plan on Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001)

(b) Committee on Transport, Communications, Tourism and Infrastructure Development:

6-1-204 Report on implementation of the New Delhi Action Plan on Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific (2000)

6-1-205 Reports on issues related to transport, communications, tourism and infrastructure development (4 in 2000)

(c) Ministerial Conference on Infrastructure:

6-1-206 Reports on issues related to transport, communications, tourism and infrastructure development (5 in 2001)

3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work (intermediate outputs):

6-1-301 Ad hoc expert group meeting on regulatory issues in the transport sector (2000)

6-1-302 Ad hoc expert group meeting on the regional action programme of the New Delhi Action Plan on Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific (2000)

II. Other substantive activities (RB/XB)

1. Mandated recurrent publications:

6-2-101 Review of the developments in transport, communications, tourism and other infrastructure (2001) (RB)

6-2-102 Transport and Communications Bulletin for Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB)

6-2-103 ESCAP Tourism Review (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-104 ESCAP Tourism Newsletter (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

3. Mandated non-recurrent publications:

6-2-301 Guidelines for Asian Highway promotion (2000) (RB/XB)

6-2-302 Revised Asian Highway network (2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-303 Restructuring of railways (2000) (RB/XB)

6-2-304 Trans-Asian Railway development (2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-305 Revised guidelines for environmental impact assessment in the road sector (2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-306 Road safety database (2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-307 Integrated transport systems (2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-308 Strengthening the capabilities of regulatory bodies related to the provision of infrastructure facilities and services (2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-309 Guidelines for the harmonization of navigation rules and regulations (2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-310 Training materials for multimodal transport (2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-311 Port pricing and investment policy (2000) (RB/XB)

6-2-312 Regional maritime strategy for containerization (2000) (RB/XB)

6-2-313 Human resources development in the maritime sector (2000) (RB/XB)

6-2-314 Policy issues on sustainable tourism development (2000) (RB/XB)

6-2-315 Policy issues related to tourism infrastructure development, investment and facilitation of travel (2001) (RB/XB)

5. Electronic, audio and video issuances, including films, video tapes, radio broadcasts, tapes of news, documentary and feature programmes (number of the activities for each type):

6-2-501 ESCAP Homepage on Transport, Communications, Tourism and Infrastructure Development on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/tctd/> (quarterly updating, 2000-2001) (RB)

6-2-502 ESCAP Homepage on the New Delhi Action Plan on Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/tctd/> (biannual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-503 ESCAP Homepage on the Asian Highway on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/tctd/ah.htm> (biannual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-504 ESCAP Homepage on the Trans-Asian Railway on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/tctd/tar.htm> (biannual updating, 2000-2001) (RB/XB)

8. Technical material for outside users (databases, software etc.):

6-2-801 Refining and updating of the ESCAP database on transport and infrastructure (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

6-2-802 Updating maritime information on the Internet (2001) (RB/XB)

III. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison (RB/XB)

6-3-001 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, including World Bank, ADB, APEC, APT, ASEAN, BIMST-EC, ECO, EU, Forum Secretariat, IDB, MRC, OSShD and SAARC in implementing the New Delhi Action Plan on Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific (6 in 2000, 5 in 2001) (RB/XB)

6-3-002 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including other regional commissions, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNCITRAL, ILO, ICAO, ITU, IMO and UPU in implementing: (i) New Delhi Action Plan on Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific; and (ii) SPECA (3 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

6-3-003 Collaboration with non-governmental organizations, including AFFA, APA, ASCOBIPS, the Global Infrastructure Fund, IAPH, IRCA, PIANC, IRU and the World Development Council in implementing the New Delhi Action Plan on Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

6-3-004 Collaboration with the private sector, including the Asia Infrastructure Development Alliance, in implementing the New Delhi Action Plan on Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

6-3-005 Collaboration with the World Tourism Organization, PATA and other tourism-related organizations on tourism development activities (3 in 2000) (RB)

6-3-006 Participation in network of centres of excellence in urban transport planning (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

6-3-007 Organization and servicing of the RICAP Subcommittee on Infrastructure Development (2000, 2001) (RB)

IV. Technical cooperation (RB/XB)

1. Advisory services at the request of the governments (number of missions):

6-4-101 Advisory services on land transport development and facilitation (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

6-4-102 Technical assistance on the integration of non-motorized transport into urban transport (2001) (RB/XB)

6-4-103 Advisory services on participatory planning of rural infrastructure (2000) (RB/XB)

6-4-104 Advisory services on an integrated approach to transport planning (2001) (RB/XB)

6-4-105 Advisory services on shipping and port development (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

6-4-106 Advisory services on the development of inland water transport (2001) (RB/XB)

6-4-107 Advisory services on international logistics and multimodal transport (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

6-4-108 Advisory services on strengthening national capabilities in tourism development (2001) (RB/XB)

6-4-109 Advisory services on HIV/AIDS prevention and care in the transport industry (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

2. Group training (seminars, workshops, symposia) (number of events and number of officials to be trained should be indicated):

6-4-201 Seminars/workshops on transport infrastructure development and facilitation (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (80 participants)

6-4-202 Training workshops on an integrated approach to transport planning (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

6-4-203 Promotion of private sector participation in infrastructure development (2000) (RB/XB) (25 participants)

6-4-204 Country-level workshops on participatory planning of rural infrastructure (2001) (RB/XB) (25 participants)

6-4-205 International conference on inland water transport (2000) (RB/XB) (40 participants)

6-4-206 Country-level workshop on investment financing and planning of inland water transport (2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

6-4-207 Country-level seminar on shipping policy development (2000) (RB/XB) (25 participants)

6-4-208 Subregional/national workshops on the development of multimodal transport (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (60 participants)

6-4-209 Regional seminar on port management and commercialization (2001) (RB/XB) (25 participants)

6-4-210 Regional seminar on tourism planning and development (2001) (RB/XB) (25 participants)

6-4-211 Regional meetings on the promotion of tourism in the Greater Mekong subregion (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (200 participants)

6-4-212 Regional meetings on the promotion of cooperation in tourism development and training (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (100 participants)

6-4-213 Seminar related to tourism infrastructure development, investment and facilitation of travel (2001) (RB/XB) (50 participants)

6-4-214 TCDC arrangements on tourism development and training (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (20 participants)

6-4-215 Seminar/workshop on HIV/AIDS prevention and care in the transport industry (2000) (RB/XB) (25 participants)

Subprogramme 7. Statistics

Introduction

The subprogramme encompasses the work that had been carried out previously in 1998-1999 under subprogramme 9, Statistics. The subprogramme is carried out by the Statistics Division, which is headed by a division chief who is accountable to the Executive Secretary.

Consistent with the terms of reference of the Commission, the main objectives of this subprogramme are to continue to facilitate the development of sustainable national statistical capabilities in the Asian and Pacific region, to disseminate comparable social, economic and other relevant statistics on the regional members and associate members of the Commission, and to promote the effective utilization of information technology within the public sector. The main activities are: (a) to assist and provide substantive and other services to the Committee on Statistics, which plays a central role in promoting and coordinating regional statistical development; (b) to organize technical cooperation activities, including advisory services and technical seminars, and disseminate technical material with the aim of promoting skills development and sharing of experiences and technical knowledge in statistics and information technology; (c) to organize workshops and training programmes in statistics and information technology, especially in association with the statistical training programmes of the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP); (d) to prepare, review and coordinate at the regional level the development and revision of statistical standards and their eventual implementation; (e) to undertake the collection, compilation and dissemination of statistical information on the region, and to provide statistical support for analytical work undertaken within the secretariat; and (f) to maintain close collaboration and cooperation with relevant regional, subregional and international organizations to promote improved coordination of technical assistance in statistics.

The end-users of the outputs of this subprogramme are national statistical offices, computerization and information technology focal points, and planning, monitoring and decision-making agencies in the member and associate member governments; regional, subregional and international organizations; non-governmental organizations, national and international institutes, and scholars concerned with economic, social, demographic and environmental research and policies; and individual firms and persons. In implementing the subprogramme, the secretariat will take due account of the different stages of statistical development among countries of the region, paying particular attention to the needs of the least developed countries and the disadvantaged economies in transition. Greater reliance will be placed on enhanced cooperation among countries and coordination of inputs from statistically advanced countries.

Outputs

I. Servicing of intergovernmental and expert bodies (RB)

1. Substantive servicing of meetings:

(a) Commission:

7-1-101 Plenary and committees (2000) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

7-1-102 Plenary and committees (2001) (8 meetings: 6 plenary and 2 committee sessions)

(b) Committee on Statistics:

7-1-103 Plenary (2000) (6 meetings)

2. Parliamentary documentation:

(a) Commission:

7-1-201 Report on issues related to statistics (2000)

7-1-202 Report of the Committee on Statistics (2001)

(b) Committee on Statistics:

7-1-203 Report of the Working Group of Statistical Experts (2000)

7-1-204 Report on selected issues in statistical development (2000)

7-1-205 Report on issues in computerization in the public sector (2000)

7-1-206 Report on an integrated presentation of work programmes on statistics in the region (2000)

7-1-207 Report on activities of the secretariat since the eleventh session of the Committee (2000)

3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work (intermediate outputs):

7-1-301 Meeting of the Working Group of Statistical Experts (2001)

II. Other substantive activities (RB/XB)

1. Mandated recurrent publications:

7-2-101 Statistical Newsletter (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB)

7-2-102 Government Computerization Newsletter (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

7-2-103 Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB)

7-2-104 Foreign Trade Statistics of Asia and the Pacific (2001) (RB)

7-2-105 Statistical Indicators for Asia and the Pacific (4 in 2000, 4 in 2001) (RB)

7-2-106 Asia-Pacific in Figures (2000, 2001) (RB)

5. Electronic, audio and video issuances, including films, video tapes, radio broadcasts, tapes of news, documentary and feature programmes (number of the activities for each type):

7-2-501 ESCAP Homepage on Statistics on the World Wide Web

<http://www.unescap.org/stat/index.htm> (monthly updating, 2000-2001) (RB)

7-2-502 ESCAP Homepage on Public Sector Computerization on the World Wide Web <http://www.unescap.org/stat/gc/pschome.htm> (monthly updating, 2000-2001) (RB)

6. Exhibits:

7-2-601 Exhibit for the Committee on Statistics (2000) (RB)

7. Booklets, pamphlets, fact sheets, wall charts, information kits:

7-2-701 Wall chart on general statistics (2000, 2001) (RB)

8. Technical material for outside users (databases, software etc.):

7-2-801 Data and information disseminated on electronic media (CD-ROM, diskettes, etc.) (2000, 2001) (RB)

7-2-802 Operation and maintenance of the ESCAP Statistical Information System (ESIS) (2000, 2001) (RB)

7-2-803 Responses to ad hoc requests from outside users for statistical information (2000, 2001) (RB)

III. International cooperation and inter-agency coordination and liaison (RB/XB)

7-3-001 Collaboration with intergovernmental organizations outside the United Nations system, including the East-West Center and the Pacific Community (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB)

7-3-002 Collaboration with non-governmental organizations, including the International Statistical Institute (2001) (RB)

7-3-003 Collaboration with United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, including the United Nations Statistical Commission and Working Group, regional conferences of statisticians, city groups and FAO Asia-Pacific Commission on Agricultural Statistics (2 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB)

7-3-004 Collaboration with the ACC Subcommittee on Statistical Activities (2000, 2001) (RB)

7-3-005 Technical and substantive support to UNFPA Country Support Teams in the region (3 in 2000, 3 in 2001) (RB/XB)

7-3-006 Technical and substantive support to the Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (2000, 2001) (RB)

IV. Technical cooperation (RB/XB)

1. Advisory services at the request of the governments (number of missions):

7-4-101 Advisory services on analysis and dissemination of population data, and utilization of census data (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

7-4-102 Advisory services on organizational and institutional issues affecting national statistical services and on the development of government information systems and the efficient use of information technology (2000, 2001) (RB/XB)

2. Group training (seminars, workshops, symposia) (number of events and number of officials to be trained should be indicated):

7-4-201 Seminars for senior managers on organizational and institutional issues affecting national statistical services (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (35 participants)

7-4-202 Regional workshops on various aspects of population statistics, including sampling applications (1 in 2000, 2 in 2001) (RB/XB) (60 participants)

7-4-203 Regional workshops on socio-economic and environment statistics (2000, 2001) (RB/XB) (50 participants)

7-4-204 Regional workshops on various aspects of economic statistics (2 in 2000, 1 in 2001) (RB/XB) (75 participants)

Annex II

TYPES OF OUTPUTS⁽¹¹⁾

I. SERVICING OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND EXPERT BODIES

1. Substantive servicing of meetings

Organization and substantive servicing of legislative and other intergovernmental meetings, relating to the implementation of the ESCAP programme of work.

2. Parliamentary documentation

Reports and substantive documents prepared by the secretariat on the topics dealt with in legislative and other intergovernmental meetings organized by the secretariat.

3. Ad hoc expert groups and related preparatory work

Organization and servicing of meetings of experts from outside the United Nations system, to assist the secretariat in the identification of emerging developmental issues and in the formulation of development strategies towards that end. Reports and substantive documents are prepared by the secretariat on the topic to be dealt with at the meeting, as a basis for the discussions.

4. Assistance to intergovernmental bodies under their established mandates

Substantive servicing provided by the secretariat to intergovernmental bodies, which are external to the United Nations, in accordance with the Commission's mandates.

II. OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ACTIVITIES

1. Mandated recurrent publications

Publications (studies, reports, statistical compilations, bulletins etc.) requested by intergovernmental bodies and issued by the secretariat with a periodicity specified in the secretariat's publications programme (for example, the annual Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific).

2. Discretionary recurrent publications

Publications produced at the initiative of the secretariat with a periodicity specified in the secretariat's publications programme.

3. Mandated non-recurrent publications

Publications requested by intergovernmental bodies, and included in the secretariat's publications programme, but which do not appear regularly.

4. Discretionary non-recurrent publications

Publications produced at the initiative of the secretariat and included in the secretariat's publications programme, but which do not appear regularly.

5. Electronic, audio and video issuances, including films, videotapes, radio broadcasts, tapes of news, documentary and feature programmes

Audio/visual materials to promote the work of the Commission, inclusive of homepage in the Internet.

6. Exhibits

Exhibitions to create greater awareness of specific work of the Commission, or to commemorate an event of the Commission.

7. Booklets, pamphlets, fact sheets, wall charts, information kits

Public information materials to disseminate specific data and information, or to promote the work of the Commission.

8. Technical material for outside users

Database and computer software etc. for which there is an established external mailing list for wide circulation.

9. Special events

Includes an award ceremony (for example, the annual HRD Award) or a special commemorative event (for example, Anniversary of the United Nations and ESCAP).

III. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND INTER-AGENCY

COORDINATION AND LIAISON

Organization of and participation by the secretariat in United Nations system-wide activities; participation by the secretariat in activities of intergovernmental bodies outside the United Nations system; non-governmental organizations; funds, programmes and agencies of the United Nations system; and the Administrative Committee on Coordination and its subsidiary machinery.

IV. TECHNICAL COOPERATION

1. Advisory services

Provision of short-term advisory services in response to ad hoc requests from developing member and associate member governments to deal with specific development problems.

2. Group training

Specialized training seminars, workshops, study tours and symposia organized by the secretariat for the development of human resources at the policy-making, planning and management or operational levels.

3. Fellowships

Financial assistance provided by the secretariat to individuals from developing member and associate member countries in the region to participate in training courses organized by external organizations.

Grant of money given to individuals or organizations for meritorious service to undertake further research/training in an area or areas of interest to the Commission.

4. Field projects

Projects designed to test and operationalize new approaches to overcome development problems or to meet development needs, often in the form of a pilot project at the country level.

1. Projects to be financed from the Development Account should, inter alia, have a multiplier effect and promote capacity-building for developing countries; promote regional and interregional economic and technical cooperation among developing countries; and complement and not substitute for existing programme activities, or relate to new activities not already mandated under the programme budget.

2. Through attrition of the existing vacancies, a total of 50 regular budget established posts (18 Professional, 30 Local-level and 2 Field Service posts) were abolished during the biennium 1998-1999. Twenty-one (13 Professional and eight Local-level posts) were from the programme of work and 29 (5 Professional, 22 Local-level and 2 Field Service posts) from programme support. Taking into consideration three regular budget established posts (2 Professional and 1 Local-level posts) redeployed from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to ESCAP for the UNCTAD/ESCAP Joint Unit on Transnational Corporations, a net reduction of 47 regular budget established posts was effected for the biennium 1998-1999.

3. Nine RB Local-level posts are earmarked for abolition from the programme support for the biennium 2000-2001.

4. Paragraph 14 of General Assembly resolution 52/220 of 22 December 1997 on questions relating to the proposed programme budget for the biennium 1998-1999.

5. "Renewing the United Nations: a programme for reform" (A/51/950), paras. 240 and 241.

6. General Assembly resolution 52/12B of 19 December 1997 on renewing the United Nations: a programme for reform.

7. Document OES/ACPR/1161.

8. The Executive Committee is one of the two bodies established by the Secretary-General in 1997 to assist in the management and coordination of economic and social affairs and development work within the Organization. Its executive body is comprised of the relevant Secretariat departments and offices as well as the regional commissions and relevant funds and programmes, and works to enhance the coordination and cooperation between policy entities and the distinct operational programmes.

9. See E/ESCAP/1106, para. 101.

10. Report of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific on its fifty-second session (Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1996, Supplement No. 16) (E/1996/36-E/ESCAP/1044), para. 137.

11. For each output, the source of funding is required to be indicated as follows:

(RB) Regular budget manpower resources and regular budget funds will be utilized for delivery of output;

(RB/XB) Regular budget manpower resources and extrabudgetary funds will be utilized for delivery of output;

(XB) Extrabudgetary manpower resources (i.e. project personnel or expert on non-reimbursable loan) and extrabudgetary funds will be utilized for delivery of output.