A brief overview of the basic concepts of the Low Carbon Green Growth Roadmap
EDD News
Expert Dialogue on the Quality of Growth ESCAP, as a regional commission of the UN has been mandated to play a key role in promoting the integration of the three pillars of sustainable development. It is also contributing to the development of the post-2015 Development agenda in the post-Rio period. Given these roles, ESCAP convened the Expert Group Meeting on 14-16 November, 2012 at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok to identify strategies to align economic growth with sustainable development objectives.
A diverse group from government and other experts from civil society, academia and international organisations from: India, Nepal, Japan, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka attended the meeting. Participants included Ms. Laksmi Dhewanthi, Assistant Deputy Minister for Environmental Economic, Ministry of Environment, Indonesia, Professor Stephen Keen, University of Western Sydney and Mr. Bernardino M. Vega, Jr., Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Green Investment, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Experts discussed the shortcomings of neoclassical economics, social inequality and the implications of the growing demand for natural resources. The role of fiscal policy as a key determinant of the quality of growth in its economic, social and environmental dimensions, was highlighted. Mr. Shun-ichi Murata, Deputy Executive Secretary, ESCAP moderated a special session discussing the post-2015 Development Agenda, which debated the need for transformative change to address the fundamental challenge of growing inequality. Experts also discussed proposals for green growth indicators and modeling frameworks for integrate the three dimensions of sustainable development.
Mr. Masakazu Ichimura Chief, Environment and Development Policy Section, Ms. Hitomi Rankine, Environmental Affairs Officer, Mr. Perig Leost, Consultant and Ms. Panupatcharee Kaewprasit, Team Assistant of the Environment and Development Division organized the event in collaboration with colleagues from the Social Development, Statistics and Macroeconomic Policy and Development Divisions. . .more...
The Second National Seminar on Green Growth Policy Tools for Low Carbon Development in MALAYSIA ESCAP and the British Government, in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology, the University of Malaya's Centre of Poverty and Development Studies, the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) and UNDP Malaysia, conducted the Second National Seminar on Green Growth Policy Tools for Low Carbon Development in Malaysia, an on-site e-Learning seminar that was held from the 7th to 9th of November 2012 at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The first day of the seminar consisted of a public session on Rio +20 and the Green Economy: The Way Forward, and was attended by over 100 participants.more...
Urban Policy Reforms Discussed at the International Workshop on "Urbanization in Central Asia: Current State, Issues, Perspectives" On 9 October 2012, the Centre for Economic Research (CER), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and ESCAP jointly organized the International Workshop on "Urbanization in Central Asia: Current State, Issues, Perspectives" in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The Workshop was opened by Mr. Bakhodur Eshonov, Director, CER, Mr. Jaco Cillers, Resident Representative, a.i., UNDP Uzbekistan, and Mr. Donovan Storey, Chief, Sustainable Urban Development Section, ESCAP. The occasion functioned as a policy platform and a basis to generate dialogue and experience sharing on urban development issues in Central Asia. The purpose of the Workshop was to: (1) present results of research conducted on "Policies of urbanization in Central Asian states in post-Soviet period"; (2) exchange views among experts and stakeholders on issues of urbanization, municipal governance and urban planning; and (3) discuss proposals on regional strategies for developing, managing and planning cities as growth poles in countries of Central Asia. more...
the Asia Low Emissions
Development Strategies (LEDS)
Forum
ESCAP supported the organization of the Asia Low Emissions Development Strategies (LEDS) Forum, organized by US-AID and other bilateral and multilateral partners on 18-21 September 2012 in Bangkok. The Forum attracted over 160 participants and allowed reviewing what countries and donors in Asia are doing to promote LEDS, discuss key and emerging issues and how an Asia LEDS partnership can support the further implementation of LEDS in the region. Mr. Rae Kwon Chung, Director of the Environment and Development Division of ESCAP, addressed participants during the opening plenary session, providing an overview of international and regional programmes and resources to support LEDS and highlighting key issues in relation to LEDS and green growth. ESCAP was also present with an exhibition booth, presenting its Low Carbon Green Growth Roadmap for Asia and the Pacific and its On-line E-learning Facility for Green Growth Capacity.
The Second National Seminar on Green Growth
Policy Tools for Low Carbon Development in
Thailand ESCAP and the British Government, in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology and the National Economic and Social Development Board, conducted the Second National Seminar on Green Growth Policy Tools for Low Carbon Development in Thailand, an on-site e-Learning seminar that was held from the 17th to 19th of September 2012 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand
The meeting was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr Mark Kent, Ambassador of United Kingdom to Kingdom of Thailand and Dr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Director General of the National Economic and Social Development Board and was attended by 34 experts from various government offices, including bureau of budget, ministry of commerce, science and technology, natural resources and environment, energy, as well as private sector, banks, universities.
The third of a series ofInternational Energy Efficiency Forums
held in Central Asia since 2010, the Forum at Lake IssykKul in Kyrgyzstan is organized by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/Global Environment Facility (GEF). Asserting that energy has a vital role in the development process, the Forum called upon all stakeholders to strengthen international cooperation in the energy field in Central Asia and neighbouring regions in accordance with the outcome of the landmark United Nations-convened Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development held in June this year.
Energy Cooperation in North-East Asia The Expert Group Meeting onEnergy Efficiency in North-East and Central Asia was held on 3 September 2012 in Urumqi, China. It was opened by Mr. Wu Guihui, Chief Engineer, National Energy Administration, Mr. Hongpeng Liu, Chief, Energy Security and Water Resources Section, ESCAP, and Mr. Gao Feng, Vice-Mayor, Urumqi Municipality. Participants gained improved understanding of the energy efficiency situation, challenges to further enhance cooperation among North-East and Central Asian countries, shared good practices, including practical cases of companies in Urumqi; formulated recommendations to further enhance cooperation among countries in North-East and Central in energy efficiency. Mr. Hongpeng Liu Chief and Mr. Joao Aleluia, Consultant, Energy Security and Water Resources Section, EDD, attended the meting on behalf of ESCAP
Upcoming Meetings and Events 
Expert Dialogue on the Quality of Growth
ESCAP, as a regional commission of the UN has been mandated to play a key role in promoting the integration of the three pillars of sustainable development. It is also contributing to the development of the post-2015 Development agenda in the post-Rio period. Given these roles, ESCAP convened the Expert Group Meeting on 14-16 November, 2012 at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok to identify strategies to align economic growth with sustainable development objectives.
A diverse group from government and other experts from civil society, academia and international organisations from: India, Nepal, Japan, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka attended the meeting. Participants included Ms. Laksmi Dhewanthi, Assistant Deputy Minister for Environmental Economic, Ministry of Environment, Indonesia, Professor Stephen Keen, University of Western Sydney and Mr. Bernardino M. Vega, Jr., Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Green Investment, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Experts discussed the shortcomings of neoclassical economics, social inequality and the implications of the growing demand for natural resources. The role of fiscal policy as a key determinant of the quality of growth in its economic, social and environmental dimensions, was highlighted. Mr. Shun-ichi Murata, Deputy Executive Secretary, ESCAP moderated a special session discussing the post-2015 Development Agenda, which debated the need for transformative change to address the fundamental challenge of growing inequality. Experts also discussed proposals for green growth indicators and modeling frameworks for integrate the three dimensions of sustainable development.
Mr. Masakazu Ichimura Chief, Environment and Development Policy Section, Ms. Hitomi Rankine, Environmental Affairs Officer, Mr. Perig Leost, Consultant and Ms. Panupatcharee Kaewprasit, Team Assistant of the Environment and Development Division organized the event in collaboration with colleagues from the Social Development, Statistics and Macroeconomic Policy and Development Divisions. . .more...
The Second National Seminar on Green Growth Policy Tools for Low Carbon Development in MALAYSIA
ESCAP and the British Government, in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology, the University of Malaya's Centre of Poverty and Development Studies, the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) and UNDP Malaysia, conducted the Second National Seminar on Green Growth Policy Tools for Low Carbon Development in Malaysia, an on-site e-Learning seminar that was held from the 7th to 9th of November 2012 at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The first day of the seminar consisted of a public session on Rio +20 and the Green Economy: The Way Forward, and was attended by over 100 participants.more...
Urban Policy Reforms Discussed at the International Workshop on "Urbanization in Central Asia: Current State, Issues, Perspectives"
On 9 October 2012, the Centre for Economic Research (CER), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and ESCAP jointly organized the International Workshop on "Urbanization in Central Asia: Current State, Issues, Perspectives" in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The Workshop was opened by Mr. Bakhodur Eshonov, Director, CER, Mr. Jaco Cillers, Resident Representative, a.i., UNDP Uzbekistan, and Mr. Donovan Storey, Chief, Sustainable Urban Development Section, ESCAP. The occasion functioned as a policy platform and a basis to generate dialogue and experience sharing on urban development issues in Central Asia. The purpose of the Workshop was to: (1) present results of research conducted on "Policies of urbanization in Central Asian states in post-Soviet period"; (2) exchange views among experts and stakeholders on issues of urbanization, municipal governance and urban planning; and (3) discuss proposals on regional strategies for developing, managing and planning cities as growth poles in countries of Central Asia. more...
Development Strategies (LEDS)
Forum
ESCAP supported the organization of the Asia Low Emissions Development Strategies (LEDS) Forum, organized by US-AID and other bilateral and multilateral partners on 18-21 September 2012 in Bangkok. The Forum attracted over 160 participants and allowed reviewing what countries and donors in Asia are doing to promote LEDS, discuss key and emerging issues and how an Asia LEDS partnership can support the further implementation of LEDS in the region. Mr. Rae Kwon Chung, Director of the Environment and Development Division of ESCAP, addressed participants during the opening plenary session, providing an overview of international and regional programmes and resources to support LEDS and highlighting key issues in relation to LEDS and green growth. ESCAP was also present with an exhibition booth, presenting its Low Carbon Green Growth Roadmap for Asia and the Pacific and its On-line E-learning Facility for Green Growth Capacity.
The Second National Seminar on Green Growth
ESCAP and the British Government, in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology and the National Economic and Social Development Board, conducted the Second National Seminar on Green Growth Policy Tools for Low Carbon Development in Thailand, an on-site e-Learning seminar that was held from the 17th to 19th of September 2012 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand
Policy Tools for Low Carbon Development in
Thailand
The meeting was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr Mark Kent, Ambassador of United Kingdom to Kingdom of Thailand and Dr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Director General of the National Economic and Social Development Board and was attended by 34 experts from various government offices, including bureau of budget, ministry of commerce, science and technology, natural resources and environment, energy, as well as private sector, banks, universities.
The three day seminar, built on ESCAP's interactive methodology involving animated e-learning courses and multimedia virtual library, case studies and group activities moderated by the trainers, was crafted to encourage participants to reflect on the mainstreaming of green growth policies in their particular sector based on the recently published Low Carbon Green Growth Roadmap and other e-learning green growth courses available on the Green Growth on-line e-Learning Facility. More information on is available on www.greengrowth.org/?q=mini-website/second-national-seminar-green-growth-policy-tools-low-carbon-development-thailand
The third of a series ofInternational Energy Efficiency Forums
held in Central Asia since 2010, the Forum at Lake IssykKul in Kyrgyzstan is organized by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/Global Environment Facility (GEF). Asserting that energy has a vital role in the development process, the Forum called upon all stakeholders to strengthen international cooperation in the energy field in Central Asia and neighbouring regions in accordance with the outcome of the landmark United Nations-convened Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development held in June this year.
Energy Cooperation in North-East Asia
The Expert Group Meeting onEnergy Efficiency in North-East and Central Asia was held on 3 September 2012 in Urumqi, China. It was opened by Mr. Wu Guihui, Chief Engineer, National Energy Administration, Mr. Hongpeng Liu, Chief, Energy Security and Water Resources Section, ESCAP, and Mr. Gao Feng, Vice-Mayor, Urumqi Municipality. Participants gained improved understanding of the energy efficiency situation, challenges to further enhance cooperation among North-East and Central Asian countries, shared good practices, including practical cases of companies in Urumqi; formulated recommendations to further enhance cooperation among countries in North-East and Central in energy efficiency. Mr. Hongpeng Liu Chief and Mr. Joao Aleluia, Consultant, Energy Security and Water Resources Section, EDD, attended the meting on behalf of ESCAP
22-24 April 2013, UNCC, Bangkok, Thailand
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 10-11 April 2013
19-20 March 2013, Daegu, Republic of Korea
22 March 2013, UNCC, Bangkok
20-22 March 2013, UNCC, Bangkok
14-15 March 2013, UNCC, Bangkok
19-20 February 2013, Bangkok & Suva
20-23 November 2012, Bangkok
14-16 November 2012, Bangkok
Capacity building for energy efficiency and access to cleaner energy in Central Asia and neighbouring regions
12-14 September 2012, Kyrgyzstan
25-26 April 2012, Seoul, Republic of Korea
22 March 2012, UNCC, Bangkok
22-24 February 2012, UNCC, Bangkok