The Asian and Pacific region, with nearly four billion people (over three fifths of the world’s population) is the most populous region in the world and one of the most dynamic. As such, it is poised to contribute greatly to the progress of humanity. Yet Asia-Pacific is facing numerous challenges tearing the socio-economic fabric of its society, including poverty, social exclusion, gender disparity, ageing and HIV/AIDS.

The Emerging Social Issues Division works to identify emerging social issues, especially those that directly affect the poor and the other vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of people in the region. It increases awareness and understanding of how various issues like population ageing, migration, lowered fertilty rates and HIV/AIDS affect each country and the region as a whole. Special emphasis is placed on ways to empower women and prevent the stigma and discrimination faced by many persons with disabilities.

The objective of the Division is to strengthen the capacity of UNESCAP member and associate member countries in the development and implementation of policies and programmes to address persistent and emerging social issues in their evolving manifestations in order to enhance the productivity and quality of human resources.

The Division's three sections include:

• Health and Development
• Gender and Development
• Population and Social Integration

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