ESCAP analyzes economic conditions and promotes the use of macroeconomic and structural policies that support economic growth and encourage productive employment while maintaining macroeconomic stability. It encourages the quality aspect of economic growth and highlights the need to consider the distributional consequences of development policies.

ESCAP emphasizes the essential role of Financing for Development for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The priorities identified in this area include: strengthening domestic resources mobilization, including through tax cooperation and public expenditure management; enhancing quality infrastructure investment taking into account all aspects of economic, social and environmental sustainability; and increasing the effectiveness of financial markets in supporting sustainable development.

ESCAP supports regional cooperation and integration as a strategy for narrowing development gaps among member States. To provide evidence-based policy analysis, ESCAP conducts research and produces regular publications such as the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific and ESCAP Financing for Development Series. It also provides capacity building support to its member States and facilitates policy dialogues.