Globalization has led to a surge
in international trade, investment, tourism and economic growth. It
has expanded opportunities for the poor and societies at large. However,
this process is not automatic. Many countries have benefited from
the process of globalization, but others remain marginalized and income
disparities are widening.
Roughly half of the 58 member countries in the UNESCAP region
are not members of the World Trade Organization. The digital
divide is widening. Transport and communications networks are
not adequately connected to the global network, increasing costs
and reducing competitiveness. Environmental degradation is another
global trend affecting the region.
The severity of these problems has received global attention, but
many developing countries in the region are constrained in advancing
their interests and concerns in global negotiations.
UNESCAP works to strengthen national capacities to manage globalization,
with the aim of maximizing its benefits and minimizing its costs.
Our emphasis is on building government capacities to negotiate effectively
in multilateral and regional trade forums; developing regional infrastructures;
increasing access to information, communication and space technology;
and advocating for policies that promote environmental sustainability.
Learn
more about our work programme under the theme of managing globalization
