..Press Release................................ UNESCAP News Services

Date 2 September 2007
Press Release No: N/42/2007

More effective policies that harmonize rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability to be discussed at UN meeting

Second Policy Forum of the Seoul Initiative Network on Green Growth

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services)─ Conventional thinking says that increasing environmental degradation is an inherent part of economic growth. However, a growing number of experts believe that this does not have to be the case.

For this reason the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Institute of Public Finance are holding the Second Policy Forum of the Seoul Initiative Network on Green Growth from 3 to 5 September in Bangkok.

The Forum, which is being attended by 50 experts, government officials, and representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is examining the complex interactions between environment and economics.

As countries in the Asia-Pacific region experience rapid economic growth, increasing pressure has been placed on the limited environmental carrying capacity of the region. Governments have traditionally attempted to address this through command-and-control regulations. However, many experts believe that economic instruments can be used to create a better outcome—one that encourages innovation to achieve environmentally sustainable economic growth.

Through these measures, governments can improve the efficiency of resource use. This would allow for more economic growth and improved environmental conditions.

For more information please visit:
http://www.unescap.org/esd/environment/mced/singg2/

Please direct inquiries to:

Brian Thomson
Public Information Officer
United Nations Information Services
UNESCAP
Email: Thomson.b@un.org
Tel: 022881869