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Delivered by Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana

02 February 2023

ESCAP ES

Excellency, Ambassador Nassir, Chair of the ECOSOC Coordination Segment and Vice-President of ECOSOC,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

It is my pleasure to give the “Asia-Pacific perspectives for an inclusive and resilient recovery guided by the 2030 Agenda.

As we approach the midpoint for the 2030 Agenda, the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD), in its 10th year to be convened in March of this year, serves as the most inclusive platform and a steppingstone towards the SDG Summit.

At the 10th APFSD, we will discuss regional perspectives (gaps and challenges) as well as showcase high-impact initiatives that are linked to regional commitments for accelerating progress towards the SDGs.

One example would be the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership, co-chaired by ESCAP, which is a global, multistakeholder partnership established to enable countries and other stakeholders to go Beyond GDP to measure and manage progress toward ocean sustainable development.

Excellencies,

In the Asia-Pacific region, together with our member States, UN agencies and development partners, we are taking an integrated approach to address the challenges and to regain the momentum for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

First, we are building more inclusive societies.

The recently adopted Jakarta Declaration on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2023-2032 provides us with concrete entry points to enhance disability inclusive development, including building resilience of persons with disabilities against risks.

In addition,  we are supporting member States such in enhancing social protection systems in line with the Action Plan to Strengthen Regional Cooperation in Social Protection.

Second, we are building more resilient economies.

ESCAP is working with countries to implement the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade to both improve efficiency and to make commerce more climate-smart.

We are also building resilience in value chains, trade and digital connectivity to ensure the region is better prepared for future crises.

Third, we are building more a sustainable environment.

To accelerate the decarbonization of the economy, ESCAP is helping countries to fast-track and sustain energy transitions, for instance, working with countries to develop national SDG7 Road Maps.

In terms of means of implementation, we are focusing on accelerating digitalization and leveraging financing in line with the 2030 Agenda.

To help bridge the digital divide across and within countries, we are supporting countries through the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway initiative to turn the gap into a digital dividend, such as through the promotion of subregional Internet Exchange points.

Inclusive financing instruments, such as debt-for-climate swaps in the Pacific and sustainability green bonds in the LDCs, will continue to be our key initiatives in 2023.

Excellencies,

At the seventy-eighth session of the Commission last year, our members adopted the Bangkok Declaration to pursue a common agenda to advance sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.

Our member States have provided us with clear guidance that centres around protecting people and the planet, leveraging digital opportunities, trading and investing more together, aligning financial resources with the SDGs and managing debt.

With this, I look forward to receiving further guidance as we move forward together.

Thank you very much.

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