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Urban transition pathways for the 2030 agenda for sustainable development : developing a national roadmap for sustainable development goal 11
Get PDFThe inclusion of the 11th ‘urban’ goal in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was heralded by global urban experts, stakeholders, and sub-national government representatives as a significant step forward in acknowledging the global transition to a majority urban world. The 11th Goal contains 10 targets covering diverse topics – seven numeric ‘Outcome’ targets, and a further three ‘Means of Implementation’ targets – whose focus areas range from cultural heritage to housing affordability and slum upgrading to policy integration for generalized urban resilience.
SDG11 provides a critical ‘entry point’ into the 2030 Agenda for urban decision-makers, stakeholders and community groups, who often engage in a voluntary or ad-hoc manner with both national and international processes. By focusing on the urban goal, SDG knowledge exchange and training programs have demonstrated that sub-national actors can ‘scaffold’ familiarity with the wider 2030 Agenda and justify further engagement to city leadership and elected representatives. It also offers a diversity of partnership opportunities with other actors such as private enterprise, academia, and civil society, which can support a range of modes and means of SDG implementation. More recently, multiple global crises have disrupted SDG progress in tandem with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These shocks and stresses have further destabilized SDG11 progress in Asia and the Pacific. COVID-19 emerged most immediately in cities and towns, with an estimated 90 percent of reported COVID-19 cases in urban areas over the first 6-month period of the pandemic.
This concept note puts forward an approach for developing a national roadmap for achieving SDG11 as part of both national and sub-national efforts to achieve the Global Goals. It draws upon existing publicly available data, best-practice methodologies, and emerging examples of innovative partnerships and practices. Although specific to SDG11, the approach here is also cognizant of cross-SDG linkages (particularly in relation to the role of urban areas in achieving the 2030 Agenda as a whole), highlighting key opportunities for synergies at a target level.</p
The ethics of AI
Get PDFThis module aims to provide government leaders and policymakers in developing countries with the knowledge they need to establish a new ethical framework that includes all members of society, fosters trust among users of AI, and enables peaceful coexistence with AI in the future. The module incorporates recommendations from case studies conducted in various countries, as well as guidance from international organizations like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). </p
Asia-Pacific trade and investment trends brief 2022/2023 : Sri Lanka
No full textThis brief covers recent trends and developments in trade and investment. It has been produced as an accompaniment to the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Trends 2022/2023.</p
Nepal national single window : towards a paperless trade regime
Get PDFThe Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA), which entered into force on 20 February 2021, is a UN treaty deposited with the Secretary General of the United Nations. The treaty aims at accelerating the implementation of digital trade facilitation measures for trade and development. Nepal is not yet a party to the treaty, but it has been making efforts, mostly unilaterally, to digitalize trade processes and create a paperless trade regime. The most important of these has been the progress made in the establishment and operationalization of the Nepal National Single Window (NNSW). The COVID-19 crisis has further expedited the implementation of a paperless trade regime. However, advancement in the implementation of paperless trade in Nepal has generally been within the border, mostly excluding the cross-border exchange of data and documents. The NNSW system allows the exchange of cross-border documents and data, and hence should be exploited. Making the current administration of paperless trade seamless and expanding it to cover paperless trade will require legislative reforms, institutional strengthening, harmonization and standardization of data and documents, and proactive engagement in bilateral and regional forums to develop cross-border paperless trade systems. Importantly, acceding to the CPTA could support and strengthen Nepal’s paperless trade system. </p
Asia-Pacific trade and investment trends brief 2022/2023 : Samoa
No full textThis brief covers recent trends and developments in trade and investment. It has been produced as an accompaniment to the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Trends 2022/2023.</p
Fiscal governance and debt sustainability in Pacific island countries
Get PDFPublic debt is important for financing productive investment and national priorities in Pacific Island Countries (PICs). However, when debt exceeds sustainable levels, additional indebtedness undermines macroeconomic stability and eventually becomes an obstacle, making the borrower worse off. The experience of the Pacific region suggests that some countries have surpassed the limits of debt sustainability, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as governments implemented stimulus and welfare measures. This policy brief discusses the role of fiscal governance in ensuring that debt sustainability remains at prudent levels. The policy brief draws on the findings of background papers and presentations delivered at the Pacific Regional Debt Conference, held in April 2022.</p
Single window legal framework for cross-border trade : 10 case studies
Get PDFMany countries have established a National Single Window (NSW) for trade to facilitate cross-border trade and develop their economies. A Single Window (SW) is a unified and integrated facility that streamlines and simplifies the exchange of trade-related information between government authorities and the trading community.
This paper conducts a thorough analysis of SW implementation across ten diverse countries - Cambodia, Cameroon, Georgia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Uzbekistan. Despite differing economic profiles and trade dynamics, a shared understanding resonates with the foundational importance of a robust legal framework for the success of SW initiatives.
The study delves into the evolution of national legislation, government directives, royal decrees, and any other regulatory changes in each country, unravelling the trajectory of legal frameworks crucial to the development and operation of SW. The analysis encompasses a comprehensive study of each country's SW implementation evolution, including significant acts, international agreements, standards, political commitments, and institutional arrangements. Recognizing the critical role of the legal landscape, the analysis emphasizes its impact on the operational effectiveness of SW. The legal foundation ensures compliance with international standards and establishes rules for data sharing, security, and functionality, forming the bedrock of successful SW operation.
By uncovering these common threads, the study provides readers with a deeper understanding of the legislative dynamics underpinning successful trade facilitation initiatives. It serves as a valuable resource, offering not only a comparative perspective on legal intricacies but also actionable insights for enhancing and harmonizing SW globally.</p
Strengthening social protection in Maldives
Get PDFThe social protection online tool simulates the impact of social protection schemes and empowers policymakers with data. Start exploring at spot.unescap.org/simulator</p
Asia-Pacific trade and investment trends brief 2022/2023 : Mongolia
No full textThis brief covers recent trends and developments in trade and investment. It has been produced as an accompaniment to the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Trends 2022/2023.</p
Civil registration in South-East Asia : legislation, digitization and inequality
No full textThe invaluable support of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health Initiative, Vital Strategies, UNICEF, UNHCR, WHO, CDC Foundation, and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator for their various rolesThe present publication includes the background papers forming the basis of discussions for the meeting, namely on legislative frameworks, CRVS system digitization, and assessing and addressing inequalities in CRVS. The publication further includes the conclusions and recommendations for further collaboration between the countries in South-East Asia.</p