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Evaluation of the project on Energy Connectivity for Sustainable Development in Asia (Phase 1 and Phase 2)
No full textThis independent evaluation, commissioned by the Energy Division of ESCAP, assessed the design, implementation, and results of the extrabudgetary-funded project “Energy Connectivity for Sustainable Development in Asia,” covering both Phase 1 (2017–2019) and Phase 2 (2022–2025). The evaluation aimed to generate lessons for improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of Phase 3, commenced in July 2025. Specifically, the evaluation examined the project’s contribution to advancing cross-border power connectivity and promoting the adoption of green power corridor principles in Asia and the Pacific.Acknowledgments................................................................................................................................... ii
List of acronyms..................................................................................................................................... iii
Executive summary................................................................................................................................ iv
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................1
2. Description of the Project...............................................................................................................2
2.1 Background............................................................................................................................2
2.2 Project Theory of Change ......................................................................................................2
2.3 Project strategies...................................................................................................................3
2.4 Innovative Elements..............................................................................................................4
2.5 Beneficiaries, target countries and key partners ..................................................................4
2.6 Resources...............................................................................................................................4
3. Scope and Methodology .................................................................................................................5
3.1 Evaluation scope.....................................................................................................................5
3.2 Methodology ..........................................................................................................................6
4. Evaluation Findings.........................................................................................................................7
4.1 Impact.....................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Effectiveness...........................................................................................................................9
4.3 Relevance..............................................................................................................................12
4.4 Efficiency...............................................................................................................................12
4.5 Sustainability.........................................................................................................................14
4.6 Cross-cutting issues..............................................................................................................17
5. Conclusions...................................................................................................................................19
5.1 Preparing the crucial leap from strategy and planning to implementation.........................19
5.2 Learning effects from active, iterative, peer-based participation and exchange ................19
5.3 Regional and global partnerships and strategic resilience...................................................20
5.4 Integration of gender and disability inclusion......................................................................20
6. Recommendations........................................................................................................................22
6.1 Emphasis of targeted, operational pilots to start implementation......................................22
6.2 Introduce interactive peer learning and exchange to meetings..........................................22
6.3 Engagement through subregional organisations and national focal points.........................23
6.4 Strengthen gender and disability inclusion ..........................................................................24
6.5 Continuation of global anchoring of connectivity frameworks............................................24
ANNEXES ...............................................................................................................................................25
Annex 1: Evaluation TORs................................................................................................................25
Annex 2: Theory of change ..............................................................................................................40
Annex 3: Evaluation matrix..............................................................................................................41
Annex 4: Data collection instruments.............................................................................................44
Annex 5: List of individuals interviewed. ........................................................................................49
Annex 6: List of documents reviewed. ............................................................................................5
Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness : strategy 2025-2030
No full textComprehensively informed by the 2025 Evaluative Review of the Trust Fund (Mathiason 2025, Aysan and others 2025), this Strategy outlines the global and regional commitment to effectively and efficiently allocate pooled funds to high-risk, low-capacity countries and facilitate South-South and triangular cooperation, aiming to catalyse coordinated, regional action to create transboundary synergies in early warning systems.Executive summary................................................................................................................................3
Acronyms and abbreviations................................................................................................................ 4
1. Overview.............................................................................................................................................. 5
2. Background.........................................................................................................................................7
Disaster Risks in Asia and the Pacific..............................................................................................8
The ESCAP Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness.....11
A Trust Fund with a unique value addition...................................................................................13
A Strategy anchored in global and regional commitments......................................................15
3. Trust Fund Strategy 2025-2030..................................................................................................... 17
Theory of Change towards a Disaster-Resilient Asia-Pacific region......................................18
Vision and mission.............................................................................................................................18
Intended outcomes............................................................................................................................19
4. Programming priorities and strategic approach.........................................................................20
Programming priorities: addressing the unmet needs..............................................................21
Modalities: amplifying impacts........................................................................................................22
5. References .......................................................................................................................................25
Annexes ................................................................................................................................................ 2
Anuaire statistique por L'Asie et Pacifique
No full textIn recent years, Asia-Pacific countries have rapidly advanced toward digital societies, harnessing innovative technologies to boost economic growth and enhance public service delivery. Many nations in the region have effectively integrated cutting-edge tools, such as artificial intelligence and big data, to improve access to reliable public information, strengthen healthcare systems, and expand online learning opportunities.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, several Asia-Pacific countries deployed robust digital government services to disseminate credible information on the virus, vaccinations, treatments, and other medical services while facilitating e-learning. These solutions also provided critical licensing and regulatory information for small businesses and streamlined access to public administration services for citizens.
This policy brief highlights successful digital government initiatives implemented by the Government of Armenia, offering inspiration and actionable policy insights for other Asia-Pacific countries seeking to enhance their e-government services. As part of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (APIS)1 Working Group 2 on Digital Technologies and Applications, this brief supports the implementation of the APIS Action Plan 2022-2026.Summary .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
FRONTIER GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ................................. 5
I. Armenia’s Digitalization Strategy 2020-2025 .............................................................................................. 5
I.I SWOT Analysis of Armenia’s High-Tech Sector ................................................................................... 6
I.II Key Digital Technologies in Armenia’s Digitalisation Strategy ............................................................. 7
THE IMPACT OF SMART TECHNOLOGIES ON SOCIETY ...............................................................................
Recommended actions for promoting digital trade integration in Mongolia
No full textMongolia’s transition to digital trade is essential for overcoming geographic constraints, modernizing trade processes, and enhancing economic resilience. Digital trade provides opportunities to expand market access, streamline trade operations, and diversify the economy beyond mining and agriculture. However, challenges such as regulatory fragmentation, underdeveloped digital trade infrastructure, and limited engagement in digital trade agreements hinder Mongolia’s ability to fully integrate into the global digital economy.
This report presents a structured and actionable roadmap for Mongolia’s digital trade integration within the Asia-Pacific region. Using ESCAP’s Regional Digital Trade Integration Index (RDTII) framework and database, this paper identifies priority areas for policy attention in Mongolia, regulatory infrastructure advancements, and strategic approaches to trade agreements. Each chapter provides critical insights and practical recommendations—from assessing Mongolia’s current digital trade landscape to using RCEP as a policy benchmark and developing a concrete action plan for institutional, legal, and infrastructure improvements. Effective execution of these strategies will enhance trade efficiency, attract investment, and strengthen Mongolia’s role in global digital trade networks.</p
Evaluation of the project on building the Pan-Asia partnership for geospatial air pollution information
No full textThe project was developed to enhance the capacity of participating countries to access and utilize space derived data and integrate with the ground data for effective air pollution monitoring and management. It is implemented by ESCAP in cooperation with KOICA, NIER and other partners, with the purpose of validating satellite data from GEMS through the installation of the Pandora instruments, undertaking capacity building activities to access and utilize these space derived data and application for air pollution monitoring, and stimulating subregional dialogue on air pollution issues.
The project covers three geographical areas and eight participating countries: Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam), Northeast Asia (Mongolia), and South Asia (Bangladesh). The evaluation assesses the impact, effectiveness, relevance, efficiency, sustainability, and gender mainstreaming of the project. ESCAP is the key implementing stakeholder and coordinates with KOICA and NIER. NIER provides support with technical expertise in the use of GEMS and Pandora data. The installation of the Pandora instrument is managed by KOICA, which procures, contracts, and transports the instruments to beneficiary countries. A total of 18 Pandora spectrometer instruments have been installed in seven participating countries.Table of contents ..................................................................................................................................... i
Acknowledgments................................................................................................................................... ii
List of acronyms..................................................................................................................................... iii
Executive summary................................................................................................................................ iv
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Description of the project............................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Background ............................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Theory of change ...................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Project strategies...................................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Innovative elements ................................................................................................................. 4
2.5 Beneficiaries, target countries and key partners...................................................................... 4
2.6 Resources.................................................................................................................................. 6
3. Evaluation scope and methodology................................................................................................ 7
3.1 Evaluation scope ....................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Evaluation approach ................................................................................................................. 8
3.3 Data collection and analysis...................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Stakeholder analysis ................................................................................................................. 9
3.5 Sampling.................................................................................................................................. 10
3.6 Gender equality, disability inclusion and other cross-cutting issues......................................10
3.7 Risks and limitations............................................................................................................... 11
4. Evaluation findings........................................................................................................................ 12
4.1 Impact..................................................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Effectiveness........................................................................................................................... 15
4.3 Relevance................................................................................................................................ 19
4.4 Efficiency................................................................................................................................. 21
4.5 Sustainability........................................................................................................................... 22
4.6 Gender equality, disability inclusion and other cross-cutting Issues .....................................25
5. Conclusions................................................................................................................................... 26
6. Recommendations........................................................................................................................ 28
ANNEXES ............................................................................................................................................... 31
Annex 1: Evaluation TORs......................................................................................................31
Annex 2: Theory of change ....................................................................................................39
Annex 3: Evaluation matrix....................................................................................................40
Annex 4: Data collection instruments....................................................................................43
Annex 5: List of individuals interviewed.................................................................................44
Annex 6: List of documents reviewed ....................................................................................45
Annex 7: Data tables and analysis..........................................................................................49
Annex 8: Management response ...........................................................................................6
Assessing Coimbatore’s enabling framework conditions for subnational climate financing
No full textEnabling framework conditions (EFCs) are essential for scaling subnational climate finance because they provide regulatory clarity, strengthen institutional capacity, mitigate investment risks, promote stakeholder engagement and improve access to finance to support long-term sustainability. By creating a conducive environment for climate finance, EFCs help unlock the potential of state and city entities to drive climate action and contribute to the achievement of climate goals. Such subnational EFCs improve access to finance by creating the right policy environment, strengthening subnational climate data, and ensuring coordination across all levels of government - from state to city level.
This report presents the findings from the EFC assessment of Coimbatore. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) developed a subnational EFC assessment tool under the Urban Act Project in partnership with the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance. This tool evaluates city EFCs against subnational climate finance. As part of the Development Account 16th Tranche Global project (DA16), ESCAP intends to assess and strengthen subnational EFCs and the capacities of cities to drive scalable climate action under DA16 and IKI funded Urban Act Project
Public service technologies and social innovation in Azerbaijan : insights from the bureau of Working Group 2 of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway
No full textIn recent years, Asia-Pacific countries have rapidly advanced toward digital societies, harnessing innovative technologies to boost economic growth and enhance public service delivery. Many nations in the region have effectively integrated cutting-edge tools, such as artificial intelligence and big data, to improve access to reliable public information, strengthen healthcare systems, and expand online learning opportunities.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, several Asia-Pacific countries deployed robust digital government services to disseminate credible information on the virus, vaccinations, treatments, and other medical services while facilitating e-learning. These solutions also provided critical licensing and regulatory information for small businesses and streamlined access to public administration services for citizens.
This policy brief highlights successful government initiatives implemented by the Government of Azerbaijan, offering inspiration and actionable policy insights for other Asia-Pacific countries seeking to enhance their public services. As part of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (APIS)1 Working Group 2 on Digital Technologies and Applications, this brief supports the implementation of the APIS Action Plan 2022-2026.Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 4
FRONTIER GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGIES AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES .......................5
I. The ASAN Service ............................................................................................................................. 5
II. The ASAN service index ...................................................................................................................7
III. The “ASAN Appeal” Information System ........................................................................................8
IV. ASAN payment ............................................................................................................................... 9
V. ASAN Visa ....................................................................................................................................... 9
VI. The "Idea Bank" Platform .............................................................................................................. 10
VII. Business Intelligence (BI) Reporting ............................................................................................11
VIII. The Smart Queue System ............................................................................................................ 12
IX. Public Data Portal ......................................................................................................................... 13
X. Centralized Electronic Document Management System ................................................................15
XI. Artificial Intelligence Applications in Government Services ..........................................................16
LESSONS LEARNED AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR ASIA-PACIFIC COUNTRIES .........................1
A guide on concurrent implementation of national and cross-border paperless trade
No full textThe digital transformation of trade processes through electronic Single Window (SW) systems is essential to enhancing efficiency, reducing administrative costs, and accelerating the movement of goods across borders. However, to realize the full benefits of such digitalization, it is imperative that policymakers ensure that National Single Window (NSW) environments are not only tailored for domestic trade facilitation, but are also designed to enable seamless cross-border interoperability with partner countries.
Interoperability - across organizational, legal, semantic, and technical dimensions - is foundational to achieving a truly paperless trade ecosystem. This guide presents a comprehensive framework for the concurrent implementation of national and cross-border paperless trade systems, highlighting how such an approach can avoid rework, foster collaboration, and create a more integrated digital trade infrastructure.
By addressing national and cross-border paperless requirements from the outset, countries can address regulatory and technical challenges early on, build systems that are mutually compatible, and accelerate the realization of trade facilitation goals. This guide outlines best practices, standards, and a phased implementation strategy that supports the concurrent planning, design, and deployment of interoperable digital trade platforms.
Drawing on real-world case studies from Asia and the Pacific and other regions, this guide illustrates how concurrent implementation is not only feasible but also highly beneficial - especially when aligned with international frameworks such as UN/CEFACT, WCO, IPPC, and the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA). These case studies underscore the importance of integrating interoperability principles from the outset to enable national systems to scale seamlessly into cross-border operations.
The guide serves as a practical roadmap for policymakers, emphasizing the strategic importance of adopting a holistic and interoperable approach to trade digitalization in an increasingly interconnected global economy.Table of Contents
Abstract ..................................................................................................................... iv
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 1
2. Principles of Interoperability in Paperless Trade ............................................. 2
3. Strategic Framework for Concurrent Implementation ..................................... 3
4. Institutional and Legal Readiness for Interoperability .................................... 5
5. Technical and Semantic Foundations for Digital Trade .................................. 7
6. Case Studies ....................................................................................................... 9
6.1. Republic of Korea ........................................................................................ 9
6.2. China ......................................................................................................... 11
6.3. Philippines ................................................................................................. 13
6.4. Pakistan ..................................................................................................... 15
6.5. IPPC ePhyto Solution ................................................................................ 17
6.6. ASEAN Single Window .............................................................................. 19
6.7. Eurasian Economic Union ......................................................................... 21
6.8. European Union ......................................................................................... 23
7. Lessons Learned and Policy Recommendations ........................................... 25
8. Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 27
List of References ................................................................................................... 2
Asia-Pacific sustainable development journal. Vol. 32, No. 1, April 2025
No full textThe focus of this issue of the Asia Pacific Sustainable Development Journal (APSDJ, Vol. 32, Issue 1) is the demographic transition in Asia-Pacific countries and its intergenerational implications. The theme is very timely as countries in Asia and the Pacific – home to close to 60 per cent of the world’s population – are experiencing a rapid demographic transition. In many countries, the number of working-age people is declining, but a large number of persons are reaching old age, often without income or health security. At the same time, the number of children and young people remains high in many countries, making it necessary to forge close relations between different age cohorts. The shift in the population age structure has unfolded at different times and speeds across countries and subregions in Asia and the Pacific. The special theme section of this issue examines the effects of the demographic transition in the region and various intergenerational issues, such as housing, health care, pensions and digital access. By analysing case studies and extant literature, the authors offer practical policy recommendations and guidance, a unique feature of APSDJ. Thus, policymakers, will find this issue to be immensely useful, especially in dealing with matters related to the rapid demographic transition in the region.Editorial
Survey paper
- Protecting our future today: Social protection in Asia and the Pacific / Katinka Weinberger, Areum Han, Sayuri Cocco Okada, Selahattin Selsah Pasali, Stefan Urban, and Zilu Zhou
Special theme: Demographic change and intergenerational relations
-Demographic trends and intergenerational relations in Asia and the Pacific /Sabine Henning and Napaphat Satchanawakul
- Economic consequences of population ageing in the Asia-Pacific region and the role of intergenerational support /Ronald Lee
- Promoting intergenerational solidarity to accelerate attainment of universal health care in Asia and the Pacific /Marco Roncarati
- Co-developing intergenerational living environments /Emi Kiyota and Tan Shi Wei
- Bridging the grey digital divide to foster intergenerational relations in Asia and the Pacific/
Napaphat Satchanawakul
Submitted papers
- Building resilience in mine impacted communities through community capitals: Health service delivery in Papua New Guinea /Dora Kuir-Ayius
- Preference erosion of Philippine exports to China, Japan, and Republic of Korea from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) /Jose Antonio E. Ramirez, Myrene Sabina C. Bedaño, and George N. Manzano
- Barriers and enablers in solar rooftop policy implementation: Views from an actor intermediary perspective /Dipti Gupta, Diptiranjan Mahapatra and Santosh Kumar Prusty
Book review
Bhattacharyya, R., & Dastidar, A. G. (2024). The Indian Economy: Issues, Policies and Performanc
Pan-Asia Partnership for Geospatial Air Pollution information : assessment of air quality remote sensing in Indonesia
No full textAir pollution is a grave concern in Indonesia and the capital city of Jakarta is amongst the most polluted places in the world (AQLI 2023). Exposure to air pollution was associated with nearly 7000 health complications in children and more than 5000 hospitalizations in Jakarta, with its economic burden nearing USD 294 million from 2018 to 2019 (Syuhada et al., 2023). Sources of emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and air pollutants are often collocated. Controlling emissions to mitigate climate change can also invariably lead to air quality improvement.List of Abbreviations............................................................................................................... 4 List of Tables............................................................................................................................ 5 List of Figures........................................................................................................................... 5 I: Air Pollution in Indonesia: Background and Mitigation Strategies............................. 6 II: Existing Use of Remote Sensing for Long-range Transport.......................................... 8 III. Status of Pandora and GEMS..........................................................................................15 Recommendations.................................................................................................................20 References...............................................................................................................................