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Presentation. РАСШИРЕНИЕ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИХ ВОЗМОЖНОСТЕЙ ЖЕНЩИН В ЦИФРОВОЙ СРЕДЕ. Subregional Workshop on Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Development with a focus on Digital Public Services for SMEs in North and Central Asia
No full textLeaving no one behind : Bangladesh country brief
No full textLeaving No One Behind (LNOB) tool helps discover how different circumstances interact to create unequal access to basic opportunities in Asia and the Pacific. The LNOB country brief for Bangladesh provides insights into which groups are further ahead and further behind in various SDG indicators and where the biggest gaps are found in terms of access to opportunities or prevalence of barriers between the furthest behind and the furthest ahead groups in Bangladesh.</p
Landscape study of inclusive business in the Lao People's Democratic Republic
No full textThis landscape study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of inclusive businesses and, more broadly, social enterprises in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities for fostering inclusive business practices in the country. The study portrays several IB models already operating in Lao PDR and analyzes the enabling environment in which they operate. Based on this analysis, several recommendations have been put forward for promoting IB models in Lao. Chapter 2 of this study explains the concept of inclusive business in more detail. Chapter 3 highlights market opportunities for inclusive business in Lao PDR. Chapter 4 provides an overview of inclusive business ecosystem Lao PDR, including the opportunities and challenges for growth.
Chapter 5 assesses the environment in which these firms operate. Chapter 6 provides strategic recommendations to promote inclusive business in Lao PDR, and Chapter 7 presents the conclusions of this report.Executive Summary
1. Introduction
2. Understanding inclusive business
2.1 Defining inclusive businesses
2.2 Characteristics of inclusive business
2.3 Types of inclusive business
2.4 Similarities and differences between inclusive business, corporate social responsibility, social enterprises and mainstream businesses
3. Market opportunities for inclusive business in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
3.1 Poverty and the base of the economic pyramid in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
3.2 Unaddressed needs in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
3.3 Strategic opportunities for inclusive business
4. The inclusive business ecosystem in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
4.1 The role of the government: Policies and regulations promoting inclusive businesses
4.2 The private sector
4.3 Investment and financing landscape
4.4 Capacity-building
5. Landscape of inclusive business in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
5.1 Methodology
5.2 Key findings of landscape study
5.3 Opportunities and challenges for the advancement of inclusive businesses in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
6. Strategic recommendations for promoting inclusive business
6.1 Establish a clear strategy and champions to promote inclusive businesses
6.2 Build awareness about inclusive business models
6.3 Support businesses seeking to develop and expand their IB models
6.4 Facilitate access to finance for IB models
6.5 Promote impact measurement and reporting
6.6 Recognize IB models through IB accreditation or registration
7. Conclusion
The Inclusive Business case for governments
No full textGovernments around the world are facing critical challenges. In emerging economies, growing populations and inequality highlight the need for an inclusive growth approach that leaves no one behind and enables people to have access to goods, services and economic opportunities that allow them to meet their basic needs and fulfil their potential as human beings. As of 2023, more than 23 per cent of the world’s population lives on less than USD 3.65 per day, and 45.9 per cent live on less than USD 6.85 a day.1 The COVID-19 pandemic has reversed progress in poverty reduction across developing countries in Asia and the Pacific.
In 2022, adverse impacts including falling incomes, remittances and consumption, have driven nearly 90 million people into extreme poverty (less than USD 1.90 per day). An additional 150 million individuals now live on less than USD 3.20 per day, and 170 million on USD 5.50 a day.
This report makes the case for governments to support inclusive business as a private sector approach to reduce inequality, alleviate poverty and strengthen economic development along the following lines:
Chapter 1 establishes the benefits of inclusive business. It features examples of companies contributing to poverty reduction and to improving the access of low-income people to basic goods and services, as well as to innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Chapter 2 argues that although profitable business models exist, the market conditions are often challenging. Incentives and support by the government can attract more players into the market and enable existing businesses to increase their reach and impact.
Chapter 3 discusses the measures governments can take to promote inclusive businesses, and provides examples from ASEAN Member States.
Chapter 4 shows how governments can get ready to support inclusive business by creating awareness, building skills and leveraging networks
Climate-related disclosure guideline for Mongolian financial institutions : learning by doing
No full textMongolia’s financial sector faces growing physical and transition risks from climate change, underscoring the urgent need for robust climate disclosure and reporting practices. This guide supports financial institutions in embedding climate considerations into governance, strategy, and risk management systems, enabling them to better assess portfolio resilience and safeguard against financial losses. Drawing on international best practices such as TCFD and IFRS standards, the guide provides practical, step-by-step approaches for implementing climate-related disclosures, from data collection and scenario analysis to stakeholder engagement and target-setting. It also highlights current initiatives in Mongolia, offers case studies to demonstrate how institutions are operationalizing disclosure, and outlines tools to measure emissions, evaluate climate risks and opportunities, and align with commitment to the Paris Agreement, the country’s Vision 2050 and achieving the country’s sustainable finance roadmap. By bridging global frameworks with Mongolia’s local context, this publication aims to equip financial institutions with the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen resilience and contribute to a more sustainable financial system.NDC Partnership1. INTRODUCTION 10
1.1. Importance of Climate-related Disclosures 12
1.2. Different Climate-related Disclosure Frameworks 12
1.3. Costs and Benefits of Climate Disclosure and Reporting 18
1.4. Current Initiatives and Practices in Mongolia 20
2. HOW TO USE THE GUIDELINES 24
2.1. General Considerations 24
2.2. Purpose of the Guidelines and the Target Audience 25
2.3. How Climate-related Disclosure Aligns with Sustainability Reporting 25
3. HOW TO DISCLOSE 26
Step 3.1: Establish a Dedicated Reporting Team 27
Step 3.2: Secure Senior-Level Commitment 28
Step 3.3: Conduct a Materiality Assessment 29
Step 3.4: Planning & Data Collection 30
Step 3.5: Engage Stakeholders 31
Step 3.6: Publish and Reflect 31
4. WHAT TO DISCLOSE 32
4.1. Climate Governance 35
4.2. Climate Strategy 38
4.3. Climate Risk Management 39
4.3.1. Identifying Physical Risks – Approaches and Methodologies 42
4.3.2. Identifying Transition Risks - Approaches and Methodologies 43
4.3.3. Identifying Global and Local Climate Data Sources 45
4.3.4. Scenario selection 47
4.3.5. Scenario analysis 48
4.3.6. Transition Plans 50
4.3.7. Adaptation and Resilience Plans 57
4.3.8. Assessing Climate-Related Risks and their Financial Impacts 58
4.4. Climate Opportunities 58
4.5. Metrics and Targets 58
4.5.1. Reporting on Scope 1, 2 and 3 64
4.5.2 Calculating Emissions 67
4.5.3. Assets and Activities Vulnerable to Climate-related Transition Risks 67
4.5.4. Assets and Activities Vulnerable to Climate-related Physical Risks 67
4.5.5. Assets or Business Activities Aligned with Climate-related Opportunities 68
4.5.6. Capital deployment towards Climate-related Risks and Opportunities 69
4.5.7. Internal Carbon Prices 70
4.5.8. Setting Climate-Related Targets – NDC and Sustainable Finance Roadmap Aligned Targets 70
5. CONCLUSIONS 74
6. ANNEXES 75
6.1. Example Outline of Climate Report 75
6.2. Additional resources, tools, links, training programs 77
6.3. Key Requirements of TCFD, ISSB of IFRS, and ESRS 78
6.4. TCFD Thematic Areas 82
6.5. IFRS S1 and S2 Requirements 8
Unlocking potential for productive sectors in Solomon Islands : challenges, opportunities and policy considerations
No full textThis paper was jointly commissioned by the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination, Solomon Islands, and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). It benefited from valuable inputs from various national stakeholders, the Ministry and ESCAP staff, and consultancy services provided by Nelson Ari.Solomon Islands is navigating the challenges and opportunities associated with its transition from least developed country status to an anticipated graduation set for the end of 2027. This transition presents risks and potential for the country, particularly in the context of losing certain international trade privileges. To ensure a smooth and sustainable transition, the country must strategically enhance its productive capacities across key
sectors − forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. In this study, untapped potential in
other productive sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism are identified, and the
need to address policy gaps, strengthen governance, and build capacity to achieve economic diversification and growth is stressed. The suggested interventions that are focused on the short- to medium-term offer a road map for a smooth transition from least development country status, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth to prepare the country for its post-least developed country future
Femtech in South-East Asia : unlocking innovation for women's health
No full textFemtech in South-East Asia: Unlocking innovation for women’s healthWomen’s health remains significantly underserved in South-East Asia, with persistent gaps in access, awareness, and quality of care carrying substantial social and economic costs. Femtech, encompassing technology-enabled products and services addressing women’s health needs across the life course, presents a rapidly growing opportunity to improve health outcomes while supporting inclusive economic development. South-East Asia is the fastest-growing femtech market globally, driven by high adoption rates, a strong presence of women-led enterprises, and an expanding ecosystem of innovators, investors, and support programmes.
This report examines the femtech landscape in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam, highlighting market trends, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, and the evolving support ecosystem. It identifies key challenges facing femtech founders, including limited access to finance, low awareness and persistent stigma, marketing constraints linked to content moderation, and gaps in tailored ecosystem support. Drawing on these findings, the report presents strategic recommendations for governments, investors, and ecosystem actors to strengthen enabling environments for femtech innovation. By addressing these barriers, South-East Asia has the potential to position itself as a global leader in femtech, advancing women’s health, empowerment, and inclusive growth.Table of Contents
Executive summary ....................................................................................................................iv
Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................ix
Abbreviations and acronyms ..................................................................................................... x
1. The Women’s Health Imperative .......................................................................................... 1
2. What is Femtech? ................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Spotlight on AI in femtech ............................................................................................... 7
3. Research statement and methodology ............................................................................. 10
4. Femtech in South-East Asia................................................................................................. 13
4.1 Femtech usage in South-East Asia................................................................................ 13
4.2 The femtech landscape in South-East Asia.................................................................. 15
4.3 The support ecosystem for femtech founders in South-East Asia ........................... 18
4.4 Femtech investors in South-East Asia .......................................................................... 21
4.5 Emerging trends and priorities..................................................................................... 25
5. Challenges of femtech founders in South-East Asia ........................................................ 28
5.1 Access to finance and investment................................................................................ 28
5.2 Awareness and stigma................................................................................................... 32
5.3 Marketing and social media censoring ........................................................................ 33
5.4 Ecosystem support......................................................................................................... 34
6. Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 35
6.1 Strengthen research, data availability and data governance.................................... 36
6.2 Increase awareness of women’s health topics and the femtech sector .................. 38
6.3 Support sector-specific incubators and accelerators and support networks ......... 39
6.4 Promote gender equality in investment...................................................................... 42
6.5 Scale up innovative financing for women’s health solutions .................................... 43
6.6 Integrate femtech in government strategies .............................................................. 44
Business Case Studies.............................................................................................................. 47
Ovy Health (formerly PLans)................................................................................................ 47
Ira Concept ............................................................................................................................ 4