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The future of digital public services for small and medium-sized enterprises in North and Central Asia : from vision to reality
No full textThe "Future of Digital Public Services for Small and Medium Enterprises in North and Central Asia" APIS working paper series elicits pathways from interactive visioning to reality. This paper captures the findings of the subregional workshop “Capacity Building Workshop on Digital Public Services (DPS) to Enhance the Competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in North and Central Asia (NCA)”, delivered on November 14-15, 2024, Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent. This workshop was part of the ESCAP project framework, funded by the Russian Federation in 2024-2026 and implemented in three pilot countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Policymakers, academia, SMEs, international community and financing institutions of three pilot countries and eminent speakers and practitioners from the Philippines, Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the IsDB shared best practices and showcased innovations. A total of 35 experts from 15 countries in the region contributed to the ideas of the paper to elicit strategic foresight on the future of the digital public services for small and medium-sized enterprises in North and Central Asia. The interactive workshop utilized the prospective and strategic foresight toolbox of Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) to contextualize future data frameworks and technologies for DPS for SMEs. Other methods included building the futures triangle and the change progression scenario method.Russian FederationContents
1. Introduction ..............................................................................................................7
1.1 Background .........................................................................................................7
1.2 Scope of the Paper ...............................................................................................8
1.3 Summary on the Foresight Discussions on Digital Public Service for Small and
Medium-Sized Enterprises in North and Central Asia....................................................8
2. Methodology .............................................................................................................9
2.1 Futures Triangle Construct..................................................................................10
2.2 The Change Progression Scenario Method ...........................................................11
2.3 Causal Layered Analysis.....................................................................................11
3. Findings and Recommendations ..............................................................................13
3.1 Futures Triangle and Causal Layered Analysis ......................................................13
3.2 Recommendations for the Future Regional Digital Public Services for Small and
Medium Enterprises.................................................................................................13
4. Key Messages..........................................................................................................14
5. References .............................................................................................................15
6. Annex: Workshop Proceedings .................................................................................16
6.1 Group 1: Regulators and Policymakers.................................................................16
6.1.1 Metaphor of Group 1 (Regulators and Policymakers).......................................16
6.1.2 Future Triangle by Group 1 (Regulators and Policymakers) ..............................16
6.1.3 Scenarios by Group 1 (Regulators and Policymakers)......................................17
6.1.4 Causal Layered Analysis by Group 1(Regulators and Policymakers) .................18
6.1.5 Recommendations of Group 1 (Regulators and Policymakers).........................18
6.2 Group 2: Service Providers..................................................................................19
6.2.1 Metaphor of Group 2 (Service Providers)........................................................19
6.2.2 Future Triangle by Group 2 (Service Providers)................................................19
6.2.3 Scenarios by Group 2 (Service Providers).......................................................20
6.2.4 Causal Layered Analysis by Group 2 (Service Providers)..................................21
6.2.5 Recommendation of Group 2 (Service Providers)............................................21
6.3 Group 3: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (online group) ................................22
6
6.3.1 Metaphor of Group 3 (SMEs online) ...............................................................22
6.3.2 Future Triangle by Group 3 (SMEs online) .......................................................22
6.3.3 Scenarios by Group 3 (SMEs online) ..............................................................23
6.3.4 Causal Layered Analysis by Group 3 (SMEs online) .........................................24
6.3.5 Recommendation of Group 3 (SMEs online)...................................................24
6.4 Group 4: International Community ......................................................................25
6.4.1 Metaphor of Group 4 (International Community) ............................................25
6.4.2 Future Triangle by Group 4 (International Community) ....................................25
6.4.3 Scenarios by Group 4 (International Community) ...........................................26
6.4.4 Causal Layered Analysis by Group 4 (International Community) ......................26
6.4.5 Recommendation of Group 4 (International Community)................................26
6.5 Preferred Scenario on future of DPS for SMEs in NCA ...........................................2
On the road to the Second World Summit for Social Development : contributions from the United Nations regional commissions
No full textThe present summary synthesizes the key regional insights and policy recommendations presented in the
joint document of the five regional commissions, which will serve as an input for the preparatory process
of the Second World Summit for Social Development. The joint document covers social development
challenges, policy developments and policy lessons in five key areas, namely poverty, inequality, labour
inclusion, education and health, with a gender perspective incorporated throughout.
The joint document underscores the need to strengthen social policies and tailor them to a risk
structure reconfigured by global crises. Alongside high levels of poverty, inequality and informal
employment, profound transformations in demographics, climate, technology and the labour market
are under way. Complementary actions beyond social policy are also needed, as progress is equally
crucial in the economic and environmental dimensions. Regional frameworks and agreements have
been instrumental in driving social policy change and must continue to be leveraged, including in
the universalization of social protection systems and in the areas of migration, labour inclusion,
taxation and resource management, to achieve shared growth and stability.Contents
Summary..........................................................................................................................................................................................7
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................................15
I. Africa...........................................................................................................................................................................................17
A. Main social development challenges...............................................................................................................................................................18
1. Poverty in Africa is pervasive, with rural areas and children bearing the brunt..............................................18
2. High levels of inequality exacerbate the impacts of widespread poverty...........................................................20
3. To build an inclusive society, Africa requires a healthy and a well-educated labour force...................22
4. A poorly prepared workforce faces challenges in the labour market......................................................................23
B. Policy developments and best practices to respond to the challenges........................................................................25
C. Policy lessons for the future......................................................................................................................................................................................27
Bibliography....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................28
II. Latin America and the Caribbean...........................................................................................................................31
A. Main social development challenges..............................................................................................................................................................32
1. Poverty and extreme poverty.........................................................................................................................................................................32
2. Inequality and low social mobility and cohesion.........................................................................................................................33
3. Labour inclusion........................................................................................................................................................................................................34
4. Health....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................36
5. Education..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................37
6. Social protection........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 38
B. Recent policy developments and best practices to respond to social
development challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................39
1. Poverty and extreme poverty.........................................................................................................................................................................39
2. Inequality............................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
3. Labour inclusion........................................................................................................................................................................................................42
4. Health...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................43
5. Education.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................43
C. Policy lessons and recommendations for the future......................................................................................................................44
Bibliography.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................47
III. Asia and the Pacific ..........................................................................................................................................................51
A. Main social development challenges..............................................................................................................................................................52
1. Poverty.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................52
2. Inequality..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................54
3. Labour markets...........................................................................................................................................................................................................55
4. Social protection.........................................................................................................................................................................................................57
5. Health....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................59
6. Education.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................60
B. Recent policy developments and best practices to respond to the challenges
of social development.....................................................................................................................................................................................................61
1. Progress in implementing nationally appropriate social protection systems
and measures and good practices ............................................................................................................................................................61
2. Active and healthy ageing policies and stronger intergenerational relations.................................................62
3. Creating safe, orderly and regular migration..................................................................................................................................63
4. Investment in the care economy ...............................................................................................................................................................63
5. Promotion of gender equality in education....................................................................................................................................64
C. Policy lessons for the future and gaps to address in addition to new
and emerging challenges..........................................................................................................................................................................................65
Bibliography.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................67
IV. Arab region............................................................................................................................................................................69
A. Main social development challenges...............................................................................................................................................................71
1. Poverty and extreme poverty..........................................................................................................................................................................71
2. Inequality...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................72
3. Labour inclusion.........................................................................................................................................................................................................75
4. Health....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................77
5. Education..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................79
B. Recent policy developments and best practices to respond to the challenges
of social development...................................................................................................................................................................................................80
1. Poverty and extreme poverty........................................................................................................................................................................80
2. Inequality............................................................................................................................................................................................................................81
3. Labour inclusion........................................................................................................................................................................................................82
4. Health...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................83
5. Education.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................84
C. Policy lessons for the future.....................................................................................................................................................................................85
1. Poverty and extreme poverty........................................................................................................................................................................85
2. Inequality..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................86
3. Labour inclusion........................................................................................................................................................................................................86
4. Health...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................87
5. Education.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................87
Bibliography....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................88
V. United Nations Econonomic Commission for Europe (UNECE) region..................................... 89
A. Main social development challenges.............................................................................................................................................................90
1. Poverty and extreme poverty........................................................................................................................................................................90
2. Inequality............................................................................................................................................................................................................................91
3. Labour inclusion.........................................................................................................................................................................................................93
4. Health...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................94
5. Education..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................95
6. Pensions............................................................................................................................................................................................................................96
7. Social protection coverage of households and children.....................................................................................................96
B. Recent policy developments and best practices to respond to the challenges
of social development....................................................................................................................................................................................................97
1. Poverty and extreme poverty.........................................................................................................................................................................97
2. Inequality..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................98
3. Labour inclusion........................................................................................................................................................................................................99
4. Health.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................100
5. Education.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................101
C. Policy lessons for the future...................................................................................................................................................................................102
Bibliography...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................103
VI. Issues, recommendations and guidelines in preparation
for the Second World Summit for Social Development.......................................................................107
A. Persistent obstacles and new challenges for inclusive social development...........................................................108
B. From the “whats” to the “hows”: 10 strategic guidelines on the road
to the Second World Summit for Social Development...............................................................................................................109
1. A world free from hunger and poverty is possible: social protection systems
are fundamental......................................................................................................................................................................................................109
2. Inequality is the elephant in the room: reducing it requires comprehensive policies............................110
3. Care policies must be built into the design of social protection systems
as a way of moving towards gender equality.................................................................................................................................110
4. Transforming education and vocational training systems is required for multiple
productive, well-being and social objectives..................................................................................................................................110
5. Universal health coverage is a key public good............................................................................................................................111
6. Integrated employment and labour inclusion strategies to overcome poverty
and reduce inequalities.......................................................................................................................................................................................111
7. An inclusive digital transformation...........................................................................................................................................................111
8. Strengthening institutional capacities and frameworks for social policy
is essential to implement inclusive social development policies................................................................................112
9. Efforts to secure progress towards inclusive social development demand global,
regional and national commitments....................................................................................................................................................112
10. Financing for development: the role of global and national fiscal compacts................................................112
Bibliography....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
On the road to equality : gender, transport and economic empowerment in India
No full textThis paper examines the multifaceted challenges women face in accessing safe and equitable employment opportunities within the Indian transport sector. The findings underscore the low participation of women in the transport workforce, attributing it to persistent societal biases, safety concerns stemming from harassment and violence on public transport, and a lack of decent working conditions. These conditions include the absence of formal contracts, paid leave, social security benefits, and even basic facilities like clean restrooms. Despite these challenges, the sources identify various government policies and initiatives that strive to improve women's access to transport sector jobs by relaxing eligibility criteria, offering training, and enhancing security measures. However, the sources also acknowledge the limitations of existing programs, advocating for more comprehensive efforts that address deeply ingrained social norms that discourage women's participation in non-traditional roles. This abstract concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued research, policy interventions, and advocacy to promote gender equality and create a safer, more inclusive environment for women in the Indian transport sector.
To build the evidence base for this study, a range of stakeholders have been interviewed, ranging from transport officials to women workers from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the Delhi Transport Corporation, and the Azad Foundation, among others. Case studies have also been collected from across India, including Bangalore, Karnataka, Kerala, Hyderabad, Jharkhand, Punjab, Odisha, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu
Presentation. Digitalization : the main direction of development. 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 textYOUTH4JET: Youth as Partners in Achieving SDG7 - A Guide for Youth Engagement in Asia-Pacific’s Just Energy Transition
No full textA Guide for Youth Engagement in Asia-Pacific’s Just Energy Transition, examines the critical
role of youth in advancing a JET, with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region. The analysis is based
on a mixed-methods approach combining desk research and interviews with young people predominantly
aged 21–25 from youth organisations and NGOs, and addresses three priority areas:
– The current landscape of youth engagement in the energy sector
– Key enablers and barriers impacting youth participation
– Actionable recommendations for stakeholders to foster meaningful youth involvemen
Presentation. Digital connectivity along transit corridors (UNECE) : experience sharing. Twentieth Session of the SPECA Working Group on Trade
No full textPresentation. Utilization of digital technologies in the environmental field (Water Resources) in the Korea. 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 textSatGPT for Volcanic Hazards: Exploring the Integration of AI-driven Approaches and Geospatial Data for Managing Volcanic Hazards
No full textVolcanic eruptions are infrequent compared to other natural hazards but can cause severe societal impacts. Since volcanic activity unfolds on timescales far longer than human lifetimes, long periods of inactivity result in the lack of awareness and preparedness of at-risk communities and institutions to urgently and effectively respond to the impacts of volcanic hazards. Reducing these impacts will require three key priorities: enhancing risk awareness, preparedness, and accessibility of risk information. This working paper presents a new design and approach for volcanic risk management that builds on the existing SatGPT infrastructure of ESCAP to design and conceptualize a prototype for communicating volcanic risks and supporting evidence-based decision-making. SatGPT is an AI-driven geospatial tool that provides rapid, cost-effective and accessible historical flood mapping and risk assessment. The proposed SatGPT for volcanic hazards aims to make information related to volcanic hazards easy-to-understand and accessible to local communities and leverages existing geospatial information in enabling local governments and infrastructure operators to formulate emergency response strategies even with limited technical expertise for volcanic hazards. The proposed design and structure for this iteration of SatGPT for volcanic hazards is comprised of the following components: (i) raising public awareness, (ii) mapping disaster risks, and (iii) supporting emergency response
Mitigating urban methane emissions : strategies and actions in Asia and the Pacific
No full textUrbanisation has significantly transformed societies and economies worldwide. In Asia and the Pacific, the urban population increased from 34 per cent in 1960 to 58 per cent in 2024, growing at an average of 2.4 per cent annually, compared to the global average of about 2.8 per cent. At the same time, urbanisation has led to an increase in methane emissions from the waste sector. Over the past fifty years, global methane emissions from the waste sector have grown at an average rate of 1.25 per cent each year. On a global scale, in 2024, the solid waste sector remains the largest source, accounting for about 60 per cent. In Asia and the Pacific, waste production is expected to rise, with total methane emissions reaching 25 million tonnes in 2024. Conversely, the main sources are wastewater, contributing 15,466 ktCH4 (61 per cent), and solid waste, adding 8,558 ktCH4 (34 per cent). This technical paper concludes with five strategic pillars to help policymakers turn global methane reduction commitments into effective urban measures.Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) for fundingTable of Contents
Acknowledgement........................................................................................................................... i
Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................. ii
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... iv
1. Urban Expansion and Municipal Solid Waste on the Rise .......................................................1
1.1 Urban Growth in Asia and the Pacific: A Rise to Watch ............................................................ 1
1.2 Trends in Waste: A Growing Urban Challenge............................................................................. 3
2. Methane Emissions Implications of Urbanisation and Waste ................................................5
2.1 Methane’s Contributions to the Change of the Global Surface Air Temperature................... 5
2.2 Methane Emissions from Waste: A Global Overview................................................................. 6
2.3 Methane Emissions from Waste: An Overview of Asia and the Pacific .................................. 7
2.3.1 Methane Emissions by Waste Subsector....................................................................8
2.3.2 Methane Emissions by Sub-Region and by Economic Group..................................10
2.4 Methane Emissions Mitigation Potential ..................................................................................12
3. Urban Methane from Waste: Climate Policies and Initiatives ..............................................14
3.1 Urban Methane Climate Policies ................................................................................................14
3.1.1 Global Initiatives..........................................................................................................14
3.1.2 Transforming Global Climate Commitments into National Agenda .......................16
3.1.3 From National to City and Sectoral Policy.................................................................17
3.1.4 Policy Instruments ......................................................................................................17
3.1.5 Blind Spots in the Methane Agenda ..........................................................................18
4. Urban-Methane Mitigation: Turning Strategies into Climate Action .....................................20
4.1 Wastewater Management............................................................................................................20
4.2 Solid Waste: Food and Organic Waste Management and Plastic Waste Management.....20
4.2.1 Food and Organic Waste Management.....................................................................23
4.2.2 Plastic Waste Management.......................................................................................25
4.3 Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV).....................................................................28
4.3.1 Emission Inventories vs. Direct Monitoring ..............................................................29
4.3.2 Monitoring Technologies: From Conventional to Advanced....................................30
4.4 Collaboration Enhancing Waste Management..........................................................................33
5. Recommendations and the Way Forward...............................................................................34
References ....................................................................................................................................3