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Leaving no one behind : Azerbaijan 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 Azerbaijan 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 Azerbaijan
Asia-Pacific Quarterly Economic Update, May 2025
No full textHighlights
• Several Asia-Pacific developing economies grew more slowly in Q1/2025 amid surging global economic and policy uncertainties.
• Declining global commodity prices have enabled further interest rate reductions and would have varied economic impacts across countries and households.
• Although trade tensions between China and the United States seem to have eased for now, there is considerable uncertainty, with near-term economic prospects clouded by several downside risks.
• Special topic: Rising trade protectionism in the United States is likely to disproportionately hurt poorer Asia-Pacific countries, with significant broader implications in the long term
Leaving no one behind : the role of social protection for inclusive and sustainable growth in middle-income countries
No full textThis report “Leaving No One Behind: The Role of Social Protection for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Middle-Income Countries” draws on background analysis in preparation for, as well as outcomes of discussions during the High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries (HLC-MICs) in Manilla (28 – 29. April 2025) and in line with the Rabat Declaration on Middle-Income Countries. It outlines trends in poverty and inequality in Asia and the Pacific and highlights the importance of social protection to enable equitable, inclusive, and just transition pathways for sustainable growth and development.
The report examines the persistent and emerging vulnerabilities in the region across middle-income countries, focusing on poverty, inequality, and the role of social protection in addressing these challenges. It highlights how interconnected crises—such as climate change, demographic shifts, and digitalization—are exacerbating social and economic disparities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. The report emphasizes the need to strengthen investment into inclusive and comprehensive social protection systems to build resilience and promote equitable growth.
The following chapters provide a multidimensional analysis of poverty and inequality trends, assesses social protection coverage gaps, and explores policy responses. It presents best practices from middle-income countries and outlines actionable policy recommendations to enhance social protection frameworks. Through forward-looking scenarios, it offers insights into the future of social protection, underscoring the importance of long-term investments to ensure sustainable and inclusive development for Middle-Income countries in the region.Background 3
1. Poverty and inequality amid complex crisis in Asia and the Pacific 4
2. Vulnerabilities amid megatrends 8
2.1. Climate change 8
2.2. Ageing population 9
2.3. Uneven digitalization 10
3. The state of social protection in Asia and the Pacific 11
4. Policy actions in middle-income countries to extend social protection to all 16
4.1. Legislative and policy framework 16
4.2. Building universal, life cycle and multi-pillar social protection systems 17
4.3. Institutional mechanisms 20
4.4. Funding pathways 22
5. Financing social protection 23
6. Strengthening social protection systems in MICs 2
Roadmap for the digitalization on multimodal data and document exchange along the trans-caspian transport corridor using United Nations legal instruments and standards
No full textAssessment of the Third Ministerial Conference on Civi Registration and Vital Statistics in Asia and the Pacific
No full textThe Third Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Asia and the Pacific concluded with:
- Ministers and officials from the Asia Pacific region pledged to ensure every birth and death is registered by 2030
- A Ministerial Declaration that charts a roadmap for inclusive, and resilient civil registration system
Women migrant workers from Central Asia to the Russian Federation : trends, challenges and prospects
No full textThe paper discusses migration trends of female labor migrants from Central Asia to the Russian Federation. Due to the limited public availability of official sex-disaggregated data, it uses surveys to discuss the countries of origin, employment and education levels of male and female migrants, reasons for migration, as well as specific challenges faced by female migrants. The paper recommends closing data gaps in official statistics to design evidence-based policies addressing the specific challenges faced by female migrants
Digital trade regulatory review for ASEAN, 2025
No full textThe Digital Trade Regulatory Review for ASEAN is a joint publication by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The report represents a significant step toward enhancing the understanding of the digital trade policy environment across ASEAN member states. It offers an overview of their digital trade policy landscape based on data as of 2025. The data collection and analysis are based on the ESCAP-ECA-ECLAC common framework outlined in the Regional Digital Trade Integration Index 2.1: A Guide. The report provides examples of successful regulatory integration initiatives in ASEAN and proposes recommendations for enhancing digital trade integration among the ASEAN member states.
For more information, please visit Initiative on Digital Trade Regulatory Integration.Foreword ..................................................................................................................................II
Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................III
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... IV
Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................................. VI
Executive Summary .............................................................................................................. VIII
Chapter 1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2 Digital trade policy environment in ASEAN ...................................................... 9
2.1 Overview of digital trade policy environment in ASEAN .......................................... 10
2.2 Regulatory landscape by policy areas ..................................................................... 13
A. Measures related to traditional policies......................................................... 13
B. Measures related to domestic regulations..................................................... 19
C. Measures related to digital governance policies ............................................ 27
2.3. Building momentum for ASEAN digital trade integration ...................................... 38
Chapter 3 Digital Regulatory Integration and Collaboration in ASEAN .............................43
3.1 Overview of ASEAN’s regulatory integration and collaboration journey ................. 44
3.2 Successful regulatory integration and collaboration initiatives in ASEAN .............. 45
Case Study 1: Accelerating digital trade integration and collaboration through the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) ........................................................................... 45
Case Study 2: Implementation of interoperable cross-border digital payment in ASEAN ............................................................................................................ 46
Case Study 3: Establishment of an ASEAN Regionally Comparable and Recognized Unique Business Identification Numbers (UBIN) ................................................ 46
Case Study 4: ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (ASEAN DEFA), an agreement that transform ASEAN digital regulatory integration and collaboration ....................................................................................................................... 47
3.3 Lessons Learned ...................................................................................................... 48
Chapter 4 Policy Recommendations ..............................................................................49
References ............................................................................................................................. 5
Blue jobs for marine conservation in ASEAN
No full textThis policy brief builds on 2025 Asia-Pacific SDG Partnership Report: Delivering a Just Transition: Advancing Decent Work, Gender Equality and Social Protection.This policy brief explores the potential of blue jobs—employment opportunities that support marine conservation and sustainable ocean economies—in the ASEAN region. It highlights the importance of transitioning to a blue economy that is environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically resilient. The brief outlines key sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, maritime transport, and offshore renewable energy, and identifies challenges including overfishing, pollution, lack of decent work, and limited access to finance and markets for small-scale enterprises.
Key recommendations include:
Supporting small-scale fisheries and aquaculture through cooperatives, eco-labeling, and infrastructure.
Promoting sustainable tourism and eco-tourism.
Scaling nature-based solutions (NbS) for conservation and job creation.
- Building “blue skills” through vocational and technical training.
- Expanding social protection for informal workers.
- Leveraging technology and innovation for efficiency and sustainability.
- Mobilizing sustainable finance, including blue bonds and payment for ecosystem services.
The brief emphasizes that a coordinated, inclusive, and well-financed approach is essential to unlock the full potential of blue jobs in ASEAN.1. Introduction
2. The Ocean Economy and Jobs in ASEAN
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Marine Tourism
- Maritime Transportation
- Offshore Renewable Energy
3. Challenges
- Unsustainable Practices
- Lack of Market Access
- Insufficient Decent Work and Social Protection
4. Solutions and Policy Considerations
- Support for Small-Scale Fisheries
- Emerging Industries (Seaweed, Circular Economy)
- Sustainable Tourism and Eco-Tourism
- Nature-Based Solutions
- Skills Development
- Social Protection
- Technology and Innovation
- Sustainable Finance
5. Conclusion
6. Endnote
2024-2025 sustainable maritime connectivity report in Asia and the Pacific : connecting the Pacific, a voyage towards sustainable development
No full textThis report aims to analyze the current state of development in the shipping and ports sector, identify key policy issues, and provide insights for advancing regional connectivity while effectively implementing the SDGs and ESCAP's Regional Action Programme for Sustainable Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific (2022–2026). To provide actionable insights, the report reviews strategies from international organizations and national governments, offering recommendations for sustainable and inclusive shipping and port development.
This year’s edition highlights the Pacific subregion, addressing connectivity, port development, and regional cooperation to promote resilient maritime practices.Financial support and technical contributions are from KMI1. INTRODUCTION 2
1.1. Background 2
1.2. Overview of ESCAP Regional Action Programme (2022-2026) 3
1.3. Direction and Scope of the Report 4
2. ASIA-PACIFIC IN THE GLOBAL MARITIME TRANSPORT: Trends and Outlook 6
2.1. Economic Development and Trade 6
2.1.1. Global Economic Trends and Outlook 6
2.1.2. Asia-Pacific Economic Trends and Outlook 8
2.1.3. Global Trade Structure and Patterns 9
2.1.4. Trade Structure and Patterns in the Asia-Pacific 9
2.2. Seaborne Trade Trend and Shipping Market 13
2.2.1. International Seaborne Trade Trend 13
2.2.2. Asia-Pacific Seaborne Trade Trend 14
2.2.3. Current Status and Outlook of the Global Shipping Market 34
2.2.3. Linear Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI) analysis 40
2.3. Container Port traffic and port services 43
2.3.1. Container Port Throughput 43
2.3.2. Port service indicators: Berth productivity 47
2.4. Outlook Summary for shipping and ports in the Asia-Pacific region 51
3. TRANSFORMING MARITIME TRANSPORT IN ASIA-PACIFIC: Decarbonization and
sustainability challenges 54
3.1. Sustainability: Maritime Decarbonization 54
3.1.1. Global Regulations and Cooperation Trends in Maritime Decarbonization 54
3.1.2. Advancing Green Shipping Corridors 60
3.1.3. Regional Initiatives and Collaborative Efforts for Maritime Decarbonization 70
3.2. Adaptability: Climate Change and Resilience 73
3.2.1. Climate Change and Port Resilience 73
3.2.2. Current Status of Climate Change Affecting Ports 73
3.2.3. Impact of Climate Change on Port Operations 74
3.2.4. Climate Change Response in Ports 75
3.3. Innovation: Maritime Digitalization and Smart Port 76
3.3.1. Digital Transformation in Maritime Transport 76
3.3.2. Autonomous Ship Technology Development 77
3.3.3. Port Digitalization and Smart Port 79
3.3.4. International Cooperation for Maritime Transport Digitalization 81
3.4. Decent Work: Human Capacity Building & Equality 84
3.4.1. Global and Asia-Pacific Seafarer Workforce Status and Supply-Demand Trends 84
3.4.2. International Initiatives for Strengthening Maritime Transport Workforce Capacity 86
4. CLOSING MARITIME CONNECTIVITY GAPS: the Case of the Pacific Small
Island Developing States 91
4.1. Status and features of the shipping and port sector 91
4.1.1. Overview of the Regional Status of Pacific Island Countries 91
4.1.2. Shipping and ports status by states, non-self-governing-territories and territories 94
4.2. Key Challenges in Achieving Sustainable Shipping and Port Development in Pacific Island Countries
118
4.2.1. Maritime Transport Infrastructure 119
4.2.2. Logistics Competitiveness (Connectivity level) 120
4.2.3. Green Shipping & Resilience 121
4.2.4. Human Capacity 124
4.3. Key Strategies in Achieving Sustainable Shipping and Port Development in Pacific Island Countries
125
4.3.1. Developing Maritime Transport Infrastructure 125
4.3.2. Strengthening Maritime Connectivity 127
4.3.3. Promoting Green Shipping & Resilience 128
4.3.4. Developing Human Capacity 131
4.4. Analysis by Key Topics for Enhancing Maritime Connectivity in the Pacific Region 132
4.4.1. Regional Cooperation for Maritime Decarbonization in the Pacific region 132
4.4.2. Port traffic estimating in the Pacific Island countries using AIS data 135
4.4.3. Assessing and improving the Central Pacific Shipping Commission (CPSC) System 143
4.4.4. Energy Transition in Pacific Ports: A Focus on Solar Power 148
5. KEY FINDINGS AND POLICY RECOMMENDATION FOR A MORE
SUSTAINABLE MARITIME CONNECTIVITY IN ASIA AND THE
PACIFIC REGION 152
5.1. Key findings of the Report 152
5.2. Summary of Trends and Policy Directions in Maritime Transport in the Asia-Pacific Region
155
5.2.1. Increasing Importance and Uncertainty 155
5.2.2. Opportunities for Digital Transformation 156
5.2.3. Decarbonization Efforts and Related Uncertainty 156
5.2.4. Growing Disparities in Maritime Connectivity 157
5.3. Policy Recommendations for Policymakers in the Asia-Pacific Region 158
5.3.1. Efficient Maritime Connectivity 158
5.3.2. Resilient Maritime Connectivity 160
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4.2.3. Green Shipping & Resilience 121
4.2.4. Human Capacity 124
4.3. Key Strategies in Achieving Sustainable Shipping and Port Development in Pacific Island Countries
125
4.3.1. Developing Maritime Transport Infrastructure 125
4.3.2. Strengthening Maritime Connectivity 127
4.3.3. Promoting Green Shipping & Resilience 128
4.3.4. Developing Human Capacity 131
4.4. Analysis by Key Topics for Enhancing Maritime Connectivity in the Pacific Region 132
4.4.1. Regional Cooperation for Maritime Decarbonization in the Pacific region 132
4.4.2. Port traffic estimating in the Pacific Island countries using AIS data 135
4.4.3. Assessing and improving the Central Pacific Shipping Commission (CPSC) System 143
4.4.4. Energy Transition in Pacific Ports: A Focus on Solar Power 148
5. KEY FINDINGS AND POLICY RECOMMENDATION FOR A MORE
SUSTAINABLE MARITIME CONNECTIVITY IN ASIA AND THE
PACIFIC REGION 152
5.1. Key findings of the Report 152
5.2. Summary of Trends and Policy Directions in Maritime Transport in the Asia-Pacific Region
155
5.2.1. Increasing Importance and Uncertainty 155
5.2.2. Opportunities for Digital Transformation 156
5.2.3. Decarbonization Efforts and Related Uncertainty 156
5.2.4. Growing Disparities in Maritime Connectivity 157
5.3. Policy Recommendations for Policymakers in the Asia-Pacific Region 158
5.3.1. Efficient Maritime Connectivity 158
5.3.2. Resilient Maritime Connectivity 160
5.3.3. Environmentally Sustainable Maritime Connectivity 161
5.3.4. Inclusive and Safe Maritime Connectivity 162
5.3.5. Policy Recommendations for Pacific Island Maritime Transport Policymakers 162
5.4. ESCAP’s Short-Term Action Plan for Enhancing Maritime Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific
Region (2025–2026) 163
Annex I. Inland Waterway Transport on the Mekong River 166
Annex II. Decarbonization in Ports: The Importance of Ports, Challenges
Faced, and the Role of Cooperation 172
Annex III.Maritime Transport Database in the Asia-Pacific Region 176
References 18
Regional Digital Trade Integration Index (RDTII) 2.1 economy profiles 2025
No full textThis ESCAP publication provides digital trade policy profiles of 48 Asia-Pacific economies, included in the ESCAP Regional Digital Trade Integration Index (RDTII 2.1). The report offers an overview of the policy landscape, outlining both enabling policies and challenges to digital trade integration. Additionally, it highlights new policy measures, proposals related to digital trade, and the participation of the concerned economies in trade negotiations involving digital trade.
For more information, please visit Initiative on Digital Trade Regulatory Integration. </a