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Handbook on innovative air quality monitoring technologies
No full textEstablishing a scientifically robust air quality monitoring network is essential for effective management. Such a system provides spatiotemporal data on pollutant concentrations and helps identify emission sources, thereby enabling the design of evidence-based, context-specific policies.
To support the establishment of such monitoring systems, recent technological advancements have significantly expanded access to satellite systems, low-cost sensors, and machine learning techniques. Satellite systems provide broad spatial coverage and high-resolution observations, making them valuable for regional and global assessments.Chapter 1
Introduction
Chapter 2
Air quality remote sensing
2.1 TROPOMI
2.2 GEMS
2.3 MODIS
2.4 VIIRS
2.5 OMI
2.6 OMPS
2.7 Pandora and AERONET
Chapter 3
Low-cost sensor
3.1 Electrochemical sensor
3.2 Optical particle counter sensor
3.3 Non-dispersive infrared radiation sensor
3.4 Photoionization sensor
3.5 Metal oxide sensor
Chapter 4
Machine learning
4.1 Predicting air quality
4.2 Enhancing sensor accuracy
4.3 Real-time monitoring and alert
Recent developments with respect to the tax challenges of the digital economy : implications for developing countries in Asia and the Pacific
No full textThis paper reviews recent global efforts to address the tax challenges posed by the digitalization of the economy, focusing on implications for developing Asia-Pacific countries. It analyzes unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral responses, including the two-pillar solution of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework and Article 12B on automated digital services of the United Nations. Pillar One reallocates taxing rights to market jurisdictions, while Pillar Two introduces a 15 per cent global minimum tax. The paper examines issues with existing international tax rules, such as transfer pricing and permanent establishment thresholds, which digital businesses easily bypass. It highlights policy options for developing countries, including digital services taxes and expanded nexus rules, while stressing the importance of balancing revenue needs and investment attractiveness. The study concludes by urging tailored national strategies that consider administrative capacity and potential trade-offs in adopting or rejecting multilateral tax reforms.Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................................................4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...................................................................................................................5
ADDENDUM: 2025 UPDATE.............................................................................................................9
I. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................11
II. TAX CHALLENGES OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY FOR THE EXISTING INTERNATIONAL TAX SYSTEM..........14
2.1 The major structural aspects of the existing international tax system .....................................14
2.2 Jurisdiction to tax: nexus rules..........................................................................................14
2.3 Elimination of double taxation ...........................................................................................16
2.4 The allocation of cross-border income and expenses: transfer pricing...................................17
2.5 Tax avoidance .................................................................................................................19
2.6 Challenges posed by digital activities for the existing international tax system.......................21
III. UNILATERAL RESPONSES TO THE CHALLENGES OF TAXING CROSS-BRODER INCOME FROM DIGITAL
ACTIVITIES .............................................................................................................................26
3.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................26
3.2 Unilateral responses........................................................................................................26
3.3 Multilateral responses .....................................................................................................32
IV. A HIGH-LEVEL DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF THE PILLAR ONE AND PILLAR TWO PROPOSALS AND THE
IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, INCLUDING LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES AND
COUNTRIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS..............................................................................................38
4.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................38
4.2 Overview of Pillar One as modified by the July 2021 and October 2021 Statements ................38
4.3 Overview of the blueprint for Pillar Two as modified by the July 2021 and October 2021
Statements .....................................................................................................................40
4.4 Implications of Pillar One and Pillar Two for developing countries.........................................42
V. CONCLUSION ...........................................................................................................................48
ANNEX: CHRONOLOGY OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS WITH RESPECT TO OECD AND INCLUSIVE
FRAMEWORK ACTIONS CONCERNING TAXING INCOME FROM DIGITAL ACTIVITIES ....................4
Digital Inclusion of PWD
No full textAsia and the Pacific’s rapid digital transformation can offer expanded opportunities for inclusion but also carries the risk of widening inequalities for the region’s estimated 750 million persons with disabilities. Despite broad 4G coverage and rising connectivity, disability-disaggregated data show persistent gaps in ICT access, use and skills between persons with disabilities and those without, compounded by rural residence, poverty, gender and age. These divides are driven by three mutually reinforcing barriers: (1) infrastructure and affordability – uneven connectivity and electricity reliability, together with the costs of devices, data and assistive technologies, keep many offline or under-connected; (2) accessibility of digital content and tools – a substantial share of public- and private-sector interfaces (websites, mobile apps, electronic documents and self-service terminals) often remain inaccessible, limiting access to essential services and information; and (3) digital literacy, skills and awareness – inclusive training opportunities are limited, and low awareness among users, providers and frontline staff reduces uptake of built-in accessibility features and assistive technologies even where they are available.Executive Summary....................................................................... 5
1. Introduction ....................................................... 6
2. The State of Disability-Inclusive Digitalization in Asia and the Pacific ............................... 7
Digital Divides: Access and Usage ........................ 8
Key Barriers to Disability Inclusive Digitalization....... 12
Policy Landscape .................................................. 15
3. Good Practices and Initiatives ........................... 19
ICT Accessibility.................................................... 19
Affordability of ICTs and Assistive Technology ......22
Digital Literacy and Skills Development................... 23
4. Policy Recommendations.................................... 26
For Governments...................................... 26
For the Private Sector .............................................. 27
For Organizations of Persons with Disabilities......... 27
For Academia and Research Institutions .................. 28
5. Conclusion................................................... 28
List of References.................................................... 2
Asia-Pacific Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution : strengthening air quality standards and monitoring
No full textThis policy brief provides recommendations for further action to implement the Asia-Pacific Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution (RAPAP), drawing upon the contributions of regional experts who participated in the sessions of the open-ended Working Groups on Air Quality Standards and Data under the project titled ‘Operationalizing the Asia-Pacific Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution’ funded by the Korea-ESCAP Cooperation Fund. It presents a summary of the status of air quality standards and monitoring across the Asia-Pacific and identifies opportunities for improvement to make effective progress towards clean air and the attainment of air quality guidelines recommended by the WHO. The policy brief particularly highlights the importance of regional and cross-sectoral cooperation for adoption and harmonization of air quality standards, robust air quality monitoring and science-based approaches, and sharing of fully open data
Digital and sustainable trade facilitation : global report 2025
No full textBased on the United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade FacilitationThis report was jointly prepared by five United Nations regional commissions for Africa (ECA), Europe (ECE), Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and Western Asia (ESCWA) as well as United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This report presents the results of the sixth UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation. It brings together information from countries worldwide pertaining to the implementation of a wide range of trade facilitation measures, going beyond the scope of measures included in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The report endeavors to foster a forward-looking approach to trade facilitation for countries and development partners, facilitating a deeper comprehension and monitoring of progress, supporting evidence-based public policies, sharing good practices, and identifying emerging needs for capacity-building and technical assistance.
The Survey found that the global average trade facilitation implementation rate of 31 general and digital trade facilitation measures stands at 71%. Despite continued disturbances in international trade, significant progress was observed in making more efficient trade facilitation over the past two years. Also, empirical evidence shows that full digital trade facilitation implementation beyond the WTO TFA commitments could cut average trade cost globally by 11%, almost 6 percentage points more than what could be expected from meeting the binding and non-binding requirements of the WTO TFA. For other reports and the results of the UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation 2025, please visit http://www.untfsurvey.orgCONTENTS
Foreword ...................................................................................................................................... ii
Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................... iii
Executive summary ...................................................................................................................... iv
Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................... xi
Chapter 1. Introduction.......................................................................................... 1
1.1. Background and objectives......................................................................... 1
1.2. Survey instrument and methodology .......................................................... 3
1.3. Utilization of report and data ....................................................................... 7
Chapter 2. Trade facilitation implementation: overview......................................... 8
2.1. Implementation in countries with special needs ......................................... 11
2.2. Most and least implemented trade facilitation measures............................ 14
2.3. Progress in implementation between 2021 and 2025 ................................. 18
Chapter 3. Implementation of trade facilitation measures: a closer look .............. 21
3.1. General trade facilitation measures ............................................................. 21
3.1.1. Transparency .................................................................................... 21
3.1.2. Formalities ........................................................................................ 23
3.1.3. Institutional arrangement and cooperation ...................................... 26
3.1.4. Transit facilitation ............................................................................. 28
3.2. Digital trade facilitation ................................................................................ 31
3.2.1. Paperless trade ................................................................................ 31
3.2.2. Cross-border paperless trade .......................................................... 35
3.3. Sustainable trade facilitation ....................................................................... 38
3.3.1. Trade facilitation for SMEs ............................................................... 39
3.3.2. Agricultural trade facilitation............................................................. 41
3.3.3. Trade facilitation and women ........................................................... 43
3.4. Implementation of digital versus sustainable trade facilitation ................... 45
3.5. Other trade facilitation ................................................................................. 47
3.5.1. Trade facilitation for e-commerce .................................................... 47
3.5.2. Green trade facilitation ..................................................................... 50
3.5.3. Trade finance for trade facilitation .................................................... 52
Chapter 4. Impact of trade facilitation on trade costs ........................................... 54
4.1. Model and data ........................................................................................... 56
4.2. Empirical results .......................................................................................... 57
4.3. A counterfactual analysis ............................................................................ 59
Chapter 5. Conclusion and the way forward ......................................................... 62
Annexes
Annex 1. Definitions of the various stages of implementation............................................ 66
Annex 2. Trade facilitation implementation by countries in different groups (%) ............... 67
Annex 3. Groupings of countries with special needs ......................................................... 71
Annex 4. Trade facilitation implementation: full dataset versus limited dataset ................. 7
Asia and the Pacific Information Superhighway Initiative Working Paper Series
No full textThe first working paper is prepared under the ESCAP–IsDB project “Improving Connectivity in North and Central Asia through Co-Deployment of ICT, Energy and Transport Infrastructures”. Entitled “In-depth study on the co-deployment of ICT infrastructure with transport and energy infrastructure in Uzbekistan”, it explores how Uzbekistan can accelerate nationwide digital connectivity through smarter, integrated infrastructure planning. Within the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (APIS) Action Plan 2022–2026, ESCAP and APIS Working Group 1, co-chaired by Uzbekistan, advance the Connectivity for All pillar, with co-deployment of ICT, transport and energy infrastructure as a key strategy.
Building on ESCAP’s prototype Infrastructure Corridors Simulator and the Infrastructure Co-Deployment Partnership Portal, piloted in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, the Technical Infrastructure Co-Deployment Expert Group (TICEG, 2024–2025) analysed Uzbekistan’s infrastructure, prioritised routes and identified four potential co-deployment projects along the Kyzylorda–Uchkuduk, Akhangaran–Tukimachi–Syrdarya, Navoi–Bukhara and Yangi Angren–Namangan–Margilon–Lochin corridors. Part 1 of the study presents this in-depth analysis and corridor prioritisation and recommends upgrading the Simulator into a fully fledged Geo-Infrastructure Simulator (GInSi) to support systematic, evidence-based corridor planning that quantifies cost savings, socio-economic gains, environmental and climate co-benefits, investment attractiveness and long-term multiplier effects, thereby strengthening coordinated infrastructure planning and advancing digital connectivity for all.Islamic Development BankThe project has been implemented by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) with support from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)Table of Contents
Acknowledgements .........................................................................................................................3
Abstract............................................................................................................................................4
List of figures ..................................................................................................................................7
List of tables....................................................................................................................................7
Glossary...........................................................................................................................................8
List of abbreviations........................................................................................................................9
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................10
2. The telecommunications sector in Uzbekistan.......................................................................12
2.1 Traditional telecommunications services.................................................................................15
2.2 Fixed and mobile broadband, including fixed Internet access.................................................17
2.3 Main trends and problems of the telecommunications market.................................................19
3. Transport and energy infrastructure in Uzbekistan ................................................................22
3.1 Roads.........................................................................................................................................24
3.2 Railways....................................................................................................................................26
3.3 Electrical networks....................................................................................................................28
3.4 Other infrastructure networks in Uzbekistan.............................................................................33
4. Potential list of corridors in Uzbekistan connecting with Kyrgyzstan and other SPECA
countries ........................................................................................................................................36
4.1 Existing infrastructure corridors in Uzbekistan........................................................................36
4.2 List of prospective corridors ....................................................................................................41
4.3 Analysis of prospective infrastructure objects..........................................................................44
5. Co-Deployment of ICT infrastructure with transport and energy infrastructure: Uzbekistan's
experience......................................................................................................................................55
5.1 Strategic and regulatory aspects...............................................................................................55
5.2 Uzbekistan's experience in co-deployment ..............................................................................58
6. Potential partners for the development of infrastructure corridors in Uzbekistan .................60
7. Conclusions and recommendations........................................................................................6
Reciprocal tariffs under Trump 2.0 : strategy for resilience for South and South-West Asia
No full textThe Development Papers Series of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia (ESCAP-SSWA) promotes and disseminates policy-relevant research on the development challenges facing South and South-West Asia (SSWA). It features policy research conducted at ESCAP-SSWA as well as by outside experts from within the subregion and beyond. The objective is to foster an informed debate on development policy challenges facing the subregion and to share development experiences and best practices.This paper analyses the implications of the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the United States of America (USA), initiated in April 2025 on countries in South and South-West Asia. These tariffs, ranging from 10 to 50 per cent, were introduced to address the United States’ trade deficit but carry far-reaching consequences for the countries in South and South-West Asia as USA is one of the largest markets for them and also these duties may disrupt their supply chains, making the production costlier. Using partial equilibrium modelling, sectoral analysis, and trade data, the study assesses the effects of these tariffs on SSWA countries and identifies the most affected sectors and economies.
The analysis finds that reciprocal tariffs are likely to disrupt exports of countries facing higher duties, with labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, carpets, and apparel experiencing the most severe challenges. Among SSWA countries, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are especially vulnerable, while India faces highest export losses from this subregion as its exports in many sectors will be impacted adversely. Beyond the economic costs, the report highlights the legal and policy implications of these tariffs, including potential violations of World Trade Organization commitments and concerns over the effectiveness of existing preferential and free trade agreements.
Recognizing these risks, the paper prescribes nine strategies for the countries in SSWA including inter alia to diversify export markets, strengthen regional cooperation, and more effectively utilize preferential trade agreements. It argues that while reciprocal tariffs present immediate challenges, they also offer an opportunity for strategic policy shifts, enhanced resilience, and deeper integration within the global trading system.
This paper serves as both a mirror and a map. It reflects the current vulnerabilities of SSWA countries in navigating shifting global trade dynamics while also charting a forward-looking path of adaptation and cooperation. The recommendations offered—from pursuing new markets and bolstering trade intelligence to leveraging subregional collaboration—reinforce the need for unity in action. In the shared challenges and aspirations of the SSWA region lies the potential for shared progress and prosperity.Foreword ......................................................................................................... 5 ACKNOWLEGEMENT................................................................................................... 6 Executive Summary ................................................................................................. 7
1. Introduction........................................................................................................... 10 2. Methodology and Limitations.................................................................................. 16
3. The United States reciprocal duties and WTO rules................................................... 17
4. Overview of key economic indicators....................................................................... 22 5. SSWA exports to the United States: Analysis of trade and tariffs........................... 24
5.1: Afghanistan ......................................................................................................24 5.2: Bangladesh...........................................................................................................26 5.3: Bhutan ...................................................................................................................29 5.4: India..................................................................................................................31 5.5: Iran I.R......................................................................................................................34
5.6: Maldives...................................................................................36
5.7: Nepal........................................................................38
5.8: Pakistan........................................................................................40
5.9: Sri Lanka.......................................................................................42
5.10: Türkiye .......................................................................................................................44 6. Partial Equilibrium Model: Results on Impact on Exports due to Increased Reciprocal Tariffs by 10 and 20 percentage points....................................................................... 46
7. Sectoral Analysis................................................................................................ 50
7.1: HS 3 - Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates ....................51
7.2: HS 30 - Pharmaceutical products ....................................................................53
7.3: HS 39 - Plastics and articles thereof ........................................................55
7.4: HS 57 - Carpets and other textile floor coverings...................................................57 7.5: HS 61 - Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted................59
7.6: HS 62 - Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted ..........61
7.7: HS 63 - Other made-up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags..63
7.8: HS 71 - Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin ..............65
7.9: HS 72 - Iron and steel............................................................................67
7.10: HS 73 - Articles of iron or steel...................................................................69
7.11: HS 84 - Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof.....71
8. Way Forward: Nine Strategies for Resilience...................................... 73
8.1: Diversify Export Markets.................................................................73
8.2: Providing Incentives for New Markets: Catalyzing Private Sector Shifts....................73
8.3: Strengthen Regional Trade Integration.................................................74
8.4: Creating Trade Intelligence Hubs in Embassies............................74
8.5: Promoting value-added industries and inward investments ........................74
8.6: Revisiting and reinvigorating cross-border trade in services.......................75
8.7: Using Digital Means: Harnessing Technology for Cross-border Trade.........................75
8.8: Reducing Documentation and Procedural Bottlenecks: Streamlining for Speed and Cost Efficiency...................................................................................................75
8.9: Collective Responsibility: Reimpose Faith on the Global Trading System..................76
9. Conclusion................................................................................. 7
Uncounted lives : gender gaps in death registration across Asia and the Pacific
No full textIn an era where data drives decision-making, the lack of complete and accurate death registration—especially when disaggregated by sex—poses a silent but significant threat to public health, equity, and accountability. Across Asia and the Pacific, millions of deaths go unrecorded each year, with female deaths disproportionately affected. This gap not only obscures the true burden of mortality but also reflects deeper societal inequities that hinder progress toward inclusive and evidence -based development.
This paper seeks to deepen understanding of death registration completeness—with a specific focus on gender disparities—across countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The objectives include exploring variations in death registration by sex at the country level, quantifying and comparing the extent of these disparities with other countries within the same subregion. In addition, the study contributes to the existing literature by examining nuanced aspects, specifically examining sex differentials in the registration of deaths occurring at various intervals after the occurrence of event. Given that information on the sex of the deceased is missing in many countries, the paper attempts to investigate whether the absence of sex information in death records is associated with observed disparities in death registration completeness.Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................................4
Background...................................................................................................................................5
Methods ........................................................................................................................................8
Data sources.......................................................................................................................................... 8
Registered deaths ............................................................................................ 8
Registered deaths by sex.......................................................................................... 8
Estimated total deaths by sex ............................................................................................ 9
Measuring completeness of death registration.................................................................................. 9
Sex differentials in death registration completeness......................................................................... 9
Results.........................................................................................................................................10
Sex differences in completeness of death registration ................................................................ 10
Sex differences in the timeliness of death registration: a case study of Iran (Islamic Republic of).14
Unknown sex category and the completeness sex ratio: a case study of India.... 16
Intersectionality in death registration, evidence from Bhutan and Fiji..................... 17
Discussion and Conclusion .......................................................................................................20
Annex: Table 1A. Country and data source for sex ratios from 2009 to 2019.....................2
