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Asia and the Pacific Information Superhighway Initiative Working Paper Series
No full textE-resilience refers to the capacity of digital systems, institutions and societies to withstand and recover from external shocks – including natural hazards, cyber-incidents and other crises – while maintaining the continuity of essential digital and socioeconomic functions. The findings show that all five SPECA countries have strengthened their E-resilience since the COVID-19 pandemic, although the pace and balance of progress vary. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan lead in infrastructural and institutional resilience, while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan demonstrate rapid catch-up through inclusive policy reforms and innovation. Tajikistan remains at an earlier stage of digital transformation but has initiated promising reforms and investment programmes that lay the groundwork for E-resilience.This technical brief presents the results of an E-resilience assessment across five countries of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) – Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The assessment is based on updated data from the E-resilience Monitoring Dashboard in 2024 and builds on earlier assessments in 2020 and 2022. The E-resilience Monitoring Dashboard, developed and updated by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Secretariat, draws on a five-pillar E-resilience Framework to track progress and identify structural and policy gaps in E-resilience. The technical brief concludes with recommendations for strengthening regional cooperation, data interoperability and innovation ecosystems to enhance E-resilience across Central Asia. A strategic way forward for advance E-resilience in the SPECA subregion is transitioning from static, retrospective data reporting to dynamic, real-time monitoring through application programming interface (API) integration in the E-resilience Monitoring Dashboard. Given the rapidly evolving nature of risks and the increasing interdependence of critical systems, API-enabled, real-time data can empower Member States to base decisions on the latest evidence, enabling proactive and coordinated interventions.Table of Contents
Acknowledgements.........................................3
Abstract...................................4
Table of Contents.........................5
List of Figures...............................6
List of Tables..............................................6
Abbreviations................................................6
I. Introduction ...........................................7
II. Tracking E-resilience in SPECA ....................8
A. Key Messages ................................................ 8
B. Key Recommendations................................ 8
C. Change Management Framework................... 9
III. Country Profiles..................................10
3.1. AZERBAIJAN................................................10
3.2. KAZAKHSTAN............................................13
3.3 KYRGYZSTAN...........................................16
3.4 TAJIKISTAN..................................................19
3.5UZBEKISTAN.................................................22
IV. The Way Forward ..........................25
4.1. Overview of E-Resilience in SPECA Countries..25
4.2 Building Trust Among Stakeholders..............27
4.3 Integrating API into E-Resilience and Updating Indicators........................................................28
References...................................................3
A Capacity Assessment conducted within a multi-hazard framework to provide insights for decision-makers and inform policy development
No full textA capacity assessment conducted within a multi-hazard framework to provide insights for decision makers and inform policy developmen
Presentation. Digital solutions for SMEs and SDGs in LLDC: case of digital public services in Mongolia. 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 textSDG 3 : Good health and well-being (2025 update)
No full textThe Asia-Pacific region has made considerable progress towards improving health and well-being under SDG 3. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed gains in life expectancy and Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) across the subregions. Key areas of progress include substantial reductions in maternal and child mortality, with several countries having full coverage of births attended by skilled health workers. Efforts to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have reduced premature mortality, while innovative approaches in tuberculosis, HIV and malaria control have improved outcomes. Essential service coverage has expanded, though gaps remain in equitable access and financial protection
Feasibility study on cross-border electronic exchange of trade data and documents : Uzbekistan
Get PDFThis study assesses the feasibility of implementing the electronic exchange of trade data and documents between Uzbekistan and potential partner countries. It identifies Uzbekistan’s key trading partners and examines the readiness and capacity to implement electronic exchange of particular documents used in cross-border trade.
The study examines the current trade environment, and the practices of information exchange between international traders and Government agencies and organizations. It analyzes the authorization documents used in cross-border exchange and identifies key bottlenecks. The study also reviews and identifies Uzbekistan's key trading partner countries in the Central Asian region and beyond.From this analysis, the study identifies potential projects for implementing cross-border information exchange on phytosanitary certificates between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, as well as on certificates of origin between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
For the proposed project on cross-border information exchange of phytosanitary certificates between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the study suggests that the exchange be implemented by integrating the existing national information systems of both countries with the international platform ePhyto Hub. The project should include the development and adaptation of the technological infrastructure required for the automatic exchange of data on issued phytosanitary certificates and the establishment of procedures for the secure and efficient exchange of information. The implementation of this system is expected to result in significant reductions in processing time and costs. Specifically, the project could reduce processing time by 17,989.5 hours, save Uzbekistan about USD 139,083 per year and provide a total economic benefit of USD 397,869 per year to both countries. The net present value (NPV) of the project for both parties over 5 years is estimated at USD 1,174,436, and the return on investment (ROI) will reach 496% over the same period, which makes the project economically feasible and efficient.
With regard to the proposed project on cross-border electronic exchange of certificates of origin between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, a model based on information exchange through National Single Window mechanisms is proposed. This model would allow for the exchange of information from the electronic database of certificates of origin. Specifically, the project could reduce processing time by 15,334 hours and save Uzbekistan about USD 84,224 per year and provide a total economic benefit of USD 125,233 per year to both countries. The net present value (NPV) of the project for both parties over 5 years is estimated at USD 258,020, and the return on investment (ROI) will reach 189% over the same period, which indicates that the project is economically feasible and efficient.
Implementation of the projects is expected to simplify trade procedures, increase transparency and predictability of transactions, and reduce risks associated with falsification of documents. In the long run, the initiatives are anticipated to contribute to strengthening economic ties between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, and between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, improving the terms of trade and enhancing competitiveness of the countries in the international arena.
In order to fully benefit from implementing such electronic exchange, holistic efforts are needed. Recommendations include enhancing the necessary information systems and platforms, ensuring a conducive regulatory environment, and putting in place modern data protection and security measures, among other technical improvements. These should be accompanied by capacity building, training and support for involved stakeholders. Global and regional platforms and mechanisms, as well as partnerships with developmental organizations, should be leveraged to further enhance the effectiveness of developments in these areas
Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2025: Understanding the macroeconomic implications of climate change
No full textThe 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific examines the complex and constantly evolving macroeconomic and climate nexus. Among other topics, the report discusses the feedback loops among climate change, climate action and macroeconomic indicators; conducts a readiness assessment that considers both climate exposure and macroeconomic coping ability; and outlines selected decision-making strategies and policy issues to maintain economic resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
The Survey, published annually since 1947, is a flagship publication produced by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). It provides analyses to guide policy discussion on the current and emerging socio-economic issues and policy challenges to support sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.</p
ESCAP-initiated organizations, regional institutes, agreements and frameworks
No full textThis ESCAP reference publication provides a comprehensive overview of organizations, regional institutes, agreements, and frameworks initiated or supported by ESCAP since its inception. It includes:
- Active organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Clearing Union (ACU), and Mekong River Commission (MRC).
- Regional institutes such as APDIM, APCTT, APCICT, CSAM, and SIAP, which support disaster management, technology transfer, ICT development, agricultural mechanization, and statistical training.
- Agreements and frameworks, including the Asian Highway Network, Trans-Asian Railway Network, Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), and the Framework Agreement on Paperless Trade.
- Earlier efforts that are now inactive or have been absorbed by other institutions, such as the Asian Reserve Bank, Asian Handicraft Centre, and the Bureau of Flood Control.
The document highlights ESCAP’s role in fostering regional cooperation, economic integration, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific.Table of Contents
Organizations (currently active) ................................................................................... 5
Asian Clearing Union (ACU) ......................................................................................................... 5
Asian Development Bank (ADB) ................................................................................................... 5
Asian Reinsurance Corporation (Asian Re) .................................................................................. 6
Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) ............................................................................................... 6
Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) ..................................................... 7
CITYNET ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia (CCOP) ....... 8
Geoscience, Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division under the Pacific Community (SPC) .............. 9
International Coconut Community (ICC) ................................................................................... 10
International Pepper Community (IPC) ...................................................................................... 11
Mekong River Commission (MRC) ............................................................................................. 12
South-East Asian Iron and Steel Institute (SEASI) ...................................................................... 12
Typhoon Committee ................................................................................................................... 13
WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) ........................................................................ 14
ESCAP Regional Institutes ......................................................................................... 15
Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) . 15
Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) .................................................... 16
Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT) ........................................................ 17
Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM) ....................................................... 17
Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP) ..................................................................... 19
Regional Agreements and Frameworks ...................................................................... 21
Asian Highway Network (AH Network, Great Asian Highway) .................................................... 21
Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway (AP-IS) ......................................................................... 22
Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNeT) ............................................... 23
Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)......................................................................................... 23
ESCAP Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness ........................................ 24
Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific 25
Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) ............................................... 26
Trans-Asian Railway Network .................................................................................................... 26
Transport Research and Education Network (TREN) ................................................................. 28
Earlier efforts (inactive/dissolved/absorbed) ............................................................. 29
Asia and Pacific Centre for Women and Development (APCWD) .............................................. 29
Asian and Pacific Development Institute (APDI) ........................................................................ 30
Asian Centre for Training and Research in Social Welfare and Development (ACTRSWD) ........ 32
Asian Handicraft Centre ............................................................................................................. 33
Asian Industrial Development Council (AIDC) ........................................................................... 34
Asian Reserve Bank (ARB) .......................................................................................................... 35
Asian Rice Trade Fund (ARTF) .................................................................................................... 36
Bureau of Flood Control ............................................................................................................. 37
Centre for Alleviation of Poverty through Sustainable Agriculture (CAPSA) ............................... 38
Co-ordinating Body for Offshore Prospecting in Countries Bordering the Indian Ocean (CCOP/IOA) ...................................................... 39
Depository Centre for United Nations Human Rights ................................................................. 40
Fertilizer Advisory and Information Network for Asia and the Pacific (FADINAP) ....................... 41
Government Consultation among Jute Producing Countries...................................................... 43
Intergovernmental Consultative Forum of Developing Tropical Timber Producing Countries (ICFDTT) ....................................................... 44
Intra-regional Trade Promotion Talks .......................................................................................... 46
Regional Centre for Economic Projections and Programming (RCEPP) ..................................... 47
Regional Centre of Development Administration ....................................................................... 47
Regional Computing Centre ....................................................................................................... 48
Regional Consultative Group on Silk .......................................................................................... 49
Regional Mineral Resources Development Centre (RMRDC) .................................................... 50
Regional Population Centre ........................................................................................................ 51
Ship Users’ Cooperation Project (SUCOP) ................................................................................. 53
Southeast Asia Tin Research and Development Centre (SEATRADC) ....................................... 54
Subregional Centre for Maritime and Port Personnel ................................................................. 5
Making climate finance work for women entrepreneurs in the coffee and pashmina value chains in Nepal : recommendations for policymakers
No full textHighlighting the impact of the climate crisis on women entrepreneurs in Nepal, with an emphasis on the coffee and pashmina value chains, this policy brief outlines 8 recommendations for policymakers on how climate finance can be channeled to effectively build the resilience of women entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers in the two value chains in Nepal.</p