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Evaluative review of the Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster, and Climate Preparedness : a cost-benefit analysis 2005-2024
No full textBased on the findings, the evaluation makes six recommendations for implementation by the Trust Fund:
1. Enhance Regional Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with RIMES and IOTWMS to scale transboundary initiatives and foster economies of scale.
2. Integrate Inclusivity: Address disparities by embedding gender and social inclusion systematically in all projects.
3. Diversify Funding: Reduce reliance on external funding by encouraging local investment and public-private partnerships.
4. Adopt Adaptive Frameworks: Tailor implementation strategies to local contexts and strengthen real-time monitoring and Evaluative review.
5. Expand Risk Coverage: Broaden the scope to include inland and climate-induced risks, aligning with the SDGs and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
6. Strengthen Local Ownership: Align projects with national policies, support institutional capacity-building, and foster community ownership.
To conclude, the Trust Fund has delivered impactful, relevant and efficient interventions, significantly enhancing disaster preparedness in the Asia-Pacific region. While challenges persist in sustainability and inclusivity, the Fund’s achievements provide a robust foundation for future programming under the Strategic Note 2025–2030, ensuring its continued contribution to disaster risk reduction and resilience.
Explanatory Note:
As part of the evaluative review of the ESCAP Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster, and Climate Preparedness, this submission includes two complementary reports. Together, they provide a comprehensive assessment of the Trust Fund’s performance and impact, guided by internationally recognized evaluation standards.
1. Evaluation Report
This report presents an in-depth evaluation of the implementation of the Trust Fund’s Strategic Note 2021–2024. It follows the OECD Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC) evaluation criteria, which include Relevance, Coherence, Effectiveness, Impact, and Sustainability. Notably, the Efficiency criterion is not included in this document, as it is addressed separately in the Cost-Benefit Analysis. The evaluation draws on document reviews, stakeholder interviews, and performance data to offer evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
2. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)
Developed as an independent research study, this report provides a rigorous economic assessment of the Trust Fund’s investments. It focuses specifically on the Efficiency criterion, utilizing quantitative modelling and cost-benefit methodologies to estimate the economic value generated by the Trust Fund’s activities. This analysis is intended to complement the Evaluation Report by offering a data-driven perspective on the return on investment and resource use efficiency.
Together, these reports are designed to support accountability, inform strategic decision-making, and contribute to continuous improvement in the Fund’s operations and impact.The ESCAP Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness (Trust Fund) was established in 2005 in response to the Indian Ocean tsunami, which underscored critical gaps in disaster preparedness. Initially focused on tsunami early warning systems, the Fund expanded its scope in 2010 to encompass multi-hazard disaster preparedness and in 2015, extended its geographic reach to include Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific. Over nearly two decades the Trust Fund has supported 23 countries, implemented over 30 projects and contributed to disaster resilience by addressing transboundary risks, enhancing early warning systems and fostering regional cooperation.
The cost-benefit analysis, conducted in 2024, assesses the Trust Funds performance from 2005 to 2024 with a focus on efficiency. The evaluative review aims to provide actionable recommendations for the next Strategic Note (2025–2030) and aligns with global frameworks, including the Sendai Framework and the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
The Evaluative review utilized a mixed-methods approach, including Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), Differences-in-Differences analysis, focus group discussions, stakeholder interviews and document reviews. A total of 16 stakeholder interviews and surveys informed the Evaluative review, supported by extensive case studies and benchmarking exercises in 12 beneficiary countries.
The main findings are grouped by evaluation criteria and derive from the cost-benefit analysis, as validated through further analysis of the documents and the interviews.
Efficiency: The Trust Fund achieved high efficiency with Benefit-Cost Ratios (BCR) ranging from 3.7 to 5.5 USD per dollar invested. It became cost-effective within six years of establishment, reflecting rapid and sustained returns on investment (Findings 1 and 2).
Impact Analysis: The Trust Fund significantly reduced disaster-affected populations and damages through enhanced early warning systems and preparedness (Finding 3). While indirect economic impacts on GDP were limited, contributions to agriculture, energy, water and tourism were noted (Finding 4). Additionally, the Trust Fund promoted social equity, reducing inequalities and fostering resilience (Finding 5).
Effectiveness Rate and Cooperation Dividend: Over 80% of planned projects were implemented successfully, improving regional forecasting and disaster response. However, isolated regions faced capacity-building challenges, requiring localized strategies (Finding 6). Regional cooperation significantly enhanced Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) scalability and sustainability, though gaps in addressing marginalized groups remain (Finding 7).
Relevance and Sustainability: The Trust Funds focus on low-capacity countries and transboundary risks made it highly relevant, aligning with regional and global priorities and institutional frameworks like RIMES and IOTWMS facilitated sustained benefits, but some regions struggled with limited local investment (Finding 8 and 9)
Energy transition pathways for the 2030 Agenda : SDG7 road map for the Federated States of Micronesia
No full textDeveloped using the National Expert SDG7 Tool for Energy Planning (NEXSTEP)The preparation of this report was led by the Energy Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in collaboration with Murdoch University, Australia, and Energy Division of Department of Resources and Development (DoRD), Federated States of Micronesia.The key objective of this SDG 7 Road Map is to support the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia in assessing whether the existing policies and strategies are well aligned with achieving the SDG 7 and NDCs targets by 2030 and to present a series of options to bridge these gaps. This Road Map presents three core scenarios: the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario; the current policy scenario (CPS); and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) scenario, that have been developed using national data, which considers existing energy policies and strategies and reflects on other development plans.
The Road Map also investigates one ambitious scenario; the toward net-zero (TNZ) emissions by 2050 scenario. This scenario offers policymakers with a strategic viewpoint on how the Federated States of Micronesia could plan for a carbon-free energy sector in alignment with the global race to net-zero carbon.</p
The Inclusive Business case for businesses
No full textInclusive business models are a roadmap to succeed as a business and fight poverty at the same time. They strengthen firms and increase their resilience. They respond to the expectations of public and financial stakeholders to perform better on environmental, social and governance matters. Furthermore, they have a positive impact on low-income communities.
This report makes the case for inclusive business to business managers and entrepreneurs along the following lines:
Chapter 1 showcases examples and the evidence of market opportunities, and the social impact of doing business with low-income communities.
Chapter 2 recognizes the specific challenges of the low-income market and demonstrates how to overcome them.
Chapter 3 is a step-by-step introduction to building an inclusive business
Strengthening trade and transport connectivity in Eastern South Asia
No full textThe Eastern South Asia subregion – constituted by Bangladesh, Bhutan, the North East Region of India and Nepal – despite having the potential of transforming into a prolific growth quadrangle, has recorded several connectivity challenges that hinder cross-border trade and other economic exchanges and service sector linkages. Based on extensive field research, this paper examines some of the major connectivity issues faced by the subregion, and ways to address them for unlocking its immense potential for trade and other exchanges led sustainable development. It also highlights the varieties of transit routes that are emerging and triggering a new genre of inter-dependence in this subregion and its inter-connectedness with the South East Asian countries.
The paper presents a case for removal of land port-wise restrictions imposed on products with high trade potential, transition to full-fledged paperless trade systems, measures including implementation of mutual recognition agreements for ease of product testing and coordinated development of land ports for one-stop clearance to avoid dual inspections. These measures should be complemented by infrastructural upgradation for non-intrusive scanning and smooth transshipment of cargo to reduce dwell time of carriers and ease congestion at border crossing points. Other important service improvements include facilitation of transactions in local currencies, ease of payment systems, improvement in basic amenities for transporters, provision of adequate parking, warehousing and cold storage infrastructure, and introduction of advanced trade facilitation technologies. The paper also recommends deployment of trained human resources at land border posts, with proposals for creating a multidisciplinary border management team to coordinate with various line ministries/departments within and among the partner countries. Such measures can help to transform underdeveloped border areas of the subregion into Frontier Economic Zones.</p
Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (ABAS) : interpretation of the ABAS for Asia-Pacific SIDS
No full textBackground paper prepared for the Asia-Pacific Countries with Special Needs Development Report 2025The Asia Pacific SIDS have particular development challenges and vulnerabilities related to their small sizes, remoteness, and vulnerability to extreme weather. The UN international community recognises these special development needs and supported the AP SIDS leading to the creation specialised development plans. This paper reviews areas of achievements and remaining work from the SAMOA Pathway with a view to informing the approach towards implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS). This paper proposes that the AP SIDS prioritise activities that build productive capacities and economic resilience during the implementation of the ABAS. The paper recommends indicators and goals for the broad areas of the ABAS. It identifies challenges and proposes strategic steps to implement the ABAS, including building technical capacities in government, adapting to climate change, increasing investment in critical infrastructure including in the digital and financial sectors, and seeking to achieve greater economic resilience by growing the fisheries and digital trade sectors. It outlines ways that the international community can support the AP SIDS through the provision of aid, finance, technical assistance, and ensuring policy coherence.</p
Transforming energy systems for a low carbon future in Asia and the Pacific
No full textThe 2025 Regional Trends Report on Energy for Sustainable Development: Transforming Energy Systems for a Low Carbon Future in Asia and the Pacific offers an extensive analysis of the region’s progress and challenges in moving towards a low carbon energy future. It examines, in detail, the region’s progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy) and in advancing the just energy transition.
Despite significant progress in electricity access across nearly all countries in the region and with many national examples of accelerated renewable energy deployment, challenges exist, particularly in achieving universal access to clean cooking and improving energy efficiency. A just, equitable and inclusive transition necessitates accelerated action by governments, substantial investments and enhanced regional collaboration.
To support the realization of a low-carbon future, the recommendations of this report are aligned with the outcomes of COP28, where countries committed to tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvement rates by 2030. The Asia-Pacific region plays a critical role in achieving these global targets, as it is home to over 4.3 billion people and consumes more than half of the world’s energy.Abbreviations........................................................................................................................................................ i
Foreword..................................................................................................................................................ii
Executive summary................................................................................................................................i
Chapter 1：Introduction......................................................................................................................1
1.1 Purpose of this report.................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Global energy and climate context..........................................................................................................2
Renewable energy expansion ....................................................................................................................... 2
Electrification and electric vehicles.............................................................................................................. 2
Advancing and emerging technologies....................................................................................................... 3
Global climate commitments ....................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 The energy and emissions landscape of Asia and the Pacific.........................................................4
Large and growing energy demand............................................................................................................. 4
Energy intensive economies ......................................................................................................................... 5
Carbon-intensive energy sector.................................................................................................................... 6
Grid modernization and energy connectivity ..........................................................................................11
1.4 Policy and technological progress in key decarbonization areas .................................................12
Expansion of renewable energy..................................................................................................................13
Industrial decarbonization and energy efficiency ...................................................................................13
Electrification of the transport sector .......................................................................................................13
Energy-efficient buildings.............................................................................................................................14
Green hydrogen as an energy carrier ........................................................................................................15
Digital innovation and smart grid infrastructure .....................................................................................15
Advancing battery storage for grid resilience in Asia and the Pacific.................................................15
Demand-side management technologies ................................................................................................15
1.5 Transformative opportunities to accelerate the just energy transition........................................16
Scaling up clean energy investments .......................................................................................................17
Leverage public-private partnerships and climate finance ..................................................................18
Expanding decentralized energy solutions and energy storage...........................................................18
Ensuring a just energy transition ...............................................................................................................18
Mainstreaming gender in the energy sector............................................................................................19
Strengthening regional cooperation .........................................................................................................19
Chapter 2：Tracking progress on SDG 7 in the Asia-Pacific region.....................................20
2.1 Progress toward achieving universal access to electricity.............................................................21
Expansion in electricity access and remaining gaps .............................................................................21
Structural barriers to universal access .....................................................................................................23
Pathways for achieving universal electricity access..............................................................................24
Priorities for the least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), .......
and the Pacific small island developing States (SIDS) ..........................................................................24
2.2 Progress in achieving access to clean cooking fuels and technologies .....................................26
Urban-rural disparity in clean cooking access.........................................................................................26
Barriers and policy measurers....................................................................................................................29
2.3 Progress in increasing the share of renewable energy....................................................................29
Renewable energy deployment in ESCAP subregions...........................................................................34
2.4 Progress in improving energy efficiency in Asia and the Pacific ..................................................40
Energy efficiency progress by subregion..................................................................................................41
Opportunities for advancing energy efficiency........................................................................................44
Chapter 3：Technology and policy pathways for transforming energy systems.............................49
3.1 Low-carbon energy resource and technology opportunities..........................................................50
3.1.1 Electrification and fuel-switching: A key approach to decarbonizing end uses......................50
3.1.2 Technological advancements for the power sector.....................................................................51
3.1.3 Building sustainable supply chains for critical energy transition minerals..............................52
3.1.4 Industrial modernization and energy efficiency ............................................................................53
3.1.5 Clean energy deployment in key industrial sectors......................................................................53
3.2 Creating an enabling environment for the just energy transition.................................................55
3.2.1 Energy sector planning and policy: A key driver for meeting climate commitments............55
3.2.2 Interventions for market transformation ........................................................................................59
3.3.3 Market reforms and financial mechanisms...................................................................................62
3.2.4 Strengthened regulatory frameworks .............................................................................................64
3.3.5 Ensuring a just energy transition......................................................................................................66
Chapter 4：Conclusion.....................................................................................................................68
Annex I – Per capita renewable energy analysis........................................................................75
Annex II - Understanding the high energy intensity in the Asia-Pacific region..........................7
Pan-Asia Partnership for Geospatial Air Pollution information : assessment of air quality remote sensing in Cambodia
No full textIncreased industrial activities and fast urbanization has resulted in rapid economic development in Cambodia, however emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and air pollutants have also been increasing. The industrial sector share in the national gross domestic product was recorded at 32.8 per cent in 2018 (UNESCAP, 2021). The increasing trend in fuel consumption, coal usage and investments in the thermal power sector and the expanding urban sector, leading to burgeoning vehicles in the city with the resulting exhaust, has caused a rapid increase in the concentration of all criteria air pollutants, as indicated in the Clean Air Plan for Cambodia (CAPC) 2021.List of Abbreviations.....................................................................................................4 List of Figures...............................................................................................................6 I. Air Pollution in Cambodia: Background and Mitigation Strategies.........................7 II. Existing Use of Remote Sensing for Long-range Transport ...................................15 III. Status of Pandora and GEMS................................................................................19 Recommendations.....................................................................................................24 References.................................................................................................................
Report of national consultation on readiness to implement the action plan to strengthen regional cooperation on social protection : Thailand
No full textA national consultation was conducted with 109 stakeholders representing the Officer of the Prime Minister; eight ministries (Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Ministry of Public Health); educational institutions, agencies, and research Organizations and local organisations as well as UN partners (UN Resident Coordinator’s Officer, ILO and UNICEF) to discuss and review the findings of the report. The consultation further engaged participants in groupwork discussions on climate change and social protection to identify entry points to strengthen their interlinkages.Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Key Takeaways ................................................................................................................................... 4
Session Overview ............................................................................................................................... 5
Opening Remarks ........................................................................................................................... 5
Session I: Acon Plan to Strengthen Regional Cooperaon on Social Protecon in Asia and the
Pacific: Overview ............................................................................................................................ 6
Session II: Strengthening Social Protecon System in Thailand ..................................................... 6
Session II: Groupwork ..................................................................................................................... 7
ANNEX I. Agenda ............................................................................................................................... 12
ANNEX II. Summary Table of Key Issues from Group Work Acvity ................................................. 17
ANNEX III. List of parcipants ........................................................................................................... 2
Building bankable green project pipelines in the non-infrastructure sectors of Mongolia
No full textThis report assesses the potential for developing bankable green project pipelines in Mongolia’s non-infrastructure sectors, drawing on a nationwide survey of over 40 financial institutions, targeted interviews, and stakeholder consultations. It provides actionable insights to strengthen Mongolia’s capacity to attract and manage climate investments, addressing key challenges such as monitoring and data gaps, limited incentives, and climate-related financial risks. The study highlights the need for a clear net-zero target, enhanced capacity-building, and stronger policy and regulatory frameworks to accelerate the country’s transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy