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Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2026
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The SDG Progress Report for Asia and the Pacific 2026 provides a comprehensive assessment of the region’s progress toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their 169 targets, as well as the challenges and crises slowing advancement. Drawing on the latest data and insights, the report highlights achievements, identifies persistent gaps, and offers actionable recommendations to accelerate progress.
As a vital resource for policymakers, development practitioners, researchers, and civil society leaders, this report serves both as a diagnostic tool and a roadmap for action. Through in-depth analyses, practical case studies, and evidence-based insights, it contributes to the growing body of knowledge aimed at transforming global goals into tangible outcomes for the people of Asia and the Pacific.
This year’s Companion Analysis places special emphasis on performance across six key transitions—food systems, energy, digital connectivity, education, welfare and social protection, and the environment—reflecting the multifaceted sustainability challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region.
Whether you seek to inform policy, guide implementation, or engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue, this report provides the tools and evidence necessary to support impactful action.
Part 1: Overview of progress
1.1 Overview of regional progress
1.2 SDG profiles by indicators
1.3 How was the region shifted in delivering the SDGs?
1.3.1 Food systems
1.3.2 Energy access and affordability
1.3.3 Digital connectivity
1.3.4 Education
1.3.5 Jobs and social protection
1.3.6 Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution
1.4 Dashboard of trends by country and territory
Part 2: Data availability in the Asia-Pacific region
Annexes
Annex 1: Technical notes – methodology to measure progress
Annex 2: Indicators used for progress assessment
Annex 3: Countries and territory groupings in the Asia-Pacific regio
A comprehensive actionable strategy report on ICT connectivity in rural Bangladesh
No full textThe Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) launched the project on Digital and Transport Connectivity for the Socioeconomic Resilience of Rural Communities during the post-COVID-19 Period in Asia-Pacific Countries, 2022–2025, to strengthen the capacity of government officials in three pilot countries – Bangladesh, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Samoa – to develop innovative strategies for improving rural digital and transport connectivity for socioeconomic resilience. As one activity of the project, this paper aims to propose actionable strategies for promoting information and communications technology (ICT) connectivity in rural areas of Bangladesh. It is primarily based on secondary data sources, including national policy documents (such as the Perspective Plan 2021–2041 and the draft ICT Master Plan 2041), government reports, research institution surveys, and international organization reports, complemented by lessons from case studies in other countries.
Over recent years, the Government of Bangladesh has introduced a number of ICT-related policies, acts and strategic plans to foster digital transformation and socioeconomic development. However, despite progress, rural areas continue to lag behind urban centres due to the persistent digital divide. Effective implementation of rural ICT strategies requires not only policy design but also strong engagement and coordination among stakeholders, including government, private sector, NGOs, and local communities. Drawing on the analysis, this report outlines guiding principles and proposes seven actionable strategies to enhance rural ICT connectivity, aiming to support Bangladesh’s transition towards a more inclusive and knowledge-based digital economy under the “Smart Bangladesh” vision.
In this context, this paper outlines actionable strategies focused on the following objectives: (1) proposing actionable strategies to increase rural ICT connectivity in Bangladesh; (2) mapping out the stakeholders for implementing actionable strategies (3) providing a sustainable way forward.
Six strategies are proposed: (1) developing ICT training and awareness programmes for rural communities; (2) developing a sector-wise rural-specific ICT data set; (3) increasing affordable smartphone availability in rural areas; (4) ensuring stable broadband connectivity in rural areas with affordable price ranges; (5) involving direct beneficiaries in the planning process; (6) ensuring a sustainable investment pathway for rural ICT development.Contents
ABSTRACT .........................................................................................................................................6
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................................7
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS....................................................................................................................8
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.....................................................................................................................9
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 11
1.1. Background ................................................................................................................................................................................11
1.2. Rationale and objectives............................................................................................................................................................13
1.3. Outline .......................................................................................................................................................................................13
2. STATUS OF BANGLADESH......................................................................................................... 14
2.1. Overview of the existing ICT policies, acts and strategies in Bangladesh..................................................................................16
2.2. ICT data and some stylized facts................................................................................................................................................20
2.2.1. Data availability and issues.....................................................................................................................................................20
2.2.2. Stylized facts ..........................................................................................................................................................................21
2.3. Progress and achievements.......................................................................................................................................................28
3. CASE STUDIES ............................................................................................................................ 32
3.1. Malaysia.....................................................................................................................................................................................32
3.2. India ...........................................................................................................................................................................................34
3.3. Viet Nam ....................................................................................................................................................................................35
3.4. Egypt..........................................................................................................................................................................................35
3.5. Nigeria........................................................................................................................................................................................36
3.6. Lessons learned .........................................................................................................................................................................37
4. ACTIONABLE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR RURAL ICT DEVELOPMENT........................................ 39
4.1. Principles to strengthen rural ICT connectivity..........................................................................................................................39
4.2. Proposed actionable strategies and mapping of stakeholders..................................................................................................40
5. CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................... 5
Improvement of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) System in Bhihar, India: A assessment, analysis and redesign (AAR) Report
No full textAlthough substantial progress has been made in strengthening the CRVS system in Bihar in recent years, the Government of Bihar recognized that achieving complete, timely and accurate registration of births and deaths requires sustained institutional reforms and improved operational efficiency. In line with this commitment, the government initiated a systematic and time-bound assessment of the CRVS system in 2025, to identify gaps and develop targeted strategies for improvement. This assessment applied the tools and methodologies of the CRVS Systems Improvement Framework, which is process-centric, people-focused and results-oriented. This report presents the outcome of Stage 1 of implementation of the Framework, referred to as the Assessment, Analysis and Redesign (AAR) report.Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health Initiativ
Digital Trade Regulatory Review for the Pacific, 2025
No full textThe report provides a comparative overview of digital trade regulatory practices across the Pacific region. The analysis is based on the Regional Digital Trade Integration Index (RDTII 2.1) framework, a comprehensive tool that helps identify patterns to convergence and divergence to inform evidence-based policymaking. Furthermore, to quantify the alignment among economies, the Digital Trade Regulatory Similarity (DTRS) Index is calculated from the RDTII 2.1 data to potential complexity of digital trade integration across the Pacific
A guide on adoption of cross-border electronic invoicing
No full textThis Guide presents a range of possible solutions to support the digital transformation of invoices for international trade. These solutions span a spectrum: at one end, e-invoices are still exchanged in PDF format via email, while at the other, advanced systems enable real-time electronic data exchange between trading partners. Between these two ends of the spectrum, hybrid approaches can involve partial digitalization of trade processes.
The Guide is intended to support the parties to the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA) to identify national initiatives and explore opportunities for collaborative pilot projects. While the discussion is relevant to most countries globally, certain sections are tailored specifically to the needs and context of CPTA parties.Table of Contents
Acknowledgement .................................................................................................... i
Executive Summary .................................................................................................. ii
Abbreviations and Acronyms .................................................................................... v
List of figures ......................................................................................................... viii
List of tables .......................................................................................................... viii
Chapter 1. Introduction ............................................................................................ 1
1.1 Objectives of the Guide ................................................................................ 1
1.2 Understanding e-invoicing and challenges for cross-border exchange ............. 2
1.2.1 An overview of the e-invoicing market .................................................. 2
1.2.2 Definition and data formats ................................................................ 3
1.2.3 Two diverging ecosystems: invoicing in cross-border trade vs. domestic sales ......................................................................................................... 5
1.2.4 International standards and tools for cross-border trade ....................... 9
Chapter 2. Key Models for Adopting Cross-Border E-Invoicing ................................... 16
2.1 E-invoice exchange based on the 2-and 3-Corner Models ............................ 16
2.2 Interoperability based on the 4-Corner Model ............................................. 19
2.3 Continuous Transaction Controls based on a 5-Corner Model ...................... 21
2.4 Integrated digital trade: the 6-Corner Model .................................................... 25
Chapter 3. Recommendations for Adopting (cross-border) E-Invoicing Across CPTA ... 27
3.1 Recommendations for economies based on e-invoicing maturity......................... 28
3.2 Recommendations for regional initiatives and alignment .................................... 32
References ............................................................................................................. 34
Annexes ................................................................................................................ 35
Annex 1. International trade agreements covering provisions on invoice ....... 35
Annex 2. Peppol 4 and 5 Corner Model ....................................................... 39
Annex 3. Technical standards .................................................................... 41
Annex 4. Global Exchange Network Association (GENA) .............................. 46
Annex 5. The Global Interoperability Framework (GIF) ................................. 47
Annex 6. Continuous Transaction Controls models ..................................... 50
Annex 7. Peppol Continuous Transaction Controls (CTC) Cross-Border Model ............................................................................................................... 53Version. 14 November 202
Adopting electronic bills of lading: case studies in Sri Lanka
No full textThis report, following a methodology developed by ESCAP, examines Sri Lanka’s early experiences with eBL adoption through three case studies involving freight forwarders that have piloted the use of eBLs. The case studies demonstrate the benefits of adopting eBL such as faster document transmission, reduced reliance on international courier services, improved document security, and better visibility over the transfer and release of transport documents. User interviews confirm that, once issued, an eBL could be processed and exchanged “in just a few clicks”. They also suggest that eBLs also significantly reduce the risk of cargo arriving before the original Bill of Lading (BL), which can otherwise lead to delays, bank guarantees, or demurrage charges.
However, the case studies indicate that eBL adoption among SMEs in Sri Lanka remains at a very early stage. The freight forwarders interviewed did not appear to use eBLs consistently or at scale. For example, one forwarder reported using an eBL only twice over a twelve‑month period. In some cases, freight forwarders perceived only limited benefits from using eBLs—primarily modest cost savings.
Legal issues have been widely debated in terms of adoption of eBL. For the case studies covered in this report, however, the adoption of eBLs was more from a perspective of convenience, while legal consideration was not the main consideration for the freight forwarders covered by these case studies.
The case studies support the longstanding argument that “adoption of electronic bills of lading is primarily a business decision” (Yiannopoulos, 1995). the findings carry significant implications for advancing eBL adoption. They highlight the need for shipping lines, industry groups, and other key stakeholders—such as chambers of commerce and export/import associations—to actively promote and encourage shippers, freight forwarders, importers, and border agencies to pilot and adopt eBL solutions. Therefore, broadening participation is essential: the more stakeholders begin using eBLs, the greater the momentum and network effects that will drive widespread uptake.
The case studies underscore the importance of strong collaboration among all stakeholders- including shipping lines, eBL platform providers, shippers, and freight forwarders- to enable scalable and effective eBL adoption. Coordinated efforts are essential for aligning processes, ensuring interoperability, and building trust across the ecosystem. In this regard, the recently established eBL Working Group under the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA) can play a pivotal role by facilitating dialogue, harmonizing practices, and promoting shared standards that support wider implementation.2F Stakeholders are encouraged to actively contribute to the Working Group’s initiatives.Table of Contents
Acknowledgement ........................................................................................................ i
Executive Summary .................................................................................................... ii
List of figures ............................................................................................................ vii
List of tables ............................................................................................................. vii
Chapter 1. Introduction ................................................................................................ 1
Chapter 2. Case studies .............................................................................................. 3
Case Study 1 .......................................................................................................... 3
1. Company Overview ......................................................................................... 3
2. Document Handling Before Adopting eBL ........................................................ 3
3. Experience with eBL ........................................................................................ 4
4. Perceived Benefits of Using eBL ...................................................................... 5
5. Perceived Costs of Using eBL ......................................................................... 6
6. Challenges in Implementation .......................................................................... 6
7. Hybrid Document Handling .............................................................................. 7
8. Overall assessment of the experience of freight forwarder 1 ............................. 7
Case Study 2 .......................................................................................................... 9
1. Company Overview ......................................................................................... 9
2. Document Handling Before eBL Adoption ........................................................ 9
3. Experience with eBL ....................................................................................... 10
4. Perceived Benefits of Using eBL ..................................................................... 12
5. Perceived Costs of Using eBL ........................................................................ 13
6. Challenges in Implementation ......................................................................... 13
7. Hybrid Document Handling ............................................................................. 14
8. Overall Assessment of the experience of freight forwarder 2 ........................... 15
Case Study 3 ......................................................................................................... 17
1. Company Overview ........................................................................................ 17
2. Document Handling Before eBL Adoption ....................................................... 17
3. Experience with eBL ....................................................................................... 18
4. Perceived Benefits of Using eBL ..................................................................... 19
5. Perceived Costs of Using eBL ........................................................................ 21
6. Challenges in Implementation ......................................................................... 21
7. Hybrid Document Handling ............................................................................. 22
8. Overall Assessment of the experience of freight forwarder 3 ........................... 22
Chapter 3. Conclusion ............................................................................................... 26
Annexes ................................................................................................................... 28
Annex 1. Questionnaire on adopting Electronic Bills of Lading ............................ 28
Annex 2. Documents Handled by Freight Forwarder 1 for Cocopeat (HS code 5305.00) Exports from Sri Lanka to Canada ....................................................... 37
Annex 3. Documents Handled by Freight Forwarder 2 for Ready-Made Garments Transhipment (MCC) from India to the UK via Sri Lanka under the Sri Lanka Board of Investment (BOI) ............................................................................................ 40
Annex 4. Documents Handled by Freight Forwarder 3 for School Scissor (Stationery - HS code 8213 or similar) Imports from China to Sri Lanka ............... 4