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Navigating digital trade towards sustainable development : empirical insights and policy implications
No full textDigital trade is transforming the global economy, creating opportunities to advance sustainable development and drive inclusive growth. This report examines the relationship between digital trade and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), exploring how digital trade contributes to and interacts with these goals. It provides a detailed analysis of key challenges and risks while offering actionable recommendations to address barriers and align digital trade with sustainable development objectives.
The report is organized into six key chapters:
1. Promoting Sustainable Development Through Digital Trade and Policies: This chapter provides a conceptual overview of the links between digital trade and the SDGs, highlighting the role of digital policies in achieving inclusive and sustainable outcomes.
2. Harnessing Digital Trade for Sustainable Development Goals: Using empirical evidence, this chapter quantifies the contributions of digital trade to economic growth, export diversification, and social inclusion.
3. Digital Trade and Wealth Inequality in the Asia-Pacific Region: Focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, this chapter explores the relationship between digital trade and wealth inequality, highlighting disparities and potential corrective measures.
4. Digital Trade Provisions in Trade Agreements: This chapter evaluates how digital provisions in trade agreements, including digital economy agreements, influence sustainable development and foster innovation.
5. Policy Environment for Digital Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific: Assessing the state of digital infrastructure and policies, this chapter examines trade and investment policies, market structures, and barriers to digital connectivity in the region.
6. Regulatory Barriers to Digital Health Interventions: This chapter identifies key regulatory challenges that hinder the implementation of digital health initiatives, emphasizing their implications for SDG progress.
This report aims to inform policymaking by:
• It examines the empirical relationship between digital trade and development outcome.
• The report identifies critical challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize the benefits of digital trade.
• The report proposes targeted actions for governments and stakeholders to enhance digital trade participation, improve regulatory coherence, and foster sustainability.
The findings and recommendations in this report are intended to support policymakers in designing digital trade strategies that contribute to equitable growth, economic resilience, and sustainable development.</p
Supporting a regional dialogue on sustainable maritime connectivity : results of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Regional Dialogue on Sustainable Maritime Connectivity
Get PDFMaritime and port activities are key enablers of sustainable development and regional integration, serving as vital gateways for international trade. Regular sharing of best practices and experiences on these and related issues can contribute to promoting better maritime transport connectivity as well as stimulating collective action for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In recognition of this, the Regional Action Programme for Sustainable Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific (2022–2026) establishes a systematic regional dialogue on sustainable and resilient maritime connectivity, including the promotion of the development of low- and zero-emissions green shipping for Asia and the Pacific in close partnership with global and regional actors and the shipping industry.
This policy brief presents the results of the 2024 edition of the Asia-Pacific Regional Forum on Sustainable Maritime Connectivity was held in Nadi, Fiji and online on July 22-23, 2024. The Dialogue featured six thematic sessions addressing critical topics in the maritime sector: 1) Global and Regional Context for Improving Sustainable Maritime Connectivity, 2) Asia-Pacific Ports in the Era of Decarbonization, Digitalization, and Climate Change, 3) Strengthening Sustainable Maritime Connectivity in the Pacific, 4) Sustainable and Resilient Port Development in the Pacific, 5) National Priorities for Sustainable Maritime Transport and Resilient Port Development, and 6) Strengthening Regional Cooperation on Sustainable Maritime and Port Development.Executive Summary ___________________________________________________________________4
I. Background ________________________________________________________________________6
II. Introduction _______________________________________________________________________7
III. Thematic Sessions__________________________________________________________________8
Session 1: Global and Regional Context for Improving Sustainable Maritime Connectivity in Asia
and the Pacific _____________________________________________________________________8
Session 2: Asia-Pacific Ports in the Era of Decarbonization, Digitalization, and Climate Change ___10
Session 3: Strengthening Sustainable Maritime Connectivity in the Pacific ___________________11
________________________________________________________________________________12
Session 4: Sustainable and Resilient Port Development in the Pacific________________________12
Session 5: National Priorities for Sustainable Maritime Transport and Resilient Port Development14
Session 6: Strengthening Regional Cooperation on Sustainable Maritime and Port Development in
the Pacific _______________________________________________________________________16
IV. Conclusions ______________________________________________________________________17
Annex I ____________________________________________________________________________19
Annex II____________________________________________________________________________2
Remittances in Asia and the Pacific - a focus on North and Central Asia
Get PDFRemittances are a crucial income source in Asia and the Pacific, particularly several countries in Central Asia, but high transaction costs limit their impact. While SDG 10c aims to reduce these costs globally, understanding the factors behind them is essential for effective policy. This paper examines different remittance corridors: lower-cost transfers originating from the Russian Federation to Central Asian countries and Malaysia to Indonesia, as well as higher-cost ones originating from Thailand to neighbouring countries and Australia to Pacific island countries. Four key factors influencing costs are analyzed: cost architecture, market dynamics, digitalization, and user behavior. Findings show that lower costs in the Russian Federation result from a common currency, while Malaysia’s competitive market reduces fees. In contrast, Thailand’s high costs are driven by transfer fees and regulatory barriers, and Australia’s by weak banking relationships with banks in Pacific island countries and a limited number of providers. These insights highlight the need for targeted policies. While digitalization can lower costs, it is not a universal solution, as cash-based remittances remain competitive in some cases. Enhancing market competition, improving regulatory transparency, and addressing infrastructure barriers are essential for reducing costs and supporting financial inclusion. The paper specifically focuses on good practice examples from Central Asian countries and the lessons learned for other countries in the region.LIST OF ACRONYMS 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6
INTRODUCTION 8
1
Remittance flows in Asia and the Pacific – corridors and costs 10
2
Factors influencing remittance costs 21
3
Least costly remittance corridors in Asia and the Pacific 26
4
Most costly remittance corridors in Asia and the Pacific 32
5
Conclusion 35
6
Recommendations 36
7
References 38
8
Annex 40LIST OF ACRONYMS 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6
INTRODUCTION 8
1 Remittance flows in Asia and the Pacific – corridors and costs 10
2 Factors influencing remittance costs 21
3 Least costly remittance corridors in Asia and the Pacific 26
4 Most costly remittance corridors in Asia and the Pacific 32
5 Conclusion 35
6 Recommendations 36
7 References 38
8 Annex 4
Digital innovation for ageing : case studies from China
Get PDFTable of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................. 3
Technical Materials Package – Case Studies of Digital Innovations from China ............................. 4
Case 1: 5G Enabled Healthcare – Improving Healthcare Capacity of Communities........................ 4
Case 2: Beihang Elderly Care Alliance - A Smart Community-based Care Service Model.............. 8
Case 3: Yunlin Life Apartments - Comprehensive Smart Home Care System............................... 18
Case 4: UBTECH Smart Care Solution for the Elderly .................................................................. 24
Case 5: Bili Smart TV – Digital Smart TV Applications for Older Adults ........................................ 31
Case 6: Qianchi Xuetang – Learning Platform for Older Adults..................................................... 3
Pathways to sustainable development : the nexus of transport, energy, and urban planning in Asia and the Pacific
Get PDFThe policy brief on Pathways to Sustainable Development: The Nexus of Transport, Energy, and Urban Planning in Asia and the Pacific emphasizes the intertwined relationship between urban planning, energy, and transportation, which are crucial for achieving, among others, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 11. Set against the dynamic landscape of Asia and the Pacific, which is marked by high urban population densities, rising energy demand, and rapid motorization rates, the region's commitment to the SDGs is paramount. The integration of these sectors is not only central to the feasibility of sustainable transport modes like electric vehicles, but also pivotal in contributing to clean and reliable energy for all (SDG 7) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). This synthesis gains even more significance in the aftermath of the United Nations’High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July 2023, where the urgency for leveraging this nexus was highlighted as essential for fostering sustainable development.
The current state of the transport, energy, and urban planning sectors reveals the challenge of accelerating decarbonization, while fostering economic development, and addressing infrastructure gaps. The transport sector grapples with the significant impact of carbon dioxide emissions from road vehicles, while the energy sector contends with a growing demand heavily reliant on fossil fuels, despite initiatives aimed at improvingenergy efficiency through renewable sources. Urban planning is at a crossroads, with the pressing necessity to accommodate increasing demands for housing and services and bolster climate resilience, particularly in areas with a high prevalence of marginalized communities.
Looking ahead, the prospects of integrating transport, energy, and urban planning are closely tied to the capabilities of cities, governments, and communities. Challenges include ensuring equitable access to efficient technologies and preventing the reinforcement of existing socio-spatial inequalities. Governments play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable transformations through fiscal policies and political leadership, while communities face the direct impact of these changes in terms of urban health and liveability. This policy brief places emphasis on the integration of public and commercial hubs through modern forms of urban planning, such as transit-oriented development.
Practical applications of the nexus through real-world case studies of Fiji and India demonstrate the challenges and strategies involved in developing integrated low-carbon transport systems and the intricacies of grid integration for electric vehicles. Support mechanisms provided by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, as well as frameworks such as Avoid-Shift-Improve and the Sustainable Urban Transport Index, also provide structured approaches to planning and implementing urban mobility, drawing on synergies with the energy and planning sectors.
This policy brief presents a series of recommendations aimed at nurturing an inclusive and sustainable urban transport ecosystem. It calls for the localization of SDGs, stressing the influential role of local administrations and communities as catalysts for transformative change. This policy brief also underscores the importance of political commitment to cross-sectoral collaboration and the development of integrated transport master plans, while considering the need to address socio-spatial inequalities. The integration of low-carbon technologies is promoted as a pivotal move, highlighting the need for coordination across the transport, urban planning, and energy sectors to pave a sustainable future.</p
Sustainable maritime connectivity in Asia and the Pacific 2023-2024
No full textThe "Sustainable Maritime Connectivity in Asia and the Pacific 2023-2024" report serves as a strategic guide for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and international organizations involved in the maritime sector. It provides a detailed analysis of the current state of maritime connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region and offers actionable insights for advancing sustainable and resilient maritime practices, including such initiatives as green shipping corridors.
The report includes a dedicated chapter on the Southeast Asia subregion, which faces unique challenges in its maritime and port sectors. Key issues identified include infrastructure gaps, the need for decarbonization, and the adoption of digital and smart technologies. The report outlines strategies for improving maritime connectivity in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and the integration of sustainable practices into port operations.
As the region continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, economic uncertainty, and technological transformation, the report underscores the importance of collective action and regional cooperation in achieving the goal of sustainable maritime connectivity.This final report was prepared by ESCAP with financial assistance and technical input from the Korea Maritime Institut
Comparative analysis of air pollution control technologies and policies in three Asian cities - Bangkok, Dhaka, and Gurugram
Get PDFThe Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), has long been dedicated to fostering innovation and technology cooperation and transfer across Asia Pacific. APCTT’s mandate is to strengthen capabilities and facilitate development, adoption and diffusion of new and emerging in the region. This document has been prepared under the project "Enhanced capabilities to adopt innovative technologies for city air pollution control in select countries of the AsiaPacific" supported by the Korea ESCAP Cooperation Fund. The project objective was to strengthen policies and city level action plans to facilitate adoption of innovative technologies for controlling air pollution in Asia-Pacific. The project aimed to improve the availability of technical knowledge regarding innovative technologies, and good practices and enabling policies for air pollution control in three cities (Bangkok, Dhaka and Gurugram).The three Asian cities under study - Dhaka in Bangladesh, Gurugram in India, and Bangkok in Thailand - represent distinct urban landscapes facing common challenges associated with air pollution. Through a meticulous comparative analysis, this document delves into the technological and policy interventions implemented in each city, offering a nuanced understanding of their respective approaches.Supported by the Korea ESCAP Cooperation FundTopic Title Page
TITLE PAGE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- i
FOREWORD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --------------------------------------------------------------iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS-----------------------------------------------------------------iv
LIST OF TABLES -------------------------------------------------------------------------vi
LIST OF ACRONYMS-------------------------------------------------------------------- vii
1 INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
1.1 Background information----------------------------------------------------------- 1
1.2 Brief profile of all three cities – Bangkok, Dhaka, and Gurugram ------ 2
1.2.1 Status of air pollution in the three cities ---------------------------- 2
1.2.2 Important aspects of city -specific studies on air pollution ----- 5
1.3 Objectives of the report ----------------------------------------------------------- 6
2 METHODOLOGY -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
2.1 Criteria for comparative analysis ----------------------------------------------- 8
2.1.1 Conceptual Framework for Comparative Analysis --------------- 9
2.2 Approach and research methodology used for data collection---------12
3 BRIEF ABOUT THE CITIES------------------------------------------------------------12
3.1 Bangkok City------------------------------------------------------------------------12
3.1.1 City brief – Programmes on air quality management in
Bangkok--------------------------------------------------------------------12
3.1.2 List of important technology interventions for air pollution
mitigation for Bangkok from the Assessment study-------------19
3.1.3 City level action plans and strategies for air pollution control 19
3.1.4 Alignment of city level action plans/strategies
with national policy and strategy for air pollution control-------21
3.1.5 Discussion -----------------------------------------------------------------21
3.2 Dhaka City---------------------------------------------------------------------------22
3.2.1 City brief – Programmes on air quality
management in Dhaka -------------------------------------------------22
3.2.2 Description of the air pollution mitigation
technology interventions implemented in Dhaka ----------------30
3.2.3 City level action plans and strategies for air pollution control 30
3.2.4 Alignment of city level action plans/strategies
with national policy and strategy for air pollution control-------33
3.2.5 Discussion ----------------------------------------------------------------33
vi Comparative Analysis of Air Pollution Control Technologies and Policies in Three Asian Cities
3.3 Gurugram City ----------------------------------------------------------------------34
3.3.1 City brief – Programmes on air quality management
in Gurugram --------------------------------------------------------------34
3.3.2 Description and analysis of the air pollution mitigation
technology interventions implemented in Gurugram------------44
3.3.3 City level action plans and strategies for air pollution control 45
3.3.4 Alignment of city level action plans/strategies
with national policy and strategy for air pollution control-------46
3.3.5 Discussion ----------------------------------------------------------------46
3.3.6 Relevant air quality management challenges --------------------47
4 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ------------------------------------------------------------51
4.1 Analysis of the City Action Plans-----------------------------------------------51
4.2 Analysis of the Air Pollution Mitigation Technological Interventions---54
4.2.1 Comparative analysis – Air pollution mitigation
technology interventions across Bangkok,
Dhaka and Gurugram---------------------------------------------------54
4.3 Summary – Comparative Analysis --------------------------------------------81
5 CURRENT GAPS AND CHALLENGES AS PART
OF THE EXISTING INTERVENTIONS ----------------------------------------------81
5.1 Challenges arising due to limitation of information and analysis ------84
6 LESSONS LEARNT ---------------------------------------------------------------------84
6.1 City Action Plans -------------------------------------------------------------------84
6.2 Technological interventions -----------------------------------------------------86
7 CONCLUSION -----------------------------------------------------------------------------87
8 RECOMMENDATION PROPOSED ACROSS ALL THREE CITIES ---------88
8.1 Bangkok------------------------------------------------------------------------------88
8.2 Dhaka 89
8.3 Gurugram ----------------------------------------------------------------------------90
9 WAY FORWARD --------------------------------------------------------------------------91
9.1 Dissemination of the Report Findings Across Asia Pacific -------------92
10 REFERENCES ----------------------------------------------------------------------------9