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Market survey on passive cooling practice in South-East Asia
No full textThe objective of this report is to provide a detailed understanding of the current awareness, practices, and challenges associated with passive cooling in South-East Asia’s building sector. The report focuses on both the residential and commercial sectors, exploring how passive cooling strategies are implemented, perceived, and promoted across different countries. ESCAP aims to offer actionable insights for policymakers, architects, real estate developers, and industry professionals who are essential to driving the widespread adoption of these sustainable practices. The report is based on a mixed-method research approach combining both quantitative and qualitative surveys. The quantitative survey involved structured questionnaires distributed to a diverse set of respondents, including homeowners, architects, developers, and construction professionals. The qualitative interviews were conducted with key stakeholders across South-East Asia, including experts from Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and the Philippine
Operationalisation of the Pacific Islands internet exchange incorporated
Get PDFIn support of implementing the ESCAP resolution 79/10 titled, “Promoting digital cooperation and inclusion through the Action Plan for Implementing the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Initiative, 2022–2026,” the ESCAP secretariat is mandated to provide technical assistance, policy analysis and capacity development and promote knowledge-sharing among members and associate members, in particular least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, on digital connectivity and transformation through regional cooperation, as appropriate. The report titled ‘Operationalisation of the Pacific Islands Internet Exchange Incorporated’ documents the progress made by the Committee of the Pacific Islands Internet Exchange Incorporated in 2024 and outlines the key steps for implementation in 2025 and beyond. This initiative aims to strengthen the efficient management of Internet traffic in Pacific Island countries.</p
User guidebook : risk & resilience portal and decision support system
No full textUnited Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) are collaboratively implementing a two-year Joint SDG fund project, "Strengthening National and Subnational Capacity for Sustainable Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Maldives." This program aims to anchor Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) at the heart of national and subnational development planning to ensure better achievement of SDGs and Agenda 2030 in the Maldives. To ensure sustainability, an essential aspect of this project to enhance local capacities so that a data-driven DRR approach can be maintained moving forward. To achieve this, ESCAP has developed a set of manuals that will assist local experts in creating and updating the relevant DRR-related data. This manual provides step-by-step guidance on climate risk assessment in the Maldives using downscaled climate projection information and geospatial technology. The manual is specifically designed for beginner-level operators and includes detailed illustrations of each step to ensure ease of understanding. This manual can be used to develop and update countries' national/sub-national climate risk profile using open-source data and software. United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) are collaboratively implementing a two-year Joint SDG fund project, "Strengthening National and Subnational Capacity for Sustainable Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Maldives." This program aims to anchor Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) at the heart of national and subnational development planning to ensure better achievement of SDGs and Agenda 2030 in the Maldives.
To ensure sustainability, an essential aspect of this project to enhance local capacities so that a data-driven DRR approach can be maintained moving forward. To achieve this, ESCAP has developed a set of manuals that will assist local experts in creating and updating the relevant DRR-related data. This manual provides step-by-step guidance on climate risk assessment in the Maldives using downscaled climate projection information and geospatial technology. The manual is specifically designed for beginner-level operators and includes detailed illustrations of each step to ensure ease of understanding. This manual can be used to develop and update countries' national/sub-national climate risk profile using open-source data and software. </p
Integrated public transport systems : good practices from Asia and the Pacific
Get PDFThe rapid urbanisation and population growth have put increasing pressure on existing urban public transport systems in Asian cities. While growing motorisation is the main culprit behind congestion, traffic jams are also exacerbated by the lack of integration of the public transport systems. Each transport mode competes for limited road space, while travellers must make inconvenient transfers and navigate the complexities of multiple fare payment systems.
Even when new transit systems are built, transport planners and engineers design them without considering the physical and virtual connectivity between modes. To ensure that passengers are not faced with difficult transfers between modes, it is recommended that transport systems should be planned and operated in an integrated manner. This is achieved by bringing together transport agencies and operators to coordinate planning and operations, integrate ticketing systems, and provide comprehensive transport information.
This policy brief identifies existing practices and presents selected examples of good practice in developing integrated public transport systems. The logical process of integration with the following key elements needed to achieve an integrated public transport system is described briefly.
- Institutional Models for Integrated Public Transport Systems
- Planning Integrated Public Transport Systems
- Public Transport Modes
- Public Transport Operations – Network Integration
- Public Transport Operations – Interchanges and Terminals
- Data and Digital Applications
- Integrating Fare Systems
- Gender and Social Inclusion.</p
Regional Digital Trade Integration Index (RDTII) 2.0 economy profile 2024 : Republic of Korea
Get PDFThis brief provides a concise summary of the Republic of Korea’s digital trade policy profile, benchmarked against the regional average based on data from 21 Asia-Pacific economies included in the ESCAP-ECA-ECLAC Regional Digital Trade Integration Index, version 2 (RDTII 2.0).
It highlights that the Republic of Korea is generally among the economies with high regulatory compliance costs for cross-border digital trade. Compared to the group average, based on data up to 2023, the Republic of Korea’s digital trade policies related to tariffs and trade defence on ICT goods, foreign direct investment in sectors relevant to digital trade, and intellectual property rights are relatively enabling. However, compliance costs are relatively high concerning policies on cross-border data policies, standards and procedures, public procurement on ICT goods and services, and internet intermediary liability. Additionally, it highlights new policy measures, proposals related to digital trade, and the Republic of Korea’s participation in trade negotiations involving digital trade.
For more information, please visit Initiative on Digital Trade Regulatory Integration
Regional Digital Trade Integration Index (RDTII) 2.0 economy profile 2024 : Thailand
Get PDFThis brief provides a concise summary of Thailand’s digital trade policy profile, benchmarked against the regional average based on data from 21 Asia-Pacific economies included in the ESCAP-ECA-ECLAC Regional Digital Trade Integration Index, version 2 (RDTII 2.0).
It highlights that Thailand is generally among the economies with low regulatory compliance costs for cross-border digital trade. Compared to the group average, based on data up to 2023, Thailand’s digital trade policies related to tariffs and trade defence, internet intermediary liability, and standards and procedures are relatively enabling. However, compliance costs are relatively high concerning policies on telecom regulations and competition, intellectual property rights, and foreign direct investment in sectors relevant to digital trade. Additionally, it highlights new policy measures, proposals related to digital trade, and Thailand’s participation in trade negotiations involving digital trade.
For more information, please visit Initiative on Digital Trade Regulatory Integration
The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) – a renewed declaration for resilient prosperity : key features and its alignment with the sustainable development goals
Get PDFThe Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) is the new development agenda for small island developing States (SIDS) for 2024-2034. This policy brief analyses ABAS's alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While ABAS actions encompass all 17 SDGs, 58% are tailored specifically to SIDS, indicating less direct overlap with SDG targets compared to its predecessor, the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway for 2014-2024. Many ABAS actions address multiple SDGs simultaneously, underscoring the interconnected nature of sustainable development challenges in SIDS. This policy brief highlights the synergies between the ABAS and the 2030 Agenda, showcasing how SIDS-specific actions contribute to SDG achievement. It also identifies the challenge of using existing SDG monitoring frameworks for ABAS due to the reduced direct target overlap. To address this, the brief recommends integrating additional frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, into ABAS monitoring and reporting
ESCAP Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness : 2023 annual report
No full textEstablished following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the ESCAP Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness represented a regional commitment to strengthening early warning systems. As a result, 23 countries have directly benefited from building regional and national end-to-end multi-hazard warning systems. By pooling resources, the Trust Fund facilitates South-South cooperation to strengthen disaster resilience in high-risk, low-capacity countries and ultimately reduces disaster loss and damage.
19 years on, strengthening early warnings remains the top adaptation priority for many countries in Asia and the Pacific. Countries with limited to moderate multi-hazard early warning system (MHEWS) coverage experience nearly six times the mortality ratio compared to countries with substantial to comprehensive coverage. The launch of the United Nations Executive Action Plan for Early Warnings for All at COP27 signaled a global commitment to advancing MHEWS.
As of 31 December 2023, the ESCAP secretariat acknowledges with gratitude that eleven donors have contributed a total of US 14.65 million has been programmed under 32 projects which has further mobilized an estimated US$ 34.67 million in additional co-financed or in-kind support.
Disasters are becoming complex, compounding, and cascading with cross-border origins and impacts. As the only regional funding mechanism supporting shared learning on disaster preparedness in Asia and the Pacific, the Trust Fund is uniquely positioned to catalyze action in the region to advance Early Warning for All by 2027 and build transboundary synergies.
2023 was a year of impact and strategic positioning for the Trust Fund. Two programmes of work are ongoing, dedicated to near-field tsunami preparedness in the North West Indian Ocean, and impact-based forecasting and warning services in high-risk low-capacity countries across the region. Two strategic studies have also been commissioned to assess regional tsunami preparedness and evaluate the long-term socio-economic impacts of Trust Fund interventions.
Coming up to 20 years since the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Trust Fund will continue to mobilize support to implement a regional strategy to achieve early warnings for all.
This Annual Report will highlight the 2023 achievements from the two ongoing programmes of work as well as the advocacy engagements that have been instrumental in ensuring investments continue to address the regional gaps in multi-hazard early warning value chains, the critical link between global innovation and local action. </p
Riding the dragon : ascent of China's Renminbi and the decline of dollar dominance
Get PDFSeveral commentaries are written about de-dollarization. We analyze the factors which are contributing to de-dollarization and provide an alternative assessment. On the economic front, the US economy's reduced fiscal and financial capacity can strain economic trust in the dollar. The internationalization of the Chinese currency is another factor. Additionally, a lower forecast for the world economic growth outlook, a higher debt financing in the US and a war in Europe are also leading to central banks around the world buying more gold and reducing investment in the US treasury bonds. While these factors may lead to a reduced demand for dollars and increase the use of alternate international currencies, including digital currencies, we argue that dislodging the dollar as a global anchor currency is going to be restricted by economic and geopolitical reasons