The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) recently published a report named “Survey 2019: Ambitions Beyond Growth”. This report aims to explore the necessary steps to achieve the ambitious 2030 Agenda of sustainable development goals.
Finding: The Need for Additional Annual Investment
According to the report, an additional annual investment of $1.5 trillion or about a dollar per person per day could enable countries in the Asia-Pacific region to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The report states that the required funds for the realization of SDGs are quite attainable for many countries considering their fiscal space and potential to leverage private investment.
Moving Beyond Mere Economic Growth
The UNESCAP has encouraged Asia Pacific countries to move beyond just focusing on economic growth. The report suggests that nations facing high and growing inequality levels and environmental degradation need to reconsider their path of growth that neglects citizens and the environment.
Instead, it proposes an investment package, equivalent to 5% of combined GDP of the Asia-Pacific developing countries in 2018. This includes $669 billion to support basic human rights and develop human capacities, $590 billion for clean energy, and $196 billion for improved access to transport, ICT, and water and sanitation.
The Importance of Education Quality
The report highlights that substantial savings could be made through more emphasis on the quality of education and outcomes. It refers to UNESCO’s estimates from 2014 that globally, around $129 billion is wasted annually due to the gap between schooling years and the acquisition of basic skills. According to the report, Asia-Pacific developing countries could save more than 30% through efficiency gains without compromising the quality of education.
Facts About the UNESCAP
| Established | 1947 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Member States | 53 Member States and 9 Associate Members from Asia-Pacific Region, including India |
| Objective | ESCAP aims to overcome some of the region’s greatest challenges by providing results-oriented projects, technical assistance and capacity building to member States |
The Role of UNESCAP
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) is the regional development arm of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region. It provides assistance in overcoming some of the region’s most significant challenges by providing result-oriented projects, technical assistance, and capacity building to its member states. Its primary objective is to work towards sustainable development goals that benefit both the people and the planet.
