Proceedings of the meeting Co-organized by ESCAP and the Government of the Lao People s Democratic Republic June 2016 Vientiane

Transcription

1 Regional Workshop on the Adaptation of the 2030 Agenda and the Istanbul Programme of Action at the National Level for the Least Developed Countries in Asia and the Pacific Proceedings of the meeting Co-organized by ESCAP and the Government of the Lao People s Democratic Republic June 2016 Vientiane

2 Content Introduction 2 Session discussions 7 Key messages and recommendations 26 Programme 31 List of participants 37 Infographic 44

3 1 Introduction

4 Introduction The Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade , informally called the Istanbul Programme of Action, has given impetus to building productive capacities in least developed countries (LDCs) and achieving graduation from the status through structural transformation. The Programme has also stressed the need to reduce the vulnerabilities of these countries to various shocks, such as the food, fuel and financial crises that have affected all countries in the world in the late 2000s and climate change-related consequences. During the first half of the implementation period of the Programme, the Asia-Pacific least developed countries made remarkable progress towards meeting the criteria for graduation. After the graduation of Samoa in January 2014, the number of least developing countries in the region is 12, of which seven of them met the criteria for graduation during the 2015 triennial review of the Committee for Development Policy. Graduation from least developed country status is, however, not enough, as many of these countries are still highly vulnerable to external shocks arising from global financial crises, natural disasters or high volatility in commodity markets. Thus, the global community needs to formulate frameworks and alternative actions to support these countries, particularly in the context of climate change adaptation. The second half of the Istanbul Programme of Action coincides with the first five years of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A major issue to be addressed is how to implement these two ambitious development objectives for LDCs effectively. ESCAP has already initiated a process to support member States in implementing these global agendas by organizing a regional macroeconomic modelling workshop in December The ESCAP secretariat has been mandated by the Commission in its resolution 72/6 to further expand the process by conducting workshops and training programmes on applying models in an effort to integrate the three dimensions of sustainable development and to identify the linkages and impacts of national policies and strategies. With 251 actions included in the Istanbul Programme of Action and 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets in the 2030 Agenda, it is clear that a strategic approach based on the prioritization and sequencing of actions, the Goals and targets is necessary. In the latest publication of ESCAP, From the Istanbul Programme of Action to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, effective ways to address the challenges involved in the simultaneous implementation of the Programme and the 2030 Agenda for Asia-Pacific least developed countries are explored. For that purpose, 3

5 1 the report examines to what extent the Programme can support the achievement of specific Goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda. It also proposes a unique analytical framework for the prioritization and sequencing of the 2030 Agenda in each country. One of the distinctive features of the 2030 Agenda is the importance it accords to means of implementation, among which the mobilization of financial resources plays an important role. Without a far-reaching financing strategy, graduation and promotion of sustainable development is not possible. This is particularly important in the light of the scarcity of financial and human resources that characterize LDCs. ESCAP has recently conducted a perception survey of experts and practitioners from Asia-Pacific least developed countries to identify their priorities that pertain to domestic and foreign sources of finance for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The aggregate view was that national government revenue and improved management of public expenditure were the main priorities, with a particular focus on the role of official development assistance (ODA) for least developed countries. Challenges Despite the progress achieved so far, the socioeconomic development of LDCs remains constrained by many factors, including, among them, limited productive capacities, high trade costs and geographic features, which causes isolation from the major regional and extra-regional markets. These countries are also the most vulnerable to climate change consequences and natural disasters, making economic growth, social inclusion and environmental management a far greater challenge. 4

6 Introduction Some economies in the region are also facing the challenge of declining commodity prices, which is severely affecting the commodity export-dependent economies, underscoring the need for diversifying sources of growth. For example, in 2015, the global oil price plunged by 47 per cent and the global non-fuel commodity price index fell by 17 per cent. These sharp drops in prices are threatening to slow economic growth, poverty reduction, the achievement of SDGs and inclusive development. In addition, at this critical juncture, a significant challenge to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda is the lack of a clear road map or strategy for implementation. The 169 targets provide a comprehensive framework for tracking progress, but they fail to provide guidance on how to achieve SDGs. A major issue to be addressed by policymakers is how to effectively prioritize and sequence their actions for achieving SDGs. At the national level, it is a challenging undertaking because of (a) interlinkages across ADGs and (b) bottlenecks that are impeding progress towards inclusive growth and sustainable development. Furthermore, graduation from least developed country status is, however, not enough, as indicated earlier, many of these countries are still highly vulnerable to external shocks arising from crises, natural disasters or high volatility in commodity markets. Thus, the global community needs to formulate frameworks and alternative actions to support these countries. Opportunities To further promote a cross-sectoral and integrated approach in the adaptation of the 2030 Agenda, policymakers and other stakeholders need to be aware of development strategies and policy options, for example, those related to the implementation of IPoA that focus on similar priority areas and development goals. For that purpose, regional cooperation, can play a key role in this effort and can be promoted through the dissemination of good practices and lessons learned, and capacity-building efforts. Cross-sectoral coordination is also essential for creating synergies across the priorities of action and between global agendas. It will be even more critical, given that the 2030 Agenda entails pursuing simultaneously economic, social and environmental objectives. It is clear that a strategic approach based on the prioritization and sequencing of actions, the Goals and targets is necessary. 5

7 1 The importance of prioritization and sequencing is further amplified in LDCs, as these countries are also committed to implementing policies that advance progress towards the Istanbul Programme of Action. The Policy Declaration, which was adopted during the Midterm Review of the Implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action in May 2016, reaffirmed that national policies should be geared towards catalysing action within the context of the 2030 Agenda and other agreed international development accords. Way forward Given these challenges and prospects Asia-Pacific LDCs are facing, the 2030 Agenda must be adapted and localized to maximize its impact. Policymakers could develop country-specific policies and strategies for prioritizing and sequencing the actions that need to be taken as part of the overall effort to achieve SDGs. In this context, a recent ESCAP report, Asia-Pacific Countries with Special Needs Development Report 2016, which will be presented shortly, emphasizes the importance of country-specific strategies for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The analytical framework proposed in the Report could be used to inform policymakers of their optimal, country-specific pathways on progress towards reaching SDGs. This information would ultimately contribute to efforts aimed at adapting the 2030 Agenda into their national context, including through innovative policy initiatives and institutional reforms. Finally, planning and prioritization are essential for making progress towards achieving sustainable development. This workshop provides a timely and important opportunity to discuss how the 2030 Agenda could be most effectively adapted to the national realities of LDCs of the region. 6

8 2 Introduction Session discussions 7

9 2 Open plenary session Welcome remarks H.E. Khamlien Pholsena, Vice Minister, Ministry of Planning, Lao People s Democratic Republic, welcomed the participants to Vientiane and to the workshop. He stated that the political declaration adopted at the Comprehensive High-level Mid-term Review of the Implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade , held in May 2016, recognized the challenges and vulnerabilities of LDCs and builds on the last five years success stories and lessons learned, including progress and constraints. It clearly spells out practical actions to be taken by LDCs and development partners at national, regional and global levels. Specifically for the Lao People s Democratic Republic, he indicated that graduation from LDC status has been a key long-term objective since the early 2000s. While the country did not reach the threshold during the last Committee for Development Policy (CDP) review in March 2015, it has nevertheless made important progress in each of the three criteria. The Government of Lao People s Democratic Republic calls for enhanced support and cooperation from development partners and the United Nations system, including ESCAP. The international community needs to take concrete actions to help address the special needs of LDC and further strengthen the global partnership for development of LDC in all priority areas of the Istanbul Programme of Action, while taking into account the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in LDCs. 8

10 Session discussions Introductory remarks Aynul Hasan, Director, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP stated that the regional workshop is organized to strengthen and build capacities of Asia-Pacific LDCs to prioritize, sequence and implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. It is the culmination of a series of national level workshops that have been organized by ESCAP in support of 2030 Agenda. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Istanbul Programme of Action are two of the most important development agendas. They are of particular interest to the LDCs and their development aspirations. These two agendas can be used as powerful platforms for supporting the development efforts of the LDCs. Despite the progress achieved so far, the socioeconomic development of LDCs remains constrained by many factors including, among them, limited productive capacities, high trade costs and geographic features, which causes isolation from the major regional and extraregional markets. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is committed to support, Asia-Pacific LCDs in the implementation of IPoA and the 2030 Agenda through its analytical work, technical assistance programmes and intergovernmental meetings. He concluded by expressing confidence that the workshop would provide interesting discussions and enable the participants to benefit from each other s experiences and insights, and consequently would take countries a step closer towards the goal of achieving inclusive and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. 9

11 2 Session 1 Overview of the Mid-term Review of the Istanbul Programme of Action: Challenges and Opportunities for the Asia-Pacific LDCs Abdul Alim, Senior Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) presented an overview of the Mid-term Review of the Istanbul Programme of Action, which was held from 27 to 29 May 2016, in Antalya, Turkey. The Review, which had about 2,000 participants, with more than 60 of them at the ministerial level, took place at a critical juncture following the adoption of four important agreements in the area of sustainable development. LDCs and their development partners have reaffirmed their respective commitments. There is a global consensus that LDCs should get priority in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda A number of concrete measures and initiatives have been agreed upon, such as operationalization of the technology bank, investment promotion regimes, undertaking an in-depth study on crises mitigation and resilience building in LDCs, a comprehensive review by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) of the graduation criteria and encouragement for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to set a target to provide 0.2 per cent of gross national income (GNI) as overseas development assistance (ODA). The immediate task ahead is to translate the specific commitments into actions. All stakeholders need to undertake aggressive measures for the implementation of the IPoA and the Mid-term Review political declaration. The Review came away with the view that there has been a transformative shift in the perception and attitude of LDCs, as many of them are now forthcoming to graduate from the list. The current decade could be marked as the decade of graduation. Eleven countries have already met the graduation criteria and additional countries are also 10

12 Session discussions projected to fulfil the criteria in the next review. Meeting the criteria for graduation by half of LDCs by 2020 would be extremely difficult, but not impossible, given additional efforts are put in place by LDCs and their development partners. Particular attention should be given to the smooth transition of graduating countries. In the ensuing discussion, one country delegation noted that security issues present a large challenge for it with regards to graduation and achieving SDGS. Another delegation indicated that it has been severely affected by natural disasters and that is is developing a strategy for LDC graduation but needs aid and technical support from the international community in such areas as empowering women in line with the global agenda. Meanwhile the delegation of Tuvalu explained that as the smallest member of the LDC category, it faces challenges relating to economies of scale, along with the repercussions of climate change. The economy has a limited revenue base, mostly in fishing with most of it in U.S. dollars, and relies on imports. The country also needs to upgrade its technology to improve communication with other countries. CSO Intervention Gauri Pradhan, International Coordinator, LDC Watch, Nepal explained that representatives of civil society at the United Nation High Level Mid-term Review of the Istanbul Programme of Action, adopted a separate CSO Declaration calling all LDC Governments and its development partners, including international development agencies to develop an overarching framework for smooth transition towards graduation and a set of time-bound specific and result-oriented guidelines that promote sustainable post-graduation developments in LDCs. To implement IPoA, he said ownership and leadership in building-capacity for productivity, means of implementation and policy coherence at the national level needs to enhance, regional cooperation, South-South cooperation and North-South cooperation for fair trade for development, climate, justice, technology transfer and for elevation of science, technology and innovation (STI) in LDCs needs to be promoted and developed countries must fulfil their ODA commitment and cancel the debt of LDCs. Special attention must be given in their effort to achieve the SDGs. 11

13 2 Session 2 Building Synergies and complementarities in the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda Naylin Oo, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP gave a presentation on the ESCAP Country with Special Needs Report Countries with special needs comprise LDC, landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS). There are three programmes of action (PoA) relevant to them, namely IPoA, the Vienna Programme of Action and the Samoa Pathway, which now coincide with the implementation of the 2030 agenda. For the report, ESCAP reviewed the progress through assessment in meeting the targets of each country s respective PoA through assessments, mapping exercises and a survey of practitioners from countries with special needs. The findings indicated the following: Asia-Pacific countries with special needs are advancing towards meeting the targets of their respective PoA. These countries face structural impediments that hamper the development of adequate productive capacities, making sustainable development difficult and expensive. Many LDCs still remain vulnerable to major disasters and global economic shocks. Specific measures to support LDCs should be phased out in a gradual and predictable manner. There is a great overlap between IPoA and SDGs Government can be guided by the specific actions of PoA to prepare national plans for the adaptation of the 2030 Agenda. 12

14 Session discussions Yann Duval, Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, ESCAP, discussed the important role that trade and investment can play in implementing the 2030 Agenda. About 12 of the SDGs and related targets refer directly to trade either directly or indirectly. The ESCAP Trade, Investment and Innovation Division focuses on trade capacity and policy, facilitation and paperless trade and enterprise development and investment. Going forward, when prioritizing SDGS and targets, countries must be aware that these are essential elements required for achieving many of the Goals. Also, trade-related indicators included in the SDG framework need to be refined and possibly localized, taking into account not just the growth in exports from LDCs but also the quality of export and participation of LDCs in global value chains. Grace Puliyel, Social Affairs Officer, Social Development Division, ESCAP, explained that investing in the social dimension as well as strengthening linkages with the economic and environmental dimensions is critical for the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda and IPoA. The Social Development Division of ESCAP provides analytical work, capacity-building and technical support in such areas as advancing accountability and statistics for gender equality and enhancing the collection and analysis of reliable and comparable disability data. Going forward, it has a number of capacity-building and analytical work projects in the pipeline, including developing learning modules on social protection, a youth toolbox, a research study on youth inclusion and a publication on inequality opportunities. 13

15 2 Nobue Amanuma, Environment and Development Division, ESCAP, noted that for growth to be sustainable, it is critical to take the environmental dimension into consideration. The Environment and Development Division is heavily involved in carrying out the ESCAP mandates to support the implementation of SDGs by member States, in particular least developed, landlocked developing and Pacific island developing countries and to foster regional cooperation and partnerships to respond to the climate change challenge in the Asia-Pacific region. In that regard, the division is conducting analysis and research on sustainable development with a focus on environmental sustainability and to enhance understanding on regional dimensions of sustainable development. It is also providing capacity-building support through online courses and is developing a one-stop shop for knowledge and setting a framework for waste management. She pointed out that the division is focusing on integrating the environment dimension by considering the need for a long-term framework as in the short run there may be tradeoffs, but in the long-term there will be co-benefits. Country interventions Lao People s Democratic Republic explained that SDGs are being mainstreamed in the country s development plan, but its main goal is to graduate from LDC status by To mainstream SDGs, it has seven economic outputs, seven social outputs and three environment outputs while its outcome plan has 45 indicators. The Government is working with the provinces to align their needs in the development plan. 14

16 Session discussions Bhutan explained that the principles of sustainable development and poverty eradication have been an integral part of the country s development approach based on Gross National Happiness (GNH). The implementation of IPoA and the 2030 Agenda is synergized in the pursuit of GNH. SDGs are inherently aligned with GNH. A rapid mapping assessment of the 11th Five-year Plan conducted by the United Nations Development Programme and the 169 targets of SDGS revealed that 134 SDG targets out the 143 targets relevant to Bhutan were already integrated. The country already has global and national policies in place. The next step is to build synergies and complementarities between the two. Bhutan has made good socioeconomic progress through the implementation of IPoA, strong national ownership and s commitment backed by sound policies and effective implementations are important. However, they can go only so far without the continued support from our development partners and the international community. Continued support is critical because Bhutan is not only an LDC but also a landlocked developing country. Finally, the country sees graduation from LDC status in the larger context of implementing IPoA and achieving SDGS. For this, support for a smooth and sustainable transition through and beyond graduation is critical to ensure that the graduation is irreversible, on a sure footing, and in a sustainable manner. Cambodia is committed to accommodate SDGs in relevant sectors and to graduate from LDC status. It only recently began to focus on SDGs and is planning to localize them into the final SDG framework with a clear periodical review for the next development framework and action plan. It is also making de-mining, removing explosive remnants of war and victim assistance the 18th Cambodian Sustainable Development Goals. Key development concerns of the country are the threat of external shocks undermining gains in human development, a limited framework policy for underemployment, the need for more responsive and accountable institutions of governance and a poor social protection system while potential bottlenecks include limited institutional capacity, inadequate intersectoral and subnational coordination and limited financial resources. Nepal is working hard to integrate the global development agendas into its national system. With regard to MDGs, it appears to have not done too badly. For the past four years, the country has been committed to graduating from LDC status by It has met the human assets indicator and the economic vulnerability indicator and is halfway there towards achieving the GNI criteria. In that context, Nepal is targeting to achieve not only higher economic growth but also sustainable high economic growth. 15

17 2 The country s 14th Plan is about to take effect along with the accompanying next fiscal year budget. The budget has a built-in allocation mechanism that tracks budget allocation and expenditure in early of the SDGs. Nepal is also formulating Envisioning Nepal 2030, which will coincide with the SDGs timeline. The fiscal year budget, the 14th plan and Envisioning Nepal, 2030 will be fully consistent with SDGs and build in unmet MDGs and IPoA. Looking ahead, Nepal envisions problems in meeting resources requirements and will need capacity-building support. Timor-Leste, in its growth strategy took into account the three key dimensions, social, environment and economic, which is vital for sustainable economic growth. The country is also advocating for conflict resolution through a platform to share experiences and encourage countries to work with each other. Tuvalu has crafted the National Development Plan, taking into account SDGs, IPoA and the Samoa Pathway. The broad objectives and targets from these international agendas that are relevant to the context of Tuvalu are well integrated and mainstreamed into the Plan. Therefore progress in achieving the objectives and targets set out in the new Plan will eventually update the country s commitments towards targets in the international agenda. In the area of education and health, Tuvalu met all its education and health MDGs goals and indicators in In the area of gender, Tuvalu has met most of its MDGs targets under MDG 3 (Gender Equality and Empowerment). In the area of social protection, a new capacity support scheme for the Disabled was established in 2015 to provide a monthly financial support payment to the most vulnerable in the community. In terms of youth development a national youth policy is in place but the funds to implement the policy are not available. The policy addresses how to resolve the issues in the Youth sector. The new national sustainable development plan (Te Kakeega III), very much focuses on how Tuvalu can address and adapt to the effects of climate change, which is the most serious threat to the security and survival of Tuvalu. Finally, natural disasters are becoming more frequent and result in a high cost of recovery. To rebuild from the latest cyclone in May 2015, the Government needs to close a $67 million gap. This is equivalent to 202 per cent of the national GDP. 16

18 Session discussions CSO intervention Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director, Coast and EquityBD, Bangladesh emphasized two points. First, when discussing development, issues related to equal rights with an emphasis on democracy must be considered. Second, infrastructure must be built to protect the people. The Netherlands and the construction of dykes is a good example. The political will of leaders and political will of developing countries is needed to build infrastructure that protects the people. During an open discussion following the presentations and country interventions, two interesting points was made: (a) the overarching goal of the programmes of action is poverty eradication and (b) there is interlinkage in the development goals, for example, if workers are not healthy, they cannot work well and productivity goes down. The global community needs to be meaningful and effective in supporting development. 17

19 2 Session 3 LDCs graduation and financing strategies Abdul Alim, Senior Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and Syed Nuruzzaman, Senior International Consultant, ESCAP, gave an overview on the LDC graduation criteria and discussed in-depth the procedures for graduation from the LDC and for joining the LDC category. During the discussions leading up to the presentation, it became evident that many of the participants were unclear about some of the requirements and how the joining and graduation process worked. This presentation clarified many of these issues. He began the presentation with an in-depth review of the three criteria, GNI per capita threshold, the Human Asset Index) and the Economic Vulnerability Index, while emphasizing that one of the objectives of IPoA is for half of LDCs to meet the criteria for graduation by He explained the components of the criteria, the threshold levels, the weightings involved with the two indices and the sources of data used for evaluating them. He then discussed the graduation process with a review of the timeframe and the different entities involved in the procedure, including the phasing-out of United Nations support after the a country has graduated. The presentation ended with a discussion of the way forward. Thus far, 11 LDCs have already met the graduation criteria and some other are very likely to meet it by However, the IPoA goal of 24 countries meeting the criteria by 2020 will be difficult to reach. Additional efforts by LDCs and by development partners is, therefore, needed. Also, particular attention should be given to the smooth transition of graduating countries. 18

20 Session discussions Syed Nuruzzaman spoke about his experience of working with LDCs and noted some interesting observations: (a) interest has grown among LDCs to graduate, particularly after the effort to achieve the MDGs; (b) concessions need to be given to overcome LDC inertia; and (c) discussions are ongoing to expand the graduation process to seven criteria from three criteria, which would put graduation out of the reach of some LDCs. spoke about his experience of working with LDCs and noted some interesting observations: (a) interest has grown among LDCs to graduate, particularly after the effort to achieve the MDGs; (b) concessions need to be given to overcome LDC inertia; and (c) discussions are ongoing to expand the graduation process to seven criteria from three criteria, which would put graduation out of the reach of some LDCs. Sudip Ranjan Basu, Officer-in-Charge, Countries with Special Needs Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development, ESCAP gave a presentation on strategies for LDCs to finance their development. The presentation began by noting the widening income divergence in the Asia-Pacific region, with the per capita GNI gap between LDCs and developed countries expanding to 57 times during the period from 25 times during the period The challenges related to mobilizing financing for sustainable development are immense. Their needs vary across economic, social and environmental dimensions. Funding is generated domestically and externally from public and private sources. Some of the sources cited are tax revenues (a domestic public resource), ODA (an external public resource), private sector credit (a domestic private resource) and foreign direct investment (FDI) (an external private resource). He covered various sources of financing, including blended financing. Suggested strategies for financing graduation are to broaden tax bases, create an enabling policy environment and strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks to attract FDI inflows, reducing transaction costs of remittance and increased commitment from the Donor Assistance Community (DAC) countries. Going forward, some possible policy reform to help facilitate development financing are: raise tax-to-gdp ratios; strengthen the banking sector; expand the use of remittances for productive purposes; advocate and positon blended finance for development; create a pool of resources for climate change consequences; promote South-South cooperation; and strengthen the role of ODA flows. ESCAP and the United Nations system can play a key role in this drive through the provision of knowledge products and capacity-building assistance. 19

21 2 Country interventions Afghanistan reaffirmed its commitment to work with development partners to implement the 2030 Agenda. Bhutan stated that it is eligible for graduation under the per capita GNI and HAI thresholds. It has already integrated a strategy for graduation and has set up a committee dedicated to work on graduation and organized a nation-level workshop on the topic with stakeholders. It has also engaged the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs to evaluate the impacts of graduation. The country s financing strategies include a mix of domestic and external sources. Bhutan is exploring innovative methods, such as public-private partnership. Ultimately, it is targeting to be economically self-dependent; it hopes that development partners will support the country during the last mile towards self-reliance. Myanmar is trying to raise additional resources to finance growth by increasing access to ODA and FDI, as well by raising the tax base. It requires technical assistance with regard to tax issues. The country is also trying to raise the capacity level of the country in terms of human resources development and needs to collaborate more with the stakeholders to do this. Vanuatu indicated that it had made good progress but is hampered by being one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Its drive to graduate from LDC status in 2017 may be deferred to 2020 due to the devastating impact of Cyclone Pam of In terms of development, three areas the country needs to focus on are financing strategies, goodwill and governance. 20

22 Session discussions CSO intervention Fale Andrew Lesa, Policy Analyst, Pacific Young Women s Leadership Alliance, New Zealand, as a representative of CSO, called for policy support for young people in Asia and the Pacific. Greater recognition of the needs of marginalized young people, the transgender and small island developing States is required. He also stressed that his organization was an ardent supporter of financial literacy, calling for more funds to be directed to this area so that civil society can distribute the information. During an open discussion following the presentations and country interventions, two interest points were made: There is strong need for an Asia-Pacific tax forum as way to enhance tax administration. A finance tax forum workshop will be in held, especially for countries with special needs, in August or September to discuss value-added tax (VAT) and other tax issue. A representative of a civil society organization stressed the huge concern about illicit flows and that LDCs need to raise the issue of setting a United Nations universal regulation for tax. Breakout session Korm Ribaun, Secretary General, National Committee for ESCAP, Cambodia, was the chair for the session and Syed Nuruzzaman, Senior International Consultant, ESCAP, was the moderator. The participants were requested to form three groups to focus on one of the following three questions? 21

23 2 1. How LDCs are responding to the adaptation and implementation of IPoA and the 2030 Agenda in their respective countries? 2. How ESCAP and other United Nations agencies can support and strengthen the national implementation capacity of LDCs in their efforts to implement IPoA and the 2030 Agenda? 3. In what specific areas can ESCAP provide further support to Asia-Pacific LDCs in leveraging development cooperation (ODA, FDI, technology, remittances, market access) in support of IPoA and the 2030 Agenda. The findings were then reported to the workshop. Many of them are reflected in the list of the key messages recommendations from the workshop. Session 4 Analytical framework for the integration of goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda Alimau Pugameau, Economic Adviser, Planning, Budget and Aid Coordination Department, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Tuvalu, chaired the session. Sudip Ranjan Basu, led a panel discuss on SDGs modelling approaches for LDC. The panel was comprised of United Nations officials, experts and representatives of academia. Each of the six panelists gave a brief presentation about their area of expertise 22

24 Session discussions Michael Bordt, Regional Adviser, Statistics Division, ESCAP gave a presentation on the role of integrated statistics. In general, people need to obtain water food and energy, while limiting the impacts on climate change. Viable energy options may limit equitable access to water and food, while contributing to climate change. New statistical tools enables practitioners to quantify linkage and understand the trade-offs. The transformative agenda for official statistics has evolved from many data, many maps and many policies to one data, one map and one policy. There are a number of international platforms for integrating nature into decision-making and tools are being developed and used for measuring interactions between the economy and the environment. The following five panelists are experts in modelling. Each one gave a brief description of their specific area of expertise and the models or databases they are associated with. More detailed descriptions were given during the accompanying Regional Capacity Building Workshop on SDGs Modelling for the Least Developed Countries in Asia and the Pacific, which was held on 30 June 2016: 23

25 2 Juan Pizzarro, ESCAP Consultant The World Economic Database Alphametrics and UNCTAD Yanqun Zhang, Institute of Quantitative and Technical Economics (IQTE), Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China China s Macro Econometric model Selim Raihan, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, and Executive Director, South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), Bangladesh Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (DCGE) Modeling Lynette Vanessa Smith, Department of Economics, University of York, United Kingdom- Global VAR model Heinz Schandl, Senior Principal Scientist, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) modelling to assess climate and resource efficiency policies. Country intervention One delegation indicated that obtaining quality data was essential to modelling. The country will seek training support from ESCAP in this area in the future. Another delegation explained that it currently does not have in a place a modelling system to support the localizing of SDGs. It is hoped that the National Institute of Statistics will support a localizing exercise after a formal list of indicators is released, perhaps by September. After the list is released, an SDG framework can be formulated. The country is adding an 18th SDG with four or five targets. The goal pertains to demining. Another delegation noted that its main issue with modelling is data collection, use and analysis. Under the current, Five-year Plan, which is outcome based, the institutional mechanism is being upgraded. 24

26 Session discussions CSO intervention Kabita Gautam, founder BYND2015 Nepal Hub, Nepal, addressed the workshop, speaking on behalf of the children and youth. She began by noting that the Asia-Pacific region has left the potential human resources of youth behind in the development processes. As we are not in the transforming phase with regards to IPoA and the 2030 Agenda, the Asia-Pacific countries should focus on such things as resiliency, in response to natural shocks and disasters, infrastructure with projections on the impacts on the environment, proper land use and managed urbanization, water resources, data management and skill development and the advancement of technology. Similarly, community-based priorities, fair and transparent financial approaches within and among countries, inclusive collaboration of multi-stakeholders, including local communities, more research-based plan of actions, proper guidelines for investment and country based models, science and policy nexus are crucial components for implementation of IPoA and for LDCs to move towards sustainable and a climate-resilient future. There are large gaps in understanding the policy and processes at the grass-roots level. The analytical frameworks, therefore, should be directed towards bridging those gaps based on realities on the ground realities. Closing session The workshop concluded with the presentation of the key messages and closing statements from Ayanul Hasan and Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Director- General, Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Laos People s Democratic Republic. 25

27 3 3 Key messages and recommendations 26

28 Key message and recommendations I: IPoA and LDCs graduation Key messages LDCs in recent years have demonstrated a strong commitment to graduate from LDC status; however they continue to require additional and increased support from the international community. LDCs are advancing towards the successful implementation of their respective PoA, but they continue to face structural impediments, as well as impediments beyond their control, such the adverse effects resulting from climate change. LDCs have undertaken several capacity-building activities in support of their graduation objectives; however, they still need international development assistance and support to make their graduation smooth and sustainable. International community has to take concrete actions to help address the needs of LDCs and to further strengthen the global partnership for development for LDCs in all priority areas of the IPoA, in particular practical actions spelled out in the Political Declaration of the IPoA Midterm Review. Key recommendations Countries should consider setting up an institutional mechanism to ensure a smooth transition towards graduating from LDC status. Implementing IPoA should be closely linked with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. There needs to be standardization and harmonization of data between international organizations and member countries, and the data used should be the most up to date. 27

29 3 II: Sustainable Development Goals Key messages Integrating the 3 pillars of sustainable development will be a challenging task for LDCs, requiring a concerted effort from the international community. For growth to be sustainable, it is critical to integrate the social and environmental dimensions in national development frameworks. Recommendations Apply a strategic approach, with a clear plan on prioritization and sequencing, for the achievement of SDGs, as well for localizing the 2030 Agenda, is necessary. Improve interagency coordination and identify comparative advantages among the different agencies and development partners. Enhance coordination and policy harmonization pertaining to the implementation of the two agendas at national and international levels. Establish a national focal point at the highest political level, as has already been carried out in some LDCs, to enhance cross-sectoral coordination in efforts related to implementation of the 2030 Agenda and IPoA. III: Means of Implementation of the 2030 Agenda a) Financing Key messages Additional and increased financial resources are required to support LDC graduation efforts and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Domestic resource mobilization, including through increasing tax revenue and reform of the taxation system, is critical. In this context, LDCs could benefit from the establishment of the Asia-Pacific tax forum. Investing in the social dimension as well as strengthening linkages with the economic and environmental dimensions is critical for the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Istanbul Programme of Action. 28

30 Key message and recommendations Key recommendations Further strengthen the participation of the private sector through foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships in efforts to achieve sustainable development. Promote an integrated finance framework, including through digitization, to enhance accountability and transparency. Build capacity of LDCs in formulating proposals for accessing funds, such as the Global Climate Fund. Invest in new innovative tools related to financing sustainable development, with a particular focus on engaging civil society, the private sector and youth. b) Trade and STI Key messages Trade, investment and technology & innovation are key means of implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Countries need to take them into account when prioritizing SDGs and targets, as they are essential for the successful implementation of many of the Goals. Trade-related indicators included in the 2030 Agenda need to be refined and possibly localized, taking into account not just the growth in exports from LDCs but also the quality of exports and participation of LDCs in global value chains. Key recommendations ESCAP and other United Nations agencies should continue to facilitate the transfer and sharing of appropriate technology and know-how to LDCs in the context of South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation. Continue to assed the feasibility of establishing a technology bank for LDCs, which would facilitate technology transfer and related sharing of experiences. 29

31 3 c) Capacity-building Key messages Strengthening the collection, analysis and the dissemination of data and statistics are urgently needed at the national level. Diagnostic tools developed to assess the capacity of the National Statistical System can be adapted to assess the capacity of governments. Debt issues related to development need to be assessed, and should be analysed to ensure macroeconomic stability and to avoid downside risks associated with policy uncertainty. Analytical frameworks, such as the ESCAP s Country with Special Needs Report, can contribute new perspectives and motivate further studies to the adoption of development policies. Key recommendations Establish networks to promote South-South cooperation and to facilitate the exchange of good practices and knowledge, including in the areas of climate change and technical transfer. Encourage national ownership by promoting the use of a national mechanism to channel aid effectively. ESCAP can support member countries in efforts to implement POA through capacity-building in the following areas: To support human development On modelling to be used in implementing IPoA and the 2030 Agenda. Critical activities related to the implementation of the two agendas, such as monitoring and evaluation. 30

32 4 Introduction Programme 31

33 4 Programme 28 June 2016 Time 08:00 09:00 hrs Registration 09:00 09:30 hrs Opening plenary Session Welcome remarks by by H.E. Khamlien Pholsena, Vice Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Lao PDR Introductory remarks by Mr. Aynul Hasan, Director, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development, ESCAP 09:30 10:00 hrs Group Photo and Coffee Break 10:00 12:00 hrs Session 1: Overview of the Mid-term Review of the Istanbul Programme of Action: Challenges and Opportunities for the Asia-Pacific LDCs Chair: Mr. Aynul Hasan, Director, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP Presentation: Mr. Abdul Alim, Senior Economic Affairs Officer, UN-OHRLLS Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Tuvalu CSO: Mr. Gauri Pradhan, International Coordinator, LDC Watch, Nepal Open discussion 32

34 Programme 12:00 14:00 hrs Lunch 14:00 16:30 hrs Coffee Break during the session (30 minutes) Session 2: Building synergies and complementarities in the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda Chair: Mr. Kham-inh Khitchadeth, Director General, International Organizations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lao PDR Presentation1: ESCAP Capacity Building Support Mr. Naylin Oo, Macroeconomic Poliy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP Presentations: Country with Special Needs Development Report 2016 Mr. Yann Duval, Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, ESCAP Ms. Grace Puliyel, Social Development Division, ESCAP Ms. Nobue Amanuma, Environment and Development Division, ESCAPModeling (SANEM), Bangladesh Countries: Bhutan, Cambodia, Nepal, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu CSO: Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director, COAST and EquityBD, Bangladesh Open discussion 33

35 4 29 June 2016 Time 09:00 10:45 hrs Session 3: LDCs graduation and financing strategies Chair: Mr. Mohammad Mejbahuddin, Senior Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh Presentation1: LDC Graduation Criteria Mr. Abdul Alim, Senior Economic Affairs Officer, UN-OHRLLS Mr. Syed Nuruzzaman, Senior International Consultant, ESCAP Presentation 2: Financing Strategies for LDCs Graduation Mr. Sudip Ranjan Basu, Officer-in-Charge, Countries with Special Needs Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP Countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu CSO: Ms. Fale Andrew Lesa, Policy Analyst, Pacific Young Women s Leadership Alliance, New Zealand Open discussion 10:45 11:00 hrs Coffee Break 11:00 12:00 hrs Breakout session Chair: Mr. Korm Ribaun, Secretary General, National Committee for ESCAP, Cambodia Facilitator: Mr. Syed Nuruzzaman, Senior International Consultant, ESCAPOpen discussion Discussion questions (3 groups will be formed, each one will focus on one of the 3 questions listed below): 1. How LDCs are responding to the adaptation and implementation of IPoA and the 2030 Agenda in their respective countries? 2. How can ESCAP and other United Nations agencies support and strengthen the national implementation capacity of LDCs in their efforts to implement IPoA and the 2030 Agenda? 3. In what specific areas can ESCAP provide further support to the Asia-Pacific LDCs in leveraging development cooperation (ODA, FDI, technology, remittances, market access) in support of IPoA and the 2030 Development Agenda? 34

36 Programme 12:00 13:00 hrs Lunch 13:00 14:00 hrs Plenary session Chair: Mr. Korm Ribaun, Secretary General, National Committee for ESCAP, Cambodia Facilitator: Mr. Syed Nuruzzaman, Senior International ConsultantMr Group Presentations 14:00 16:00 hrs Coffee Break during the session (15 minutes) Session 4: Analytical framework for the integration of goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda Chair: Ms. Alimau Pugameau, Economic Adviser, Planning, Budget and Aid Coordination Department, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Tuvalu Presentations: SDGs Modelling Approaches for LDCs Mr. Sudip Ranjan Basu, Officer-in-Charge, Countries with Special Needs Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP Panelists: Government officials, United Nations officials, experts and representatives of civil society, private sector and academia Statements by panelists o Mr. Michael Bordt, Regional Adviser, Statistics Division, ESCAP o Mr. Juan Pizarro, ESCAP Consultant o Ms. Yanqun Zhang, Institute of Quantitative and Technical Economics (IQTE), Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China o Mr. Selim Raihan, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, and Executive Director, South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), Bangladesh o Ms. Lynette Vanessa Smith, Department of Economics, University of York, United Kingdom Countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Vanuatu CSO: Ms. Kabita Gautam, Founder, BYND2015 Nepal Hub, Nepal Open discussion 35

37 4 16:00 16:30 hrs Closing Session Chair: Senior Government Official, Lao PDR Presentation of the key messages of the workshop Closing Statement by Mr. Aynul Hasan, Director, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development, ESCAP Closing Statement by Mr. Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lao PDR 36

38 5 Introduction List of participants 37

39 5 List of participants MEMBER STATES AFGHANISTAN Mr. Riaz Sidiqi, Riaz Sediqi, Policy Advisor and SDG Board Member, Ministry of Economy, Kabul Mr. Walid Seraj, Sub-National Expert in Deputy of Policy, Ministry of Finance, Kabul BANGLADESH Mr. Mohammad Mejbahuddin, Senior Secretary, Economic Relations Division Ministry of Finance, Dhaka Mr. Kabir Ahamed, Economic Counsellor & Alternate Permanent, Representative to UNESCAP, Bangladesh Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand BHUTAN Mr. Sonam Tshering Dorji, Senior Policy and Planning Officer, Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Thimphu Mr. Dawa Tshering, Senior Desk Officer, Department of Multilateral Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu Ms. Tshering Lhamo, Planning Officer, Perspective Planning Division, Gross National Happiness Secretariat, Thimphu CAMBODIA H.E. Dr. Korm Ribaun, Deputy Secretary General, National Committee for ESCAP, Phnon Penh H.E. Mr. Poch Sovanndy, Deputy Director General of Planning, Ministry of Planning, Phnom Penh Mr. Kim Veara, Lecturer and Economic Researcher, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Phnom Penh 38

40 List of participants LAO PEOPLE S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Dr. Leeber Leebouapao, Director General of National Economic Research Institude, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vientiane Mr. Anoupheng Keovongsa, Director of Division, Ministry of Education and Sports, Vientiane Ms. Visouda Saignavong, Research Assistant, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vientiane Mr. Saysana, Technical, National Commission for the Advancement for Women, Vientiane Mr. Keokham, Technical Staff, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vientiane Ms. Sisavanh Didaravong, Director of Division, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vientiane Ms. Khammeung Oundala, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Vientiane Mr. Vanpaserth Phousamleth, Official, National Commission for Mothers and Children, Vientiane Ms. Bouphavanh Keomixay, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vientiane Ms. Mouknapha Manirath, Ministry of Home Affairs, Vientiane Mr. Chanhmy Phommalath, Director of Division, National Committee for Rural Development and Poverty Eradication of Lao PDR, Vientiane Mr. Mayphone, Staff, Ministry of Public Health, Vientiane Mr. Bounphamith, Deputy Director General, National Regulatory Authority for the UXO/Mine Action, Vientiane Ms. Daraphone Xayavong, Ministry of Public Work and Transportation, Vientiane Dr. Sengaloun Inmyxai, Director of Division, Ministry of Finance, Vientiane Dr. Sitthiroth Rasphone, Director of Division, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vientiane Mr. Souksavanh Soulivong, Deputy Director of Planning Division, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Vientiane Mr. Sanxay Sadettan, Director of Legislation and Monitoring Division, National Assembly, Vientiane Mr. Phoutthasone Phathalangsy, Desk Officer, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Vientiane 39

41 5 Mr. Bounpakon Phongphichit, Deputy Director of Planning Division, Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment, Vientiane Mr. Pheng Vilaysak, Desk Officer, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Vientiane Mr. Xakongvang Bouapor, Desk Officer, Ministry of Science and Technology, Vientiane Mr. Kham-inh Khitchadeth, Director General of International Organization Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vientiane Mr. Daovy Vongxay, Director of Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vientiane Mr. Siriphonh Phiathep, Deputy Director of Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vientiane MYANMAR Ms. Ohn Myint, Assistant Director, Central Statistical Organization Ms. War War Myint, Assistant Director, Central Statistical Organization Ms. Khaing Lwin Oo, Staff Officer, Central Statistical Organization NEPAL Dr. Chakra Pani Acharya, Program Director, National Planning Commission Secretariat, Kathmandu Mr. Kanchan Basnet, Planning Officer, National Planning Commission Secretariat, Kathmandu Mr. Lal Shanker Ghimire, Joint Secretary, Economic Management Division, National Planning Commission, Kathmandu TIMOR-LESTE Mrs. Milena Maria Rangel, Counselor and Charge D Affairs, Embassy of Democratic Republic of Timor- Leste in Lao PDR, Vientiane Mr. Nilton Saad, Embassy of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Lao PDR, Vientiane 40

42 List of participants TUVALU Ms. Alimau Pugameau, Economic Adviser, Planning, Budget and Aid Coordination Department, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Government of Tuvalu, Vaiaku, Funafuti Mr. Tusipese Morikao, Budget Adviser, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Government Building, Vaiaku, Funafuti Ms. Grace Alapati, Statistical Officer, Central Statistics Division, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Government of Tuvalu, Vaiaku, Funafuti VANUATU Mr. Amstrong Liddle Masanga, Senior Policy Analyst, Department of Strategic Policy, Planning and Aid Coordination, Port Vila Mr. Brian Paulo Wabaiat, Senior Fiscal Policy Officer, Department of Finance and Treasury, Port Vila Mr. Dreli Solomon, Senior Desk Officer, United Nations and Economic Relation, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, Port Vila

43 5 EXPERTS/RESOURCE PERSONS Dr. Selim Raihan, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, and Executive Director, South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), Dhaka, Bangladesh Ms. Lynette Vanessa Smith, Department of Economics, University of York, York United Kingdom Ms. Yanqun Zhang, Institute of Quantitative and Technical Economics (IQTE), Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Beijing, China CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director, COAST and EquityBD, Dhaka, Bangladesh Ms. Kabita Gautam, Founder, BYND2015 Nepal Hub, Kathmandu, Nepal Mr. Fale Andrew Lesa, Policy Analyst, Pacific Young Women s Leadership Alliance, Auckland, New Zealand Mr. Gauri Pradhan, International Co-ordinator, LDC Watch, Kathmandu, Nepal OFFICE OF THE HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, LANDLOCKED DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES [OHRLLS] Mr. Abdul Alim, Senior Economic Affairs Officer, Office of the High Representative for the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS (UN-OHRLLS), United Nations Headquarters, New York CONSULTANTS Mr. Syed Nuruzzaman, Consultant, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP, Bangkok Mr. Alan Cooper, Consultant, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP, Bangkok Mr. Juan Pizarro, Consultant, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP, Bangkok

44 ESCAP SECRETARIAT Mr. Aynul Hasan Director, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division Mr. Sudip Ranjan Basu Officer-in-Charge, a.i., Countries with Special Needs Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division Mr. Naylin Oo Economic Affairs Officer, Countries with Special Needs Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division Ms. Nobue Amanuma Associate Expert on Environmental Economics, Environment and Development Policy Section, Environment and Development Division Ms. Grace Puliyel Social Affairs Officer, Social Development Division Mr. Michael Bordt Regional Adviser on Environment Statistics, Statistics Division Mr. Yann Duval Chief, Trade Facilitation Unit, Trade Capacity Development and Facilitation Section, Trade Investment and Innovation Division Ms. Woranooch Thiusathien Staff Assistant, Countries with Special Needs Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division Ms. Nucharat Tuntiwigit Team Assistant, Countries with Special Needs Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division

45 6 Infographic

46 Infographic Shared Prosperity for All = $7.5 TRILLION 49,000 ULTRA WEALTHY INDIVIDUALS = 17X ASIA-PACIFIC LDCs + 3.3% + 1.1% GDP EMPLOYMENT ESCAP region 2015 ECONOMIC GROWTH NOT ACCOMPANIED BY JOB GROWTH 45

47 6 End Poverty by PER DAY % POPULATION ASIA-PACIFIC LIVING IN EXTREME POVERTY LDCs: IN TWO DECADES SHARE OF POPULATION LIVING IN POVERTY REDUCED BY 50% 46

48 Infographic Inequality across Nations INCOME GAP INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY 47

49 6 Building Resiliant Economies AFGHANISTAN! NEPAL BHUTAN! BANGLADESH! MYANMAR LAO PDR! CAMBODIA! SOLOMON ISLANDS! KIRIBATI!! TIMOR-LESTE! VANUATU TUVALU! Met the economic vulnerability threshold for graduation! Missed the threshold by a narrow margin (<20%)! Missed the threshold by a large margin 48

50 Infographic LDC Graduation Status 2015 AFGHANISTAN NEPAL BHUTAN BANGLADESH LAO PDR CAMBODIA SOLOMON ISLANDS MYANMAR KIRIBATI TIMOR-LESTE VANUATU TUVALU MET GRADUATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA NOT MET CRITERIA GNI per capita Human assets index Economic vulnerability index 49

51 6 IPoA Priority Areas Infrastructure Energy Science, Technology and Innovation Private Sector Development ISTANBUL PROGRAMME OF ACTION 251ACTIONS GOOD GOVERNANCE AT ALL LEVELS PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT TRADE MOBILIZING FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING Domestic Resource Mobilization Official Development Assistance External Debt Foreign Direct Investment Remittances MULTIPLE CRISES AND OTHER EMERGING CHALLENGES Economic Shocks Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Disaster Risk Reduction COMMODITIES HUMAND AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Education and Training ng Population and Primary Health Youth Development Shelter Water and Sanitation Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women Social Protection 50

52 Infographic Complemantaries Complemantarities: IPoA and and SDGs SYNERGY The Istanbul Programme of Action provides specific guidance on how to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals within its respective time frame LDCs and their development partners can leverage IPoA for the achievement of the SDGs 51

53 NO POVERTY ZERO HUNGER GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING QUALITY EDUCATION GENDER EQUALITY CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE REDUCED INEQUALITIES SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION CLIMATE ACTION LIFE BELOW WATER LIFE ON LAND PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS 56 PARTNERSHIPS % FOR THE GOALS %

54 Infographic IPoA Graduation Target: 50 % NON ASIA-PACIFIC LDCs ASIA-PACIFIC LDCs 36 NON ASIA-PACIFIC 12 ASIA-PACIFIC 33 NOT MET CRITERIA 5 NOT MET CRITERIA 3 MET CRITERIA Angola* Equatorial Guinea* Tome and Principe * ALREADY RECOMMENDED FOR GRADUATION 7 MET CRITERIA Bhutan Kiribati Nepal Solomon Islands Timor-Leste Tuvalu* Vanuatu* 53

55 6 Sustainable Development Goals 1 NO POVERTY 2 ZERO HUNGER GOOD HEALTH 3 AND WELL-BEING 4 QUALITY EDUCATION 5 GENDER EQUALITY 6 CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION AFFORDABLE AND 7 CLEAN ENERGY 8 DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 9 INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE 10 REDUCED INEQUALITIES 11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES 12 RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION 13 CLIMATE ACTION 14 LIFE BELOW WATER 15 LIFE ON LAND PEACE, JUSTICE 16 AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS 17 PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS 54

56 Infographic Asia-Pacific is Leading the World in R&D -4.7% -1.5% -3.5% -0.1% +7.9% +1.4% ESCAP S SHARE 66% World Patents granted % +0.2% +0.2% +0.0% Share of Global Expenditure on R&D % Share of Global Researchers %