United Nations ESCAP South and South-West Asia Office

United Nations ESCAP South and South-West Asia Office The official page for the South and South-West Asia Office of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

"Connecting Asia and the Pacific for inclusive and sustainable development: Because people matter". As part of its efforts to strengthen the development pillar of the United Nations, and in order to enhance its effectiveness, ESCAP has established four subregional offices in Suva, Incheon, Almaty and New Dehli, to serve, respectively the Pacific, the East and North-East Asian, the North and Centra

l Asian, and the South and South-West Asian subregions. The South-East Asian subregion is being served from the headquarters of ESCAP in Bangkok.

🇳🇵 Day 2 – Review of Nepal’s Smooth Transition StrategyDay 2 of STS workshop focus on the support Nepal needs to strengt...
08/12/2025

🇳🇵 Day 2 – Review of Nepal’s Smooth Transition Strategy

Day 2 of STS workshop focus on the support Nepal needs to strengthen trade and investment resilience ahead of its LDC graduation in 2026. Government, private sector and development partners continue working together to identify practical steps for effective STS implementation.

Sessions explore Nepal’s analytical and capacity-building needs—from market diversification tools and stronger data systems to enhanced trade-negotiation capabilities. MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and logistics representatives highlighted on-the-ground challenges and the need for better institutional support.

Discussions also emphasize improving coordination across government levels and with private sector, think tanks and development partners to deliver policies more effectively.

In the closing session, stakeholders outline priority actions and next steps under STS Pillar II, identifying the technical assistance and coordination mechanisms required for Nepal’s post-graduation roadmap.

With this workshop, Nepal moves forward with clearer priorities and stronger partnerships for a smooth and sustainable transition from the LDC category.

🔗Find out more: https://www.unescap.org/events/2025/workshop-addressing-challenges-trade-and-industrial-development-nepal-sustainable



🇳🇵 Review of Nepal’s Smooth Transition Strategy📍7–8 December 2025 | Kathmandu, NepalReview of Nepal’s Smooth Transition ...
07/12/2025

🇳🇵 Review of Nepal’s Smooth Transition Strategy
📍7–8 December 2025 | Kathmandu, Nepal

Review of Nepal’s Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) has begun as the Government of Nepal and UNESCAP launch a two-day technical workshop in Kathmandu. With Nepal preparing to graduate from the LDC category in 2026, the discussions come at a critical moment for shaping the country’s trade, industry and investment priorities.

Recent assessments show that Nepal continues to face challenges such as a narrow export base, limited market diversification and gaps in inter-ministerial coordination and technical capacity — key issues that must be addressed for a smooth and resilient transition. Today’s sessions brought together government institutions, private sector representatives, development partners and regional experts to review progress and explore practical solutions.

Day 1 focused on understanding the LDC graduation process, Nepal’s STS progress and emerging trade challenges, including tariff exposure and sector-specific vulnerabilities in garments, agro-value chains and carpets.

The workshop aims to translate these discussions into concrete actions to strengthen Nepal’s trade competitiveness. Over the two days, participants will identify analytical support needs, capacity-building priorities and mechanisms for stronger coordination among government, private sector and development partners — guiding Nepal’s comprehensive post-graduation roadmap.

🔗Find out more: https://www.unescap.org/events/2025/workshop-addressing-challenges-trade-and-industrial-development-nepal-sustainable



👥Roundtable on Water-Climate Nexus National Perspectives5 December 2025 | Kathmandu, Nepalas part of the HKH Water & Cli...
05/12/2025

👥Roundtable on Water-Climate Nexus National Perspectives
5 December 2025 | Kathmandu, Nepal
as part of the HKH Water & Climate Resilience Workshop

The roundtable is co-moderated by Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, Head of ESCAP South and South-West Asia Office, and Professor Mahendra P. Lama, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

We invite policymakers, practitioners and researchers to join the discussion and contribute to shaping a more resilient water-climate future in the Hindu Kush Himalayas.

🔷The discussion explores:
- Key policies and interventions that have improved water management and climate risk governance in their respective countries
- Institutional and technical barriers that continue to limit resilience efforts
- How communities, youth, and vulnerable groups—including migrants—are engaged and supported
- Opportunities for South-South, regional and global cooperation to accelerate progress

The roundtable aims to deliver practical, actionable insights to enhance resilience, improve water governance and deepen cooperation—within countries and across the region—to ensure sustainable and secure water futures for generations to come.

🌏 The HKH Water & Climate Resilience Workshop has officially begun at ICIMOD Headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal on 4-5 Dec...
04/12/2025

🌏 The HKH Water & Climate Resilience Workshop has officially begun at ICIMOD Headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal on 4-5 December 2025.

Against the backdrop of rapidly intensifying climate risks in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)—from accelerating glacier melt to shifting river basins and more frequent extreme events—the workshop brings together regional basin networks, government representatives, researchers, civil society organizations and youth leaders from across the region.

Hosted by ICIMOD, UN Water Convention (UNECE), UNESCAP and IUCN, the meeting aims to bridge basin-level scientific initiatives —Upper Indus Basin Network (UIBN), the Yarlung Zangbo–Brahmaputra–Jamuna Basin Network (YBJBN), and the Ganges Initiative— with global and regional SDG review processes such as APFSD, VNRs, High-level Political Forum and UN Water Conference in 2026.

🔹 Key focus areas include:
• Translating basin science from the Indus, Brahmaputra, and Ganges systems into actionable insights aligned with SDG 6 (Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)
• Identifying shared evidence gaps and opportunities for cooperation across the HKH
• Strengthening regional mechanisms for data sharing, early warning, resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation
• Showcasing inclusive approaches—youth engagement, women’s leadership and citizen science
• Building trust through dialogue and simulations for joint multi-hazard responses

Through this workshop, partners aim to produce a shared regional perspective and a cooperative action pathway that ensures HKH priorities are clearly represented in upcoming global discussions on water and climate.

The momentum from today’s opening sets the stage for deeper collaboration and a stronger regional voice as we move toward the 2030 Agenda and the UN Water Conference in 2026.

🌐 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka through Digital SkillsDay 1 begins today! | Colombo, Sri Lanka18–20 Novemb...
18/11/2025

🌐 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka through Digital Skills

Day 1 begins today! | Colombo, Sri Lanka
18–20 November 2025

Today, we officially launch UNESCAP’s three-day National Training on Digital Skill Development for Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka—an initiative designed to strengthen women’s participation and competitiveness in the digital economy.

This programme builds on UNESCAP’s earlier regional initiative, “E-Commerce Capacity Building for Women-led MSMEs in South Asia,” which equipped women entrepreneurs with e-commerce skills, training manuals, and online learning resources. Building on that momentum, the national training in Sri Lanka brings together selected women entrepreneurs to further enhance their digital capabilities, expand product and market development skills, and cultivate stronger business networks.

As part of the training, participants will also be introduced to the Strategy to Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Sri Lanka, supporting them in aligning their business practices with the country’s sustainable development aspirations.

Throughout the next three days, participants will engage in a comprehensive set of practical and interactive sessions, including:

✨ Digital marketing strategies and online business promotion
✨ AI tools for marketing and sales
✨ Product development and branding techniques
✨ Discussions on bridging the digital divide and enhancing cross-border trade opportunities
✨Peer networking and collaboration

The training makes full use of WIFI DX (Women ICT Frontier Initiative – Digital Transformation) content developed by APCICT/UNESCAP, which focuses on practical digital skills that can be directly applied to business transformation.

By combining UNESCAP’s earlier e-commerce resources with the updated WIFI DX modules, this national training aims to provide women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, confidence and practical digital tools needed to scale their businesses, increase market reach and contribute to inclusive, sustainable economic growth in Sri Lanka.

📍 Venue: BMICH, Colombo 07
📅 18–20 November 2025

We look forward to a powerful three days of learning, innovation and empowerment.

📢 The 9th South and South-West Asia Multi-Stakeholder Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals successfully concluded ...
10/11/2025

📢 The 9th South and South-West Asia Multi-Stakeholder Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals successfully concluded in Islamabad, Pakistan!

🌐 Co-hosted by the United Nations ESCAPESCAP, the Government of Pakistan, the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), the Forum brought together government representatives, civil society, academia, and private sector from across the subregion to advance the 2030 Agenda through inclusive and coordinated action.

💬 This year’s discussions focused on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), while also reflecting on key insights from earlier dialogues on SDGs 6,7,9,11 and 17 held throughout the year.

🌱 Participants collectively reaffirmed their commitment to “Transformative, Equitable, Innovative and Coordinated Actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a Sustainable Future for All”.

👏Thank you to all who joined via YouTube Live! Stay engaged as we continue working together toward a sustainable future for all.

🔗More details, including the meeting report, will be shared soon on our website — stay tuned! https://www.unescap.org/events/2025/ninth-south-and-south-west-asia-subregional-forum-sustainable-development-0

📘 Day 2. Session 3: Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs)Moderated by Ms. Mikiko Tanaka (...
07/11/2025

📘 Day 2. Session 3: Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs)

Moderated by Ms. Mikiko Tanaka (Head of ESCAP SSWA), the session explored how countries across the subregion are strengthening follow-up and review mechanisms to accelerate SDG implementation through inclusive, data-driven and locally grounded approaches.

🌏 ESCAP Perspective
Ms. Juliet (ESCAP) highlighted that VNRs reveal who is being left behind, while VLRs bring the 2030 Agenda closer to communities. She underscored the value of linking both levels, encouraging peer learning, local alignment and shared ownership of SDG progress.

🇧🇹 Bhutan
Ms. Tashi Choden, Senior Planning Officer, Strategic Planning Division, Office of Cabinet Affairs and Strategic Coordination, Cabinet Secretariat, Royal Government of Bhutan, shared lessons from Bhutan’s 3rd VNR (2024). She highlighted integration of SDG targets into the 13th Five-Year Plan, improved data-driven policymaking, and a shift from alignment to acceleration and sustainable financing post-LDC graduation.

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Director General (Corporate Affairs), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, reflected on Sri Lanka’s VNRs (2018 & 2022) and the Sustainable Development Act (2017) establishing the Sustainable Development Council. He emphasized broad stakeholder engagement, data systems, and South–South peer learning with Pakistan under ESCAP.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh
H.E. Mr. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to ESCAP, said Bangladesh’s VNR engaged 4,000 participants — small in number but diverse in representation — with strong youth participation. This inclusivity, he noted, reflects the country’s reform momentum and drive toward sustainable LDC graduation.

🇲🇻 Maldives
Mr. Adam Azim, Mayor of Malé City, shared that Malé’s Voluntary Local Review (VLR) sparked a cultural shift toward inclusive and transparent urban governance, emphasizing climate resilience, spatial data systems and digital governance, and calling for global support for small island cities.

🇳🇵 Nepal – Civil Society Perspective
Ms. Shilpa Lamichhane, Executive Director, Visible Impact Nepal (APRCEM), stressed that governments cannot advance VNRs/VLRs alone — youth and CSOs must be partners from the start. She highlighted data gaps for marginalized groups and urged greater use of digital tools for inclusive monitoring.

🇵🇰 Pakistan – Youth Perspective
Ms. Memoona Asif, Assistant International Engagement, Youth Advocacy Network, called for institutionalized youth and CSO participation across all VNR/VLR stages. She urged adoption of localization and digital innovation to make reviews genuinely participatory and transformative.

📘 Closing Reflection
Dr. Selim Raihan, Professor of Economics, University of Dhaka and Executive Director of SANEM, closed the session by reaffirming the importance of regional dialogue, inclusivity and shared commitment to sustain momentum toward the 2030 Agenda.

🤝 Our sincere thanks to all speakers and participants for their insights and collaboration in advancing the VNR/VLR process across South and South-West Asia.

🏙️ Day 2. Session 2 (SDG 11): Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesModerated by Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, UN Habitat Pakistan, th...
07/11/2025

🏙️ Day 2. Session 2 (SDG 11): Sustainable Cities and Communities

Moderated by Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, UN Habitat Pakistan, the session explored how countries are advancing sustainable urban development amid rapid urbanization, data gaps, and climate pressures — emphasizing inclusivity, data-driven governance, and regional collaboration.

📊 Provincial Perspective – Punjab, Pakistan
Ms. Anum Shahid, Deputy Director, SDG Support Unit, Planning & Development Board, shared Punjab’s experience in localizing SDG 11, highlighting data and indicator challenges, subnational coordination, and the need to integrate urban planning with climate resilience.

🏛️ Local Government Perspective – Sukkur, Pakistan
Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh, Mayor of Sukkur, noted that local SDG implementation remains challenging due to overlapping mandates and limited capacity. He called for clear legislation, stronger institutional cooperation, and public–private partnerships to empower municipalities.

🏗️ Urban Planning Perspective – Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency
Mr. Sikhander Zishan, Director General, urged breaking silos between government, academia, and practitioners to internalize — not copy — best practices. He emphasized context-specific urban solutions and capacity building for sustainable implementation.

👩‍🌾 Civil Society Perspective – APRCEM
Dr. Kala Peiris, Director, Asia Pacific Regional CSO Engagement Mechanism (APRCEM), emphasized the inclusion of rural women, migrants and marginalized groups in urban policy. She highlighted climate-related migration and the importance of vertical and horizontal inclusion to ensure no one is left behind.

🌏 Regional Cooperation Perspective
Dr. Khalid underlined the need for regional capacity building and circular-economy approaches, noting that green transitions must be inclusive and equitable, benefiting communities most in need.

📈 Data and Knowledge Perspective – SAWTEE, Nepal
Dr. Paras Kharel, Executive Director, South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE), called for regional data platforms and better coordination between national and subnational levels. He stressed that disaggregated urban data is key for evidence-based decision-making.

🤝 Our appreciation to all speakers and participants for sharing valuable insights on building resilient, inclusive and data-driven cities across South and South-West Asia.

⚡Day 2. Session 1 (SDG 7): Transformative, Sustainable and Equitable Energy TransitionModerated by Ms. Mikiko Tanaka (He...
07/11/2025

⚡Day 2. Session 1 (SDG 7): Transformative, Sustainable and Equitable Energy Transition

Moderated by Ms. Mikiko Tanaka (Head of ESCAP SSWA), the session discussed regional pathways toward clean, reliable, and inclusive energy access for all. Speakers from governments, regional organizations, civil society, youth and think tank shared insights on innovation, cooperation, and financing for sustainable transitions.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh - Government Action Plan
H.E. Mr. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to ESCAP, shared Bangladesh’s progress in renewable energy, cross-border power trade, and solar home systems, alongside clean-cooking initiatives and energy-efficiency reforms supporting the country’s sustainable LDC graduation.

🇵🇰 Pakistan – Government Action Plan
Mr. Faisal Sharif Muhammad, Ministry of Energy, outlined Pakistan’s energy-transition policies, including the Renewable Energy Policy, Carbon Market Policy 2024, and New Energy Vehicles Policy, emphasizing regulatory reform and climate-resilient infrastructure.

🌏 Regional Cooperation
Mr. Ahsan Javed, SAARC Energy Center, highlighted the importance of cross-border energy connectivity and harmonized policy frameworks to strengthen regional energy security and scale renewable integration across South Asia.

👥 Civil Society Perspective
Mr. Muhammad Ameen Keryo, Sindhica Reforms Soceity Pakstan, discussed community-driven solutions and the importance of capacity building and localized renewable projects that link sustainability with economic empowerment.

🎓 Youth Perspective
Ms. Mahnoor Rashid, Youth Advocate, underscored that energy access means empowerment, calling for de-risking tools, credit guarantees, and social-impact bonds to support youth-led clean-energy entrepreneurship.

🧠 Expert Insights
Dr. Khalid Waleed, Climate and Energy - SDPI, emphasized inclusive energy transition, capacity development, and circular-economy models, urging countries to collaborate so the benefits of the clean-energy shift reach those most in need.

🤝 Our appreciation to all speakers and participants for their valuable insights.
Let’s continue advancing regional cooperation and innovation to accelerate progress toward SDG 7 and a sustainable energy future for all.

📢Day 1. Roundtable Strategic Dialogue Followed by Introductory remarks by Ms. Mikiko Tanaka (Head of ESCAP SSWA) and a S...
04/11/2025

📢Day 1. Roundtable Strategic Dialogue

Followed by Introductory remarks by Ms. Mikiko Tanaka (Head of ESCAP SSWA) and a Special address by Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana (Executive Secretary of ESCAP), the Roundtable Strategic Dialogue commenced.

✅ Virtual SDG Reviews – SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11 & 17. The session highlighted that while challenges persist in achieving the SDGs, countries in the subregion continue to identify innovative solutions and practical pathways forward tailored to regional realities.
🔗 More details: https://unescap.org/events/2025/ninth-south-and-south-west-asia-subregional-forum-sustainable-devel…

🇧🇩 LDC Perspective – Bangladesh
H.E. Mr. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to ESCAP, underscored the importance of localizing the SDGs at the grassroots level, highlighting government–civil society cooperation and practical initiatives underway to accelerate delivery.

🌐 Subregional Cooperation – SAARC
Ms. Prathma Uprety, Director, Information and Poverty Alleviation Division, SAARC Secretariat, emphasized the role of regional institutions and platforms in fostering cooperation and supporting member States in advancing SDG implementation.

👥 Civil Society Perspective – Nepal
Mr. Daya Sagar Shrestha, Executive Director, National Campaign for Sustainable Development, highlighted community-led SDG action and civic partnerships, stressing the role of civil society in translating global goals into local realities.

🎓 Youth Perspective
Mr. Danish Tariq, Youth Advocacy Network & UN Major Group for Children and Youth, called for greater investment in youth empowerment, noting that underfunded and undervalued youth cannot fully contribute as equal partners in SDG achievement.

🧠 Think Tank Insights – SANS Members
SANS members (SDPI, Institute of Policy Studies, CPD) emphasized the need for system-wide resilience to external shocks, innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthened protection for the most vulnerable as climate and debt risks intensify.

🤝 A sincere thank you to all speakers and participants for their invaluable insights. We look forward to building on this momentum and driving transformative action across the region.

📣 Stay tuned and join us again tomorrow for deep-dive session on SDG7 SDG11 and VNRs/VLRs

🌍We're off!The 9th South & South-West Asia Forum on the SDGs has officially begun! Challenges and Opportunities in accel...
04/11/2025

🌍We're off!
The 9th South & South-West Asia Forum on the SDGs has officially begun! Challenges and Opportunities in accelerating SDGs are discussed between governments, civil society, youth and regional institutions to ensure no one left behind.
🎥Join us Live: https://www.youtube.com/live/tbhkVjaL_U0?si=OCzG7HY61Inw3hes

📢 The 9th South and South-West Asia Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Sustainable Development is about to begin!🌐 The United Na...
01/11/2025

📢 The 9th South and South-West Asia Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Sustainable Development is about to begin!

🌐 The United Nations ESCAP Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia (SSWA) will co-organize the forum in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan in Islamabad, Pakistan and hybrid virtual between 4-5 November 2025. The forum will bring together government representatives, civil society, academia, private sector and development partners in the region to exchange insights on SDG progress and challenges and to strengthen regional collaboration to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

💬 In preparation, a series of virtual multi-stakeholder consultations on SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) took place between August and September this year. The Forum will start with a strategic dialogue on accelerating SDGs in the world today and deep-dive into SDG 7,11 and Voluntary National Reviews.

🎤 Dr. Rajan Ratna (Deputy Head), will deliver a presentation during Day 1 Plenary 1.3 Strategic Dialogue, moderated by Ms. Mikiko Tanaka (Head), highlighting key findings and strategies derived from the earlier multi-stakeholder dialogues and outlining pathways to strengthen collaborative, cross-sectoral action for sustainable transformation across South and South-West Asia.

🌱 Join us in dialogue and reflection to drive transformative, equitable and coordinated action for a sustainable development in South and South-West Asia!

🎥 The Forum will be live streamed across social media platforms, including YouTube - . Stay tuned and join us online!

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