Multilateral diplomacy in action

During the Bangkok Forum, ESCAP, the Asian Development Bank and the United Nations Development Programme jointly launched the Asia-Pacific SDG Partnership Report 2024, which this year is titled "People and Planet: Addressing the Interlinked Challenges of Climate Change, Poverty, and Hunger in Asia and the Pacific."

This report notes in particular that more frequent and severe climate-related hazards will result in reduced agricultural and labour productivity, loss of livelihoods and human displacement. These factors strain socio-economic and environmental systems, and hinder efforts to promote food security and alleviate poverty, especially for poorer countries and vulnerable communities.

The report also draws the attention to some promising solutions for the region that reflect the interlinkages between climate, poverty and food insecurity. One offered example was about food systems approaches that, designed properly, could support sustainable livelihoods for millions of farmers, ensure food security and reduce the current environmental and climate impacts of food production.

Conclusion

It is paramount to acknowledge that since 2014 the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has served as a pivotal annual gathering, fostering inclusivity among nations. This platform has been instrumental in facilitating the exchange of experience on regional best practices and to disseminate invaluable lessons learned. Furthermore, it has been pivotal in providing vital support for the presentation of voluntary national reviews, thus aiding countries in assessing their progress towards the ambitious goals set forth in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The significance of these diplomatic deliberations cannot be overstated, as the resulting outcomes are expected to directly contribute to the global discourse at the High-Level Political Forum, convened under the auspices of ESCAP in July, and at the Summit of the Future, scheduled for September in New York. Both ESCAP and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are poised to make substantive contributions to the preparation and ultimate success of these seminal diplomatic multilateral events. Their expertise and commitment are essential in shaping positive outcomes and advancing the collective pursuit of sustainable development on a global scale.