Dr. Shamshad Akhtar Inequality is increasing in Asia and the Pacific. Our region’s remarkable economic success story belies a widening gap between rich and poor. A gap that’s trapping people in poverty and, if not tackled urgently, could thwart our ambition to achieve sustainable development. This is the central challenge heads of state and government […]
Economic and Social Survey for Asia and the Pacific 2018
Mobilizing finance for sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth Dr. Shamshad Akhtar Asia and the Pacific remains the engine of the global economy. It continues to power trade, investment and jobs the world over. Two thirds of the region’s economies grew faster in 2017 than the previous year and the trend is expected to continue […]
To achieve gender equality, we need women entrepreneurs
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar In 2018, we have an opportunity to accelerate progress towards gender equality. Movements such as #MeToo have shone the spotlight on an unacceptable status quo and demonstrated how too many women the world over continue to be deprived of respect and equal opportunities. Let’s use International Women’s Day to build on this […]
PyeongChang Olympics: a new cornerstone for peace and prosperity
Shamshad Akhtar All eyes are on the 23rd Olympic Winter Games and 12th Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang this February. Top athletes will carry their national flags in an opening ceremony which has come toepitomizethe international community. Sports fans worldwide eagerly await the Olympics, andthis timethere iscause for cautious optimism that sport diplomacy may lower […]
Building on seventy years of success
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) marks its 70th anniversary this year. This is a rare opportunity for the oldest and largest of the United Nations regional commissions to take stock of past achievements, but also to spotlight where efforts need to be concentrated to […]
Economic and Social Survey for Asia and the Pacific 2017
Effective governance key to improving the quality of Asia-Pacific economic growth Dr. Shamshad Akhtar The Asia-Pacific region’s high and steady economic growth has been an anchor of stability for the struggling world economy in recent years. Developing economies of the region now account for almost a third of global GDP, slightly less than the combined […]
Positive signs as Asia-Pacific moves toward global development goals
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar With just over a year since the adoption of a historic blueprint to end poverty and protect the planet, positive signs have already started to emerge among countries in the Asia-Pacific region as they push ahead with the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is encouraging to note that […]
China: Belt and Road Initiative
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar China’s role in the global context has grown in terms of its output, trade and now its voice and leadership in sustainable and inclusive development, and resolve to pursue low carbon pathways. A further paradigm shift is anticipated in the role and influence of China, as it delivers on the Belt and […]