The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) this July brings countries together to ensure that COVID-19 recovery strategies are inclusive, sustainable and leave no one behind despite the mounting challenges and crises ahead.
In the Asia-Pacific region, countries are prioritizing more sustainable solutions as a way of "rescuing progress" and moving forward on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This includes enhancing social protection, providing quality education, achieving gender equality, and accelerating the transformation to inclusive and green economies.
Meanwhile, South-South Cooperation initiatives like the ESCAP VNR Twinning Programme have also played a unique role in steering and motivating Asia-Pacific countries in their commitment to sustainable development.
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) will showcase these regional initiatives and more in its engagements at the HLPF. Five countries from Asia and the Pacific: Kazakhstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Tuvalu will also present Voluntary National Reviews at this year's global platform.
