United Nations ESCAP has released a policy paper which summarizes the key impacts of COVID-19 in the Asia-Pacific region as well as provides short- and medium-term recommendations to support countries in shaping their responses. The policy paper is available here.
At the start of 2020, COVID-19 has spread across the world at an unyielding pace. What began as global jitters has evolved into unprecedented disturbances in the economy, health systems and daily life.
In Asia and the Pacific, the impacts of the pandemic have reverberated soundly among its population of more than 4 billion and in its network of vital supply chains.
In the face of such challenges, the region must respond quickly and collectively to save lives and build resilience against future pandemics. This policy note summarizes the key impacts of COVID-19 in the Asia-Pacific region and suggests short- and medium-term recommendations for consideration by member States to shape responses for a sustainable future.
On 8 April, ESCAP will also be releasing the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2020. The Survey forecasts far-reaching economic and social consequences for the region due to the pandemic and continuing trade uncertainties, with strong cross-border spillover effects through trade, tourism and financial linkages. Growth in developing countries will be among the hardest hit.
