The eighty-first session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) will be held from 21 to 25 April 2025 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. It will bring together ministers from across Asia and the Pacific and other key stakeholders to exchange views on current and emerging policy issues for inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.
Guided by the theme “Regional cooperation for resilient and sustainable urban development in Asia and the Pacific”, the session will also be an opportunity to foster inclusive urban growth and promote steadfast action for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels.
Home to over 2.2 billion city dwellers and many of the planet’s largest megacities, Asia and the Pacific is the world’s urban powerhouse. At the same time, the region faces a number of challenges, with population growth slowing and key vulnerabilities, such as economic volatility, climate-related risks and social disparities, requiring integrated sustainable development strategies. The session will underscore the critical role of regional cooperation in addressing these issues and advocate for shared approaches to realize the ambitions of the global development agendas, including the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda.
The theme study explores the future of urbanization in Asia and the Pacific, focusing on the dynamic shifts in the region’s urban landscape. It highlights the region’s demographic transformations, including population ageing, and the persistent challenges of urban poverty and inequality. The analysis covers urban areas of all sizes, from megacities to smaller towns, and emphasizes the need for innovative governance models and sustainable development strategies to meet the region’s unique urban needs. Key vulnerabilities, such as economic volatility, climate risks and social disparities, are addressed, as are opportunities for cities to serve as testing grounds for new solutions. It further underscores the critical role of regional cooperation in overcoming the challenges faced by cities and identifies shared approaches to localizing global goals, enhancing multilevel climate action and fostering inclusive urban growth. It also emphasizes the importance of data, digital transformation and innovative financing in supporting sustainable urban development and ensuring cities are equipped to navigate the complex future ahead.
CREDENTIALS AND REGISTRATION
Each delegation is required to submit a letter of credentials, duly signed by the appropriate authority of the respective Government or organization by 25 April 2025 to oes.unescap@un.org.
All participants who appear in the letter of credentials are requested to register online at https://indico.un.org/e/CS81. Only the names of duly accredited and registered participants will be included in the list of participants.