Bangkok, Thailand – February 28, 2025 – The 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD), held from February 25-28, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, concluded today with a strong consensus on the need for intensified regional collaboration to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The forum, convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), brought together government representatives, civil society organizations, and stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region.
The four-day forum focused on critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Delegates engaged in robust discussions, sharing best practices and addressing challenges hindering progress towards these goals.
The Asia-Pacific region, while diverse, faces shared challenges that demand collective action,” stated Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, in her closing remarks. “This forum has underscored the urgency to accelerate our efforts, particularly in light of the compounding impacts of climate change and economic uncertainties.”
A significant focus of the forum was on supporting countries preparing their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) for the 2025 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. Sessions were dedicated to providing technical assistance and facilitating peer learning to strengthen VNR processes.
“The VNR process is crucial for tracking progress and identifying gaps in our SDG implementation,” said Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, during the opening session. “This forum has provided a valuable platform for countries to share experiences and learn from each other.”
Discussions highlighted the critical need for integrated approaches to address the interconnected nature of the SDGs. Participants emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and innovation, fostering inclusive partnerships, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
We need to move beyond siloed approaches and embrace a holistic perspective that considers the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development,” emphasized Ms. Anita Neville, Regional Director, UN Women Asia and the Pacific. “Gender equality must be at the heart of all our efforts.”
The forum also addressed the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable coastal communities, particularly in relation to SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
The health of our oceans is inextricably linked to the well-being of our communities,” stated Mr. James Ellsmoor, CEO of Island Innovation, a civil society participant. “We need to strengthen our efforts to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fisheries.”
The 12th APFSD built upon pre-forum meetings held across the Asia-Pacific region in the fall of 2024, which facilitated broader stakeholder engagement and input.
Key outcomes of the forum included:
- Renewed commitment to accelerate SDG implementation in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Strengthened support for countries preparing their VNRs for the 2025 HLPF.
- Emphasis on the importance of inclusive partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
- Recognition of the need for integrated approaches to address the interconnected nature of the SDGs.
- Urgent call for action to address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.
The outcomes of the 12th APFSD will contribute to the ongoing global dialogue on sustainable development and inform discussions at the 2025 High-level Political Forum in New York.
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Nadeem Ahmed, Founder & Writer at QuoteGravity.com
