United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) resolution 72/6 ‘Committing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific’ requests the Executive Secretary to “strengthen support to member States in their efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda in an integrated approach, inter alia, with analytical products, technical services and capacity-building initiatives through knowledge-sharing products and platforms, and to enhance data and statistical capacities”.

In addition, Member States, in the third session of the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) highlighted how the 2030 Agenda provides an opportunity to shift away from “business as usual” and to more effectively address multi-sectoral challenges. More holistic approaches that integrate the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development were seen as indispensable to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

In response to this, ESCAP is holding a week dedicated to enhance understanding of the key challenges for effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals – ESCAP SDG Week. Over the course of five days, ESCAP SDG Week will facilitate dialogue amongst experts on challenges involved in effective implementation of the sustainable development agenda and tools and support available, including through ESCAP, to strengthen peer learning and capacity development to advance progress on the 2030 Agenda.

ESCAP SDG Week will make full use of already-planned Expert Group Meetings (EGMs) and events as described under the ESCAP’s programme of work for 2016-2017 by putting them under a comprehensive concept and integrated approach exploring how ESCAP might adapt policy formulation and capacity development to address the new needs of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This platform will be a unique opportunity to bring together stakeholders from government, academia, the international community, civil society and the private sector and provide them with: (1) an enabling environment for knowledge sharing and engaging in technical level discussions on different aspects of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and; (2) the opportunity to provide feedback on the support required from ESCAP and other development partners as they prepare to implement the 2030 Agenda for sustainable Development at the national level.

The 5-day event will address key aspects of the 2030 Agenda that were highlighted and discussed in the third session of the APFSD. Given their relevance and the need to foster technical expertise to respond effectively to the challenges of implementation, ESCAP SDG Week will focus on:
– The 2030 Agenda follow up and review process
– Means of implementation
– Support to countries with special needs
– Support implementation at the local level and urban governance
– Integrated approaches for SDG planning – the case of SDG 6
– Trade, investment and technology
– Gender
– Youth and the 2030 Agenda
– International Investment Agreements (IIAs)
– Macroeconomic Policies and sustainable development in the region
– Agricultural trade for sustainable development