Transformative changes needed for development: UN
A transformative alliance among the Asia-Pacific nations was called for at the opening of a United Nations environmental summit in Bangkok this week.
Regional governments need to drive forward an innovative, productive, resource efficient, low carbon and pollution free economy as a means to deliver the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, high level officials from over 35 countries heard at the four-day gathering which ended yesterday.
The first Asia-Pacific Ministerial Summit on the Environment was held to assess the state of environmental sustainability in the region, identify regional perspectives and priorities, and agree on concerted actions to promote a resource efficient and pollution-free region, sound environmental management and sustainable use of natural resources.
The summit was held jointly by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and UN Environment.
Dr Shamshad Akhtar, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP said that Asia and the Pacific continues to exhibit high resource intensity and underlined the importance of the summit theme, “Towards a resource efficient and pollution free Asia-Pacific region”.
The theme acknowledges that earth’s natural resources, including clean air, oceans and freshwater, are fundamental for human survival, prosperity, and well-being, he said.
“A stronger focus on resource efficiency will allow humanity to continue to expand the use of services while reducing the actual quantity of resources used. Only by decoupling economic activity and human well-being from resource use, waste and pollution, can the Sustainable Development Goals be reached for all,” said Dr Akhtar.
