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The Government of Mongolia, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) today jointly launched the "Mongolia-TCS-ESCAP Joint Initiative on Addressing Sand and Dust Storms (SDS) in North-East Asia" at a side event on the margins of the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17). Supported by the three partners, the initiative aims to establish a comprehensive framework to mitigate the severe environmental, socio-economic and public health threats posed by transboundary sand and dust storms in the subregion.

Sand and dust storms have become an increasingly complex hazard in North-East Asia, driven by accelerating desertification, unsustainable land use, and climate change. By degrading air quality, disrupting critical infrastructure, and threatening public health, SDS presents a challenge that no single nation can tackle alone. This initiative operationalizes the "Trilateral + X" framework—reaffirmed by the 9th China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Summit— fostering closer cooperation with Mongolia to advance shared priorities on regional resilience.

To be implemented in close coordination with other UN and non-UN partners, the initiative will explore four strategic pillars: a) integrated impact-based forecasting and early warning systems, b) risk assessments, studies and impact analysis, c) community-level preparedness, and d) regional coordination, knowledge platforms and high-level engagement. Initial efforts will focus on Pillar 1, with a view to strengthening forecasting capacities and advancing the translation of hazard information into actionable risk intelligence. By upgrading standard operating procedures and improving multi-hazard early warning architecture, the partnership establishes an upstream "early action" mechanism that will safeguard communities across the region.

"Today, sand and dust storms are no longer simply environmental or climatic hazards. They have become a strategic challenge posing serious risks to economic growth, social stability, public health, and food security across the region. We cannot address this transboundary environmental challenge through the efforts of any single country. It requires strong political leadership at the regional level and the support of multilateral cooperation," said Sandag-Ochir Tsend, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia.

"The significance of today’s launch extends beyond the establishment of a new initiative. It demonstrates how existing political commitments, subregional mechanisms and technical capacities can be successfully leveraged around a defined programme of cooperation. It also reflects the role of ESCAP as a regional platform: to connect national priorities with subregional and regional action; to bring policy and technical communities together; and to facilitate continuity from dialogue to implementation," shared Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.

Lee Hee-Sup, Secretary General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, further underscored: "Sand and dust storms are a shared regional challenge that calls for different experiences and approaches to come together. Across North-East Asia, countries have developed valuable experience, technologies, and approaches in areas ranging from land restoration and monitoring to early warning and community resilience. The value of the ‘Trilateral + X’ approach is to bring these complementary strengths together, connect existing efforts, and turn them into greater collective impact. TCS welcomes the opportunity to work with ESCAP and the Government of Mongolia through this Joint Initiative, and we hope it will provide a practical platform for partners to build on what already exists and explore new opportunities for cooperation."

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About MECC Mongolia: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia leads national efforts on climate change adaptation, desertification control, and environmental protection, while coordinating key environmental initiatives across the country.

About ESCAP: The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region. The Commission promotes cooperation among its 52 member States and 9 associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges. ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations.

About the TCS: The Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat is an international organization established with a vision to promote peace and common prosperity among the People's Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

Microsoft Thailand, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Collaborative Center for Digital Development Knowledge Management (CCDKM) at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), organized the "AI for Social Impact" training programme. This initiative aims to enhance digital skills and knowledge in Generative AI for personnel and leaders of civil society organizations, enabling them to leverage technology for positive change and improve work efficiency in the AI-Driven era. This aligns with the vision of the Microsoft Elevate project, which seeks to disseminate knowledge and promote effective AI access across all sectors to uplift quality of life, reduce inequality and bridge the digital skills gap in Thai society.

Supahrat Juramongkol, AI National Skills Director for Microsoft Thailand, stated, "Microsoft is pleased to be a pivotal force in teaching appropriate and responsible AI skills to personnel and civil society leaders. This empowers them to build new capacities and capabilities to better serve their communities, leading to enhanced management efficiency, reduced redundancy and elevated quality in communication, content creation, and data analysis. We believe that those who complete this training will be able to practically apply this knowledge in various operations, gaining more time to serve their communities by focusing on delivering positive impact and fulfilling their organizational missions more effectively."

The ‘AI for Social Impact’ training programme is being conducted continuously, both on-site and online, from November 2025 to March 2026. This initiative is a collaborative effort with multiple esteemed partners: Microsoft Thailand, which developed the ‘AI for Social Impact’ curriculum and provides AI tools like Microsoft Copilot to accelerate efficiency in the social sector; ESCAP, contributing regional perspectives and elevating digital capacity-building standards across Asia-Pacific; CCDKM, acting as a crucial bridge for knowledge transfer to the social sector; Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), serving as the academic foundation and learning hub; and DEPA, which supports national digital skill enhancement while driving public digital policies. The training curriculum encompasses both the foundational principles of Generative AI and hands-on practice, enabling participants to master systematic prompt engineering techniques and understand how to leverage Microsoft Copilot to improve data handling, content creation, and presentations. Additionally, workshops will cover social media content production, including writing posts, video scripting, campaign design, and utilizing AI for organizing and analyzing field data. Interested individuals can also pursue self-paced learning via Courses | smartmooc and receive a certificate upon completion.

Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah, Head of Office Subregional Office for South-East Asia, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), stated, "The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is committed to fostering inclusive digital transformation and elevating digital capacity standards across the region. We are proud to support the ‘AI for Social Impact’ initiative, which perfectly embodies the vision for harnessing artificial intelligence as a powerful enabler for people and planet. By empowering social sector professionals with practical AI skills, we are directly accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals – particularly in areas of quality education, innovation, and reduced inequalities – ensuring technology responsibly serves all communities and drives sustainable, inclusive growth across Southeast Asia and beyond."

The event was also honored by the presence of Associate Professor Dr. Taweewat Wattanakuljaroen, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, who emphasized the importance of using AI to develop the potential of individuals, organizations, Thai communities and civil society, to enable Thailand to be as strong as advanced nations. Meanwhile, Dr. Sithon Kulradathon, Acting Vice President, Digital Intelligence Policy and Strategy Department of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) reiterated the necessity of the mission to drive the economy and society through developing human resources to be technologically literate, which is no less important than developing infrastructure and other economic promotion mechanisms.

Interested individuals are able to access over 200+ Thai-language AI courses online via the main Microsoft AI Skills Navigator website. News and activities of the AI for Social Impact project can be followed on the AI for Social Impact Facebook page.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in partnership with the China Branch of BRICS Institute of Future Networks (BIFNC), today launched a new two-year initiative to help developing countries build Large Language Models (LLMs) in local languages to improve public service delivery. The China-ESCAP Cooperation Project (CECP) on Large Language Model Capacity-Building was announced during the Seventh BRICS Forum on Future Networks Innovation in Shenzhen, China.

The initiative will support developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, specifically Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand and Uzbekistan, in building and adapting local-language LLMs to strengthen digital public administration.

Established in the 1980s, the CECP is a long-term partnership between ESCAP and China aimed at driving sustainable development across the region, backed by an annual funding commitment exceeding US1ドル.2 million.

While previous CECP initiatives have incorporated general artificial intelligence applications, this is the programme’s first dedicated to building foundational AI model capacity. It will help participating countries utilize open-source AI frameworks to develop sovereign LLMs tailored to their local languages, enabling governments to deliver highly inclusive, citizen-centric public services.

ESCAP recently concluded a series of in-depth country consultations to assess the status on LLM development and public service integration. The consultations found that while participating countries are actively pursuing ambitious national AI strategies, many continue to face critical hurdles such as limited local-language datasets, technical expertise and computing infrastructure needed to develop high-performing LLMs.

To resolve these bottlenecks and translate strategic dialogue into tangible outcomes, the project is framing a comprehensive implementation plan to help participating countries formulate and execute context-specific National Action Plans. These plans will secure and pilot national sovereign LLM ecosystems through targeted capacity-building programmes, peer-to-peer study tours and continued strategic cooperation.

Bangkok youth brought their ideas on inclusive electric mobility to the United Nations this week, as 17 student finalists of the Empower E-Mobility Challenge, a city-wide student competition, were recognized at an awards ceremony held on the sidelines of the 13th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development.

The event marked the conclusion of the Empower E-Mobility Challenge, which was designed to bring youth-generated ideas into policy-relevant dialogue on Bangkok’s transition to electric mobility.

Students submitted ideas ranging from accessible charging points, energy-producing tiles, bus stop redesign, and policies for workforce development. Over 50 submissions were received from 178 students across Bangkok.

At the awards ceremony on 27 February, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt underscored the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s commitment to involving young people as contributors to the city’s electric mobility transition.

"The BMA has been actively advancing electric mobility initiatives to reduce emissions and improve accessibility," said Chadchart Sittipunt. "The Empower E-Mobility Challenge provided a platform for young people in Bangkok to imagine how electric mobility can better serve their communities."

Leveraging its regional expertise in sustainable transport, ESCAP is working in close collaboration with the BMA to strengthen transport policies and workforce development for electric mobility.

"The Empower E-Mobility Challenge highlights the transformative role young innovators play in driving a just transition to sustainable transport. Together with the BMA, we are demonstrating how local initiatives, supported by regional partnerships, can help shape a cleaner and more inclusive future," shared Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana.

ESCAP is committed to provide a platform that empowers youth to engage in pressing global challenges. The UN regional commission is actively promoting the acceleration of the transition to electric mobility in public transport across the Asia-Pacific region under the umbrella of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Electric Mobility (APIEM), with the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector and supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The competition was supported by the Thailand-UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) Country Programme that aims to help enhance capacity for climate action and urban sustainability in Bangkok, and thereby, reach Thailand’s national targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

"The UK is proud to support initiatives that enable young people to turn ideas into real-world impact. Through the Empower E Mobility Challenge, students in Bangkok are building the skills, confidence, and vision needed to lead the transition to cleaner, more inclusive urban mobility," expressed H.E. Mark Gooding OBE, British Ambassador to Thailand.

Alexander Rendell, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, highlighted the importance of youth engagement in advancing clean air and climate action.

"Electric mobility is not only about new vehicles or new technologies — it is about cleaner air, healthier communities, and a safer climate future. It is inspiring to see young people contributing practical ideas that can help shape Bangkok’s transition toward more sustainable transport," shared the UNEP Goodwill Ambassador.

The competition was also supported by a range of private sector sponsors, including Thai Smile Bus, MuvMi, Energy Absolute, the Water Taxi Company and Candela. Finalist teams participated in work-shadowing opportunities with these companies, helping students to learn more about electric mobility and related career pathways.

"Through [joining the Empower E-Mobility Challenge], I have clearly seen that electric mobility is not just about technology but is an essential part of improving the quality of life for people in the city. It is also an important step for Bangkok toward a sustainable transport system in the future," shared Thattapat Panyaratana, a student from Yothinburina School who submitted a design for safer, smarter bus stations.

The competition is part of a wider project, ‘Strengthening Transport Policies and Workforce Development for a Just Transition to Electric Mobility in Bangkok’ , implemented by ESCAP and the International Labour Organization, in partnership with the BMA. The project is focused on ensuring that the shift to electric mobility benefits all citizens. This includes the launch of specialized vocational training programs for automotive workers to equip them with the skills needed to safeguard their livelihoods.

Economic prospects in East and South Asian economies are expected to remain solid despite elevated policy uncertainty, rising trade barriers, and lingering debt vulnerabilities. Growth in East Asia is projected to moderate from 4.9 per cent in 2025 to 4.4 per cent in both 2026 and 2027. South Asia’s GDP is expected to expand by 5.6 per cent in 2026 and 5.9 per cent in 2027, following estimated growth of 5.9 per cent in 2025, according to the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2026, released by the United Nations today.

Global output is forecast to grow by 2.7 per cent in 2026, slightly below the 2.8 per cent estimated for 2025 and well below the pre-pandemic average of 3.2 per cent. During 2025, unexpected resilience to sharp increases in U.S. tariffs, supported by solid consumer spending and easing inflation, helped sustain growth. However, underlying weaknesses persist. Subdued investment and limited fiscal space are weighing on economic activity, raising the prospect that the world economy could settle into a persistently slower growth path than in the pre-pandemic era.

"A combination of economic, geopolitical and technological tensions is reshaping the global landscape, generating new economic uncertainty and social vulnerabilities," said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. "Many developing economies continue to struggle and, as a result, progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals remains distant for much of the world."

Growth prospects in East Asia

East Asia’s growth is expected to moderate in the near term. During the first three quarters of 2025, front-loading of shipments ahead of U.S. tariffs boosted exports, while private consumption was supported by steady labour markets and ongoing disinflation. Looking ahead, the temporary boost from front-loading will fade, but domestic demand is expected to remain resilient, underpinned by supportive monetary and fiscal measures. Regional headline inflation is projected at 1.1 per cent in 2026, edging up from an estimated 0.5 per cent in 2025.

China’s economy is projected to expand by 4.6 per cent in 2026 and 4.5 per cent in 2027, following estimated growth of 4.9 per cent in 2025. A temporary easing of trade tensions with the United States—including targeted tariff reductions and a one-year trade truce—has helped stabilise business confidence. Meanwhile, supportive monetary and fiscal policies are expected to sustain domestic demand and cushion external headwinds.

Growth prospects in South Asia

South Asia’s economic outlook remains robust, largely due to strong private consumption and public investment. Inflation across the region declined markedly in 2025, with rates in most economies at or below central bank targets and long-term averages. Average consumer price inflation is projected to edge up from an estimated 8.3 per cent in 2025 to 8.7 per cent in 2026, ranging from 3.2 per cent in Nepal and 4.1 per cent in India to 35.4 per cent in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In India, growth is projected to moderate from an estimated 7.4 per cent in 2025 to 6.6 per cent in 2026. Resilient household spending, strong public investment, and lower interest rates are expected to underpin economic activity. While higher United States tariffs may weigh on select product categories, key export segments are likely to remain largely unaffected. Moreover, strong demand from other major markets is expected to partially offset the impact.

Downside risks cloud the outlook

Risks to the outlook for East and South Asia remain tilted to the downside. Trade policy uncertainty is a key near-term risk, even though recent U.S. tariff increases on Asian economies were smaller than initially anticipated and some trade agreements have been reached. A slowdown in major economies—including China, the European Union, and the United States—could further weigh on regional merchandise trade, investment flows, and tourism activity.

Another important downside risk relates to fragile fiscal positions in several economies, where high public debt limits policy space. In South Asia, in particular, elevated government debt constrains the ability to provide countercyclical support and respond effectively to external shocks.

Policies to mitigate risks and support growth

Most central banks across East and South Asia eased monetary policy in 2025 as inflation declined and the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered interest rates. Monetary easing is expected to continue in 2026, though the pace and extent will vary across countries.

Fiscal policy trajectories diverge between the two regions. In East Asia, many governments adopted a more expansionary stance in 2025, rolling out measures to support household consumption, protect vulnerable groups, and accelerate infrastructure investment. In contrast, South Asian economies remain focused on fiscal consolidation and structural reforms aimed at strengthening public finances and safeguarding macroeconomic stability.

Against a backdrop of trade policy uncertainty, Asian economies are pursuing regional integration through initiatives such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade agreement between 15 countries. At the national level, Governments are prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, advancing digitalization, and modernizing manufacturing to enhance competitiveness and resilience.

Call for renewed multilateral action

The report underscores that navigating an era of trade realignments, persistent price pressures, and climate-related shocks will demand deeper global coordination and decisive collective action at a time when geopolitical tensions are rising, policies are becoming more inward-looking, and impetus towards multilateral solutions is weakening. Sustained progress will depend on rebuilding trust, strengthening predictability, and renewing the commitment to an open, rules-based multilateral trading system.

The Sevilla Commitment, the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, offers a forward-looking blueprint to strengthen multilateral cooperation, reform the international financial architecture, and scale up development finance. Delivering on its key priorities—including clearer debt workout modalities and expanded concessional and climate finance—is essential to reducing systemic risks and fostering a more stable and equitable global economy.

The full report is available at https://desapublications.un.org/

Media Contact

• Martin Samaan, UN Department of Global Communications, [email protected]
• Helen Rosengren, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, [email protected]

Cambodia’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) identifies a financing requirement of USD 32.2 billion for 2026–2035 to deliver its mitigation and adaptation targets, underscoring the scale of investment needed to achieve the country’s climate ambitions and net-zero vision by 2050. Meeting these targets will require translating policy commitments into bankable, investment-ready projects, particularly beyond traditional infrastructure.

The new joint report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), titled Building Bankable Green Project Pipelines in the Non-Infrastructure Sectors of Cambodia , provides a detailed roadmap to make this happen. Drawing on consultations with financial institutions, government bodies, and development partners, the report identifies 20 policy and regulatory recommendations to strengthen Cambodia’s ability to attract and manage climate-aligned investment.

The report highlights significant opportunities to scale green finance in non-infrastructure sectors such as sustainable agribusiness, energy efficiency, circular production, and resource management. Strengthening domestic capital markets, enhancing ESG disclosures, and developing a national green taxonomy will be key to mobilizing finance for these sectors and advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"As the national regulator of Cambodia’s securities market, the SERC has committed to drive the Cambodia’s sustainable finance agenda forward. In close collaboration with ESCAP and development partners, the SERC will work with related ministries, financial institutions and investors to translate the report’s findings into coordinated action. Meanwhile, the recommendations outlined will inform a broader national effort to strengthen green market infrastructure, improve access to finance, and promote investment aligned with Cambodia’s climate priorities." said H.E. Sou Socheat, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of the SERC.

"Cambodia stands at a pivotal moment in turning its climate commitments into concrete investment opportunities. This report, developed in collaboration with SERC, reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the enabling environment for sustainable finance. By connecting national climate priorities with bankable project pipelines, Cambodia can unlock green investment that builds resilience and drives long-term economic transformation," said Hamza Ali Malik, Director of the Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, ESCAP.

The Ninth South and South-West Asia Subregional Forum on Sustainable Development, convened by the ESCAP Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, gathered policy leaders, regional organizations, youth, civil society and regional think tanks to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"Across South and South-West Asia, inequalities and climate risks are deepening, yet innovation and youth engagement show our region’s capacity to adapt," said UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana.

In the lead-up to the Forum, ESCAP convened a series of virtual multi-stakeholder consultations that brought together policymakers, researchers and civil society to identify collective priorities under SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17. Building on these preparatory discussions, a strategic roundtable dialogue was held during the Forum to present the outcomes and practical recommendations emerging from these consultations.

These outcomes set the stage for a forward-looking discussion, especially around SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which emerged as cross-cutting priorities for the subregion.

The discussions provided insights into how countries across the subregion are working to expand renewable energy access, strengthen urban resilience and enhance local–national coordination for more inclusive development. Participants from Pakistan, Bhutan and Nepal shared ongoing national efforts that reflect the region’s determination to pursue practical and climate-responsive pathways toward sustainable growth.

Regional organizations and civil society groups complemented these national perspectives by underscoring the importance of coherent policies, knowledge exchange and community engagement to address shared challenges.

Youth also contributed insights on renewable energy and urban inclusion, highlighting their role as both equal partners in shaping policy today and as the generation that will sustain these efforts into the future.

Dedicated sessions on Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) explored how data coordination and subnational reporting can accelerate SDG implementation. Another discussion on Financing for Development complemented the Forum’s focus on energy and cities by addressing how innovative financing mechanisms such as social impact bonds and green investment platforms can help scale up local implementation and regional cooperation.

The Forum concluded with a clear message: accelerating SDG progress in South and South-West Asia requires transformative, equitable and coordinated action powered by partnerships that connect governments, regional organizations, youth, civil society and think-tanks.

The Ninth Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (PFSD), co-hosted by ESCAP and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), in partnership with the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC), brought together Pacific member States, regional agencies, development partners, CSOs, the youth and other UN agencies to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda.

Opening the Forum, UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana reaffirmed that "Progress in the Pacific remains uneven and demands sharper investment, stronger funding and bold action." This was followed by PIFS Secretary General Baron Waqa emphasizing the importance of regional solidarity and coordinated action with our partners to deliver sustainable results in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.

The two-day Forum reviewed progress on SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17, highlighting both achievements and challenges. On water and sanitation (Goal 6), delegates noted persistent rural-urban disparities and the need for climate-resilient water systems. For energy (Goal 7), discussions centered on scaling up renewable investments and expanding access through public–private partnerships. The industry and innovation (Goal 9) session underscored the need for regional solutions to infrastructure gaps, digital inclusion and small-business financing, while sustainable cities (Goal 11) emphasized urban resilience grounded in indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.

The PFSD also spotlighted youth leadership under Goal 17, with young advocates from the Pacific urging governments and partners to treat youth, not just as beneficiaries, but as co-creators of solutions.

Coinciding with the Forum, ESCAP presented its flagship Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2025, which calls for greener, more inclusive growth and climate-smart macroeconomic policies. The Survey stresses the need for productivity enhancement, regional green value chains, and deeper understanding of the "macroeconomic-climate nexus" to safeguard Pacific prosperity.

Two thematic workshops added depth to the discussions: one on Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), which examined ways to strengthen national and local SDG reporting and coordination, and another on Catalysing Financing for Development, which explored innovative financing mechanisms, private sector engagement and debt transparency as tools for sustainable growth in the Pacific.

Country interventions and other stakeholders showcased national efforts in the SDGs under discussion, with linkages to climate resilience, while partners such as the PCRIC presented practical tools for managing disaster and climate risks in the Pacific.

The PFSD concluded with a clear message: achieving the 2030 Agenda in the Pacific requires transformative, equitable, and coordinated action anchored in partnerships, innovation and local ownership.

The Third ASEAN Investment Forum 2025 (AIF 2025) convened today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bringing together ASEAN Economic Ministers responsible for trade and investment, senior government officials, global investors, investment promotion agencies, and prominent private sector leaders. Held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the Forum aimed to reinforce ASEAN’s positioning as an integrated, resilient, and investor-ready region by promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.

Co-organised by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) of Malaysia, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Investment (CCI), ASEAN Business and Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), AIF 2025 marked a significant milestone in the early implementation of the ASEAN Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan (RIPAP) 2025–2030 , launched at the 2024 AIF in Lao PDR .

This year’s Forum featured a curated pipeline of investment-ready projects across strategic sectors identified under RIPAP, including biofuels and solar power. These sectors were selected for their strong growth potential, alignment with national development goals, and their relevance to regional value chains. For investors seeking actionable entry points into ASEAN’s sustainable industrial transformation, the Forum offered direct access to credible projects, valuable country-level insights, and opportunities for regional collaboration.

Participants engaged in a full-day programme featuring sector-specific discussions, practical investment showcases, and networking opportunities. Sessions highlighted integrated investment prospects in industrial decarbonisation, smart manufacturing, health and life sciences, and renewable energy. The Forum also served as a platform for dialogue among investment promotion agencies, policymakers, and private-sector stakeholders to foster sustainable and inclusive investment flows.

A high-level ministerial plenary explored ASEAN’s competitiveness in a shifting global landscape, emphasising the region’s role as a stable and trusted partner for quality investment. Ministers discussed the importance of strengthening regional coherence, aligning national promotion strategies with ASEAN-wide sectoral priorities, and leveraging FDI to support sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.

In her opening remarks, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP said, "In this moment of change, ASEAN’s collective voice and regional strength matters more than ever. The world looks to ASEAN not only as a market of opportunity, but as a partner in building a more predictable, connected, and sustainable investment landscape."

Ajay Sharma CMG, British High Commissioner to Malaysia highlighted, "The UK remains a steadfast partner in ASEAN’s green transition, bringing not only funding but also technical expertise and global partnerships to turn ambition into investable projects. UK initiatives like the ASEAN Green Investment Catalyst are enablers that support ASEAN transition from planning to action, mobilising capital for renewable energy, sustainable transport, and low-carbon industries across the region."

In his closing remarks on behalf of Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Economic Community said, "ASEAN’s investment policy needs to unlock not only the full potential of our region’s full economic growth, but also to preserve the sustainability and inclusivity of such growth in line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia further reflected, "ASEAN’s strength lies in its unity and shared purpose. Through our Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs), we are effectively advancing a cohesive regional investment proposition, reinforcing our position as an integrated, resilient, and investor-ready region, while laying the foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth. Through deeper collaboration between investors, governments, and investment promotion agencies, we are also shaping ASEAN into a dynamic hub for opportunity, innovation, and long-term prosperity."

AIF 2025 reaffirmed ASEAN’s position as a stable, transparent, and dynamic investment destination. It also contributed to the broader efforts of implementing RIPAP 2025–2030, which seeks to align national investment strategies with shared regional priorities. As ASEAN’s flagship platform for promoting inclusive and sustainable investment, the Forum continues to play a central role in advancing ASEAN’s economic transformation and achieving its development goals.

For more information: https://www.unescap.org/events/2025/third-asean-investment- forum-2025

Students across Bangkok are being invited to design the city’s electric mobility future through the Empower E-Mobility Challenge, a new competition launched by UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions),theBangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the International Labour Organization.

"Through the Empower E-Mobility Challenge, we see the power of youth innovation in shaping a just transition to sustainable mobility. Our partnership with the BMA demonstrates how local action and regional cooperation can advance a greener future for all," said Lin Yang, Deputy Executive Secretary, United Nations ESCAP.

The competition gives young people an opportunity to contribute their vision and creativity for how electric mobility can be more inclusive, resilient, and responsive to community needs. The BMA is already taking steps to expand electric mobility as part of its broader vision of developing Bangkok as a "Liveable City for All.". From e-bikes and tuk-tuks to buses and boats, electrification is advancing rapidly. The Challenge builds on this momentum by making sure student voices help guide the transition. Governor of Bangkok,Chadchart Sittipunt, said"The development of Bangkok would not be complete without ideas from young people. Bring your real-life experiences and creativity to the Empower E-Mobility Challenge - a platform where you can help shape the future of mobility in Bangkok."

High school, vocational, college and university students in Bangkok are encouraged to participate, either individually or in teams of up to four, with ideas that improve life in local communities. Entries can focus on improving infrastructure design, creating smarter charging solutions, strengthening resilience to floods or heatwaves, supporting repair and reuse of vehicle parts, or developing awareness campaigns that promote the benefits of electric mobility.

Entries may be submitted as either a two- to five-minute video or a visual design such as a poster, drawing or digital sketch. Each proposal should identify a challenge, present a solution and explain its benefits for users. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of experts from government, academia, the UN system and industry, and assessed for their sustainability, inclusivity, creativity and feasibility in Bangkok’s context.

Nine finalist teams – first place and runners up in each education category - will be invited to present their ideas at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok in January 2026. Winners will receive career-oriented prizes including work-shadowing and internship opportunities with leading electric mobility companies, as well as official ESCAP certificates and recognition on ESCAP’s social media platforms.

The competition officially launched during Bangkok Climate Action Week on 28 September and entries will be accepted until 15 December 2025, through a dedicated online submission portal. A submission form is available through ESCAP competition website .

For further information, please contact the competition team at [email protected] .