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In an era when digital transformation accelerates at an unprecedented rate, digital economy agreements (DEAs) have gained vital importance for Asia and the Pacific. The rapid development of information and communication technologies has reshaped the global economy, altering trade dynamics and encouraging new approaches to regulatory frameworks

The energy transition readiness assessment (ETRA) framework provides a structured, data-driven, and forward-looking approach to evaluate and analyze the readiness of developing Asian countries for energy transition. The ETRA’s relevance stems from the fact that the region’s energy transition will be crucial for global efforts to reduce carbon emissions to net zero, and an equitable, secure, and sustainable energy transition is vital to the region’s future.

This report focuses on developing economies, as these face severe challenges in financing climate change action. These countries have nonetheless made meaningful commitments through United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, and most have done so in the form of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans. However, these efforts are falling short of adhering to the 1.5°C pathway and face difficulties in becoming operational.

This Navigating New Horizons report outlines a process focused on planetary health and human wellbeing - an intentional framing to expand the range of issues and informed views that typically share UNEP's work. Why? To ensure we are looking in places not normally considered, but where the organisation can act or provide advice for others with relevant portfolios.

Internal displacement often is understood to be a phenomenon that occurs within the context of conflict and violence, pushing people away from their homes in a temporary flight for safety until they can return in peace.

Asia and the Pacific is home to some of the world's most climate-vulnerable economies. At the same time, the region's strong growth, which has lifted millions out of poverty, contributes to more than half of global greenhouse gas emissions. As the climate crisis intensifies, this region finds itself at the center of both its worsening impacts and transformative potential solutions.

Resilient infrastructure projects support economic growth, generate jobs, and bolster local incomes. They are crucial to developing countries in Asia and the Pacific and around the world as they strive to met the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement commitments on climate change.

Four (4) years ago, Wallis and Futuna's Territorial Environment Service embarked on an ambitious journey to remove rats from the islets within the Uvea Lagoon. After completing the required training, community consultations and planning requirements, 4 islets were baited by hand and 9 islets were baited by drone. These islets are now safer for native biodiversity, allowing nature to restore itself and ultimately enhancing resilience against climate change. The healthy islets will be more productive, with more fruit, more crabs, less mosquitoes and more sea birds. This will have positive impacts on the surrounding coastal ecosystem such as reefs and fisheries, which communities rely on. These operations were part of the European Union funded PROTEGE project.

The negative impacts of climate change are already being felt throughout the Asia and Pacific region. As result, severe effects are expected on societies and economic systems, on the built environment and on the environment throughout the region.

The engagement in the Pacific Islands Region (PIR) of the Pacific Department PARD) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) includes supporting developing countries in the PIR through regional development forums and infrastructure finance. Given the vulnerability of the PIR to SLR (sea level rise), how precautionary should investors be when dealing with SLR in the Pacific.