Search the SPREP Catalogue

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.

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.

The South Pacific economies of the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Tonga are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including increased intensity of rainfall and tropical storms, rising sea levels, and droughts; disasters triggered by natural hazard including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis; and health emergencies

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.

In all countries, economic growth comes with the loss of natural capital, our ultimate sources of wealth. Therefore, the challenge is combining growth with preserving our ecosystem to secure more prosperous Asia and the Pacific.

Many Pacific SIDs see a conversion of imported fossil fuel based electricity generation to locally available renewable energy generation as an opportunity to reduce vulnerability, in case sustainability and energy security, and improve electricity access and affordability.

Water resilience is an unsurpassed challenge and opportunity in establishing a properous, inclusive and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. It determined each country's ability to prepare, withstand and thrive in the wake of grave water stresses brought on by disasters triggered by natural hazards and climate change.