Technology and innovation are a driving force behind economic growth. The ability to innovate is more than ever a major determinant of the competitiveness of firms, regions and countries. Technology and innovation also provide immense opportunities for society and the environment. They have expanded access to basic opportunities and services such as education, health and energy and offered means to address environmental concerns.

However, not everyone has benefited from the opportunities offered by technology and innovation. Income and wealth inequalities are on the rise in the Asia-Pacific region. The region’s combined income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, has increased by over 5 percentage points in the last 20 years. Rural communities, women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable and low-income communities are often unable to make full use of technologies and innovation.

To meet the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and leave no one behind, it will be critical to explore ways to promote innovations that focus on delivering on social and environmental concerns, and on expanding access to goods and services as well as opportunities for better livelihoods.

Inclusive innovation and social enterprises can play strategic roles in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals and leaving no one behind.

Objectives of the Forum

1. Share experiences and best practices on how governments can promote social entrepreneurship and inclusive innovation in Asia and Pacific.

2. Contribute to the debate on what are effective means to support inclusive innovation and social entrepreneurship.

3. Identify potential areas for cooperation in the areas of inclusive innovation and social entrepreneurship policies.

For the presentations of the forum please click the 'Visit Event Page' button below.