Water and energy are critical resources for sustainable and inclusive development as recognized by the Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all) and 7 (Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all) respectively. Harnessing technology and innovation to achieve these goals requires inclusive policies that ensures no one is left behind. For this purpose, concerted efforts are needed to develop and adopt inclusive policies, strategies and best practices by the member States.

The Philippines development paradox of high poverty and inequality despite economic growth is a challenging start. Self-rated poverty among Filipinos rose to 46% in 2017 from 44% in 2016, even as the Philippine economy recorded one of the fastest growth rates in the region. In a recent release by Forbes magazine on the annual list of wealthiest people on the planet, 12 richest Filipinos had a combined fortune of $55.6 billion, nearly a fifth of the domestic economy.

Science Technology and Innovation (STI) collaboration in the Asia and the Pacific Region is aimed at developing and diffusing STI in strengthening its economic competitiveness, and therefore promotion of innovation in the region become a necessity. For this purpose a concerted efforts focusing on three key activities need to be undertaken, namely: (a) facilitation the flow of technology and innovation information from various sources within the Asia-Pacific region and also from outside of the region;

Science, technology and innovation (STI) has been identified as a means of implementation of the post-2015 development agenda and for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Emerging technologies or often referred to as disruptive technologies in the sphere of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) have the potential to improve quality of life and societal well-being, drive economic growth as well as increase productivity and efficiency.

The Policy Research Workshop is an invite only event, hosted by the Global Steering Group (GSG), United Nations ESCAP and the British Council. The workshop is delivered as part of the ESCAP-British Council partnership to support social entrepreneurship and impact investment in the Asia Pacific region. The event takes places as part of the GSG Impact Summit 2018.

Accounting for more than 30 per cent of the world’s poor, the South Asia subregion today faces many economic and environmental vulnerabilities. While the subregional countries share a host of common and mounting development challenges, economic cooperation and integration amongst them remain less than adequate. Trade between South Asian countries currently stands at less than one third of its full potential.

Women’s entrepreneurship is being recognised as a key catalyst for advancing women’s economic empowerment. By setting up and managing a business, women are poised to achieve economic independence, overcome extreme poverty, and improve their sustainable well-being as well as that of their families and communities. However, while entrepreneurs in general face considerable barriers, women entrepreneurs face additional disadvantages which hold them back from achieving their full potential. Among these, research consistently points to restricted access to finance.

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.

The 13th Session of the APCICT Governing Council will be held on 31 August 2018 in Bangkok, in conjunction with the Second Session of the ESCAP Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation (CICTSTI) taking place on 29-31 August 2018.

Innovation, along with scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements, are needed to meet the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Asia and the Pacific is home to some of the most dynamic, pioneering and innovative countries in the world but also to some of the most technologically deprived.