Efforts to contain the pandemic have exposed—and magnified—deeply rooted vulnerabilities and inequalities in the region. There are signs of a ‘K-shaped’ recovery marked by increasing divergence in economic and social outcomes within and between countries. When environmental degradation, increasing natural hazards and accelerating climate change are added to the mix, the risks to developing countries and poor and vulnerable populations are even greater. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has further disrupted supply chains and raised food and fuel prices.

This event will bring together a diverse panel of leaders from civil society, business, and government in Asia and the Pacific to reflect on the insights from the ESCAP ADB UNDP 2022 Asia Pacific SDG Partnership Report and consider how the SDGs can help us navigate these challenging times to ensure no one is left behind.