Summary

The Asia-Pacific region is facing a triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, which is slowing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. At the current pace, the region will require 32 years to address its priority socioeconomic challenges. Key factors behind the lag include fragmented policies and investments, financing shortages, data gaps and weak coordination across sectors and levels of government. These constraints reduce the effectiveness of policy measures and place additional pressure on healthcare systems, infrastructure and ecosystems. Experts from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific recommend making a synergistic approach a core element of strategic planning. Proposed measures include integrating health considerations into climate policy, transitioning towards a circular economy, expanding the powers of local authorities, developing intelligent data analysis systems and strengthening inter-agency coordination.