16 November 2011: The Asia-Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) has pledged to promote green growth and to increase public-private partnerships (PPPs) to improve disaster resilience in its member countries. The pledges were made at the APEC Ministerial Meetings held from 10-11 November 2011, in Honolulu, US.

On promoting green growth, APEC leaders committed to, inter alia: promote liberalization of trade and investment in environmental goods and services; streamline import procedures for energy-efficient demonstration vehicles; facilitate trade in remanufactured products; rationalize and phase out fossil fuel subsidies; reduce energy intensity; develop low-emissions strategies; and promote participation of small and medium enterprises in green growth sectors. APEC leaders also committed to advancing the sustainable development of oceans, focusing on the role of oceans and fisheries in climate change and food security.

On disaster resilience, they recognized the need to incorporate the private sector in emergency preparedness efforts under a “whole of society” approach. APEC leaders committed to calling on their respective governments to promote financial instruments to respond to, and recover from disasters, as well as to transfer risk. APEC leaders promised to develop PPPs within their own economies and to report on their progress in 2012. [2011 APEC Ministerial Meeting Statement] [UN/ISDR Press Release]