25 September 2013
Asia-Pacific Poverty Report Proposes Goals on Income, Hunger and Malnutrition
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A joint report from UN and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) details regional aspirations for the post- 2015 development agenda.

It proposes adopting zero income poverty, zero hunger and zero malnutrition as goals to be achieved by 2030.

unescap-adb-undp20 September 2013: A joint report from UN and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) details regional aspirations for the post- 2015 development agenda. It proposes adopting zero income poverty, zero hunger and zero malnutrition as goals to be achieved by 2030.

The ADB, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) jointly produced the report, titled ‘Asia-Pacific Aspirations: Perspectives for a Post-2015 Development Agenda.’ The report puts forward 12 goals: zero income poverty; zero hunger and malnutrition; gender equality; decent jobs for everyone of working age; health for all; improved living conditions for all; quality education for all; livable cities; environmental responsibility and management of natural resources; disaster risk reduction (DRR); accountable and responsive governments; and strong development partnerships and reformed global governance.

The report indicates that the Asia-Pacific region is far from meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the areas of hunger, health and sanitation. It highlights emerging challenges, including rising inequalities, unplanned urbanization, climate change, pollution and water scarcity. It notes some successes, however, in controlling tuberculosis and HIV infection.

The report proposes several scenarios that could be adopted, depending on the level of ambition: an ‘MDG+’ approach; an integrated sustainable development model of ‘MDG++’; and a transformative model that will embed sustainability and equity.

Launching the report, ESCAP Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer noted that basic inequities persist in the Asia-Pacific region, despite its “remarkable record” of lifting people from poverty. She urged countries to promote inclusive growth, provide greater access to social services for the poor, create more decent and productive jobs, and expand social protection. [Publication: Asia-Pacific Aspirations: Perspectives for a Post-2015 Development Agenda] [ESCAP Press Release] [ADB Press Release]

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