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SUSTAINABLE FINANCE: BRIDGING THE GAP IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

7th October, 2023

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Picture Courtesy: www.unescap.org

Context: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has launched a report outlining 10 principles for action aimed at mobilizing and deploying financing for key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly related to climate action.

Details

  • The report, titled "Sustainable Finance: Bridging the Gap in Asia and the Pacific," addresses the challenges faced in financing climate action in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • The report highlights the urgent need for these principles to be implemented to address the financing gap for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the face of rising economic losses due to climate-related disasters and natural hazards.
  • It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and coordinated efforts among governments, private sector entities, and financial institutions to achieve the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and the SDG.

10 Principles outlined in the ESCAP report

Developing New Climate Finance Partnerships

Encouraging collaboration between governments, private sector entities, international organizations, and other stakeholders.

This could involve creating joint initiatives, public-private partnerships, and collaborations between financial institutions and climate-focused organizations. By fostering these partnerships, there can be an increase in the availability of funds and expertise for climate-related projects.

Developing Effective NDC Financing Strategies

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement to mitigate climate change.

Developing effective financing strategies involves creating clear and actionable plans to fund these commitments. This might include establishing dedicated funds, attracting international climate finance, and leveraging private sector investments to fulfil the requirements of each country’s NDC.

Developing Policy Coherence and Capacities Across Key Government Ministries

Ensuring that policies related to climate action are coherent across different government departments and ministries. This principle emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts, avoiding conflicting policies, and ensuring that all government bodies are working towards shared climate goals.

Taking Decisive Regulatory Action to Shift Capital towards Net Zero Transition

Implementing regulations and policies that encourage investments in activities and projects contributes to the transition to a net-zero carbon economy. This could involve providing tax incentives for green investments, imposing carbon pricing mechanisms, and setting regulatory standards that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Driving Investment in the Capacities of Financial Personnel

Investing in training programs and educational initiatives for financial professionals. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of financial personnel, there can be more effective evaluation and management of climate-related investments, leading to better decision-making processes.

Driving Investment in Sectoral and Project-Based Financial Data

Investing in data collection and analysis related to climate projects and sectors.

Detailed financial data helps in assessing the viability of projects, understanding the risks involved, and making informed investment decisions. This principle emphasizes the importance of accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive data for effective financial planning.

Committing to Net Zero Pledges for 2050 with Credible Transition Pathways and Including 2030 Goals

Encouraging countries and organizations to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This commitment should be supported by credible transition pathways, outlining how emissions will be reduced over time. Additionally, interim goals for 2030 are crucial to measure progress and ensure that the necessary actions are being taken to achieve the long-term target.

Increasing Local-Currency Financing of Energy Transition Projects and Green Technologies

Promoting investments in energy transition projects and green technologies using local currencies. This reduces dependency on foreign currencies and can make these investments more sustainable and stable, especially in emerging economies where currency fluctuations can pose significant challenges.

Expanding and Accelerating Concessional Financing and Risk-Sharing by Multilateral Development Banks

Increasing support from international financial institutions through concessional financing and risk-sharing mechanisms. Concessional financing involves providing loans at lower interest rates or with longer repayment periods. Risk-sharing mechanisms involve sharing the risks associated with investments, making them more attractive to private sector investors.

Increasing Investment of Time and Effort in Project Preparation

Allocating resources to the preparation and planning phases of projects. This involves conducting feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and thorough financial planning. By investing time and effort in these preparatory stages, projects are more likely to be well-designed, financially viable, and successful in attracting investments.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

About

  • The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) functions as one of the five regional commissions sanctioned by the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
  • ESCAP was founded in 1947 as the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE). Its primary objective was to facilitate coordinated efforts for the economic recovery and advancement of Asia and the Far East in the post-war period. In 1974, it was restructured and renamed the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), reflecting its dual focus on economic and social aspects of development.
  • ESCAP comprises 53 Member States and nine Associate member, while its primary focus is on Asian and Pacific regions, its membership includes countries like France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • The commission was initially based in Shanghai, Republic of China, from its inception until 1949. Following that, in 1949, it relocated its headquarters to the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mission and Functions

  • ESCAP's mission is to enhance economic activity in Asia and the Pacific, foster economic relationships between this region and other global areas, and promote sustainable development.
  • Coordinated Development Efforts: ESCAP initiates and participates in measures aimed at coordinated economic recovery and development efforts in the region.
  • Comprehensive Scope: ESCAP addresses diverse challenges in the region through projects, technical aid, and capacity development in areas including macroeconomic policy, trade and investment, transport, social development, environment and sustainable development, information and communications technology, disaster risk reduction, statistics, sub-regional activities, and energy.
  • Regional Collaboration: It serves as a platform for member states to collaborate and align their efforts in accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, fostering regional cooperation and integration.

ESCAP releases a variety of publications

  • Asia-Pacific Countries with Special Needs Development Report
  • Asia-Pacific Development Journal
  • Asia-Pacific Disaster Report
  • Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report
  • Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific
  • Review of Development in Transport in Asia and the Pacific
  • SDG Progress Assessment Reports
  • Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific

Conclusion

  • These principles provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the challenges in financing climate action in the Asia-Pacific region. By implementing these principles, countries can work towards closing the sustainable finance gap, fostering economic growth, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Collaboration between governments, private sector entities, and international organizations is essential to turning these principles into actionable strategies and initiatives.

Must Read Articles:

Sustainable Development Goals: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/sustainable-development-goals#:~:text=SDG%20targets%20have%20been%20set,%244%20trillion%20by%202022%2D23.

Asia Pacific Forum: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/asia-pacific-forum

Climate Finance: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/climate-finance#:~:text=It%20generally%20refers%20to%20local,enhancing%20sinks%20of%20greenhouse%20gases.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What strategies and mechanisms can governments and financial institutions implement to promote sustainable climate finance, ensuring funding is directed towards environmentally responsible projects and initiatives that contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts?