Asia Pacific

FEATURE: ‘Grandpa Oyster’ offers example of sustainable ocean business

Shigeatsu Hatakeyama’s oyster farm was completely destroyed by the deadly tsunami that hit north-east Japan in March 2011.

Despite progress, life for children in Myanmar's remote areas remains a struggle, UNICEF warns

The benefits of Myanmar's economic growth, reform and reconciliation efforts have not yet reached children in the country's remote, conflict-affected areas, leaving an estimated 2.2 million children in need of better humanitarian assistance, a United Nations report has revealed.

Security Council strongly condemns ballistic missile test by DPR Korea

Strongly condemning yesterday’s ballistic missile launch conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United Nations Security Council vowed to “fully and comprehensively implement all measures” imposed on the country and strongly urged all other UN Member States to do the same.

UN experts urge Indonesia to free jailed politicians, repeal its blasphemy law

A group of United Nations human rights experts today urged the Government of Indonesia to review and repeal its blasphemy law following the recent conviction and imprisonment of the former governor of Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.

Conflict-related child deaths hit new high in Afghanistan, UN warns

Deeply concerned by the continued increase in conflict-related child deaths in Afghanistan, the UN Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMA) has urged parties to the conflict to take immediate measures to reduce harm.

UN condemns DPR Korea’s ballistic missile launch

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today urged Pyongyang to return to the path of denuclearization saying the latest ballistic missile launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is a threat to peace and security in the region.

Annual UN Asia-Pacific policy forum session spotlights poverty eradication, sustainable energy

Asian and Pacific countries are discussing economic cooperation and integration this week at the United Nations regional office in Bangkok, whose annual session focuses on how regional countries can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ongoing forest destruction has put Asia-Pacific at risk of missing global development targets – UN agency

The destruction of forests in many Asian countries continues apace, threatening the realization of global sustainable development goals by the 2030 deadline, according to the United Nations agricultural agency.

At China's Belt and Road Forum, UN chief Guterres stresses shared development goals

Speaking at a major international conference in Beijing, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today drew comparisons between China's 'One Belt, One Road' initiative and the Sustainable Development Goals, saying both are rooted in a shared vision for global development.

ESCAP: 70 years of UN efforts to advance socio-economic development in Asia and the Pacific

Notwithstanding the challenges faced by countries in Asia and Pacific, the region has witnessed economic and social achievements beyond expectations over the past 70 years, according to the head of the United Nations body assisting with development efforts.