UN conference ends with pledges to promote green growth in Asia-Pacific region

Government ministers from across the Asia-Pacific region today committed themselves at a United Nations conference to implement a plan to promote green growth that encourages economic development while still ensuring environmental sustainability.

More than 40 countries participated in the six-day conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, that wrapped up today with the action plan that includes a call for job creation in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors

Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), said the record number of ministers at the event was a clear signal of the region’s growing commitment on environmental issues.

“The green growth approach adopted at this conference – included in the Astana Declaration – commits our nations to investment in eco-efficient and clean technologies, and balanced development for shared prosperity, social progress and environmental sustainability,” she said.

All ministers in attendance also endorsed the so-called Astana ‘Green Bridge’ Initiative, which encourages environmental partnerships and cooperation on development between the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.