Foreign Desk Report
NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Asian and Pacific countries not to base their pandemic recovery strategies on “outdated and unsustainable economic models”, and to ensure that the world’s most populous region protects its environment and provides opportunities for all.
In a message to the annual session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), he underlined the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as the blueprint for a strong recovery, leaving no one behind. The UN chief also called for making “peace with nature” and stronger efforts to tackle the climate crisis, including investing in renewable energy, sustainable food systems, and nature-based solutions.
“Looking forward, recovery plans cannot be based on outdated, unsustainable economic models. Investments to rebuild the economy must be centred around inclusive, sustainable development that prioritizes people and planet”, he added.
Convened in a virtual setting from 26 to 29 April, countries at the 77th session of ESCAP will discuss how regional cooperation can help countries “build back better” from the pandemic.
