The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) today announced a new partnership to promote inclusive and sustainable economies in Asia and the Pacific.
"The Memorandum of Agreement between ESCAP and IDRC marks the beginning of a collaboration between our two organizations, and a steppingstone for deeper cooperation going forward. This partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to mobilizing the private sector for inclusive and sustainable development. Together, our organizations will converge our efforts and resources to mobilize the private sector to prioritize people and planet alongside profit, which will be critical if we are to meet the ambitions of the Sustainable Development Goals," said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP on the occasion.
Through this partnership, policy research will be conducted on mobilizing the private sector to contribute to positive development outcomes, with a particular focus on gender equality and climate change. This knowledge will inform policy action through the development of measures that incentivize and facilitate greater contributions from private sector actors - including corporations, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and investors - to advance inclusive and sustainable development. In particular, the partnership will enable the sharing of knowledge and effective practices, enhancing the effectiveness of strategies and approaches across the region, including through the collaborative organization of seminars and learning events.
"The partnership between IDRC and ESCAP is a catalyst for impact toward inclusive and sustainable economies," said IDRC President Julie Delahanty. "By mobilizing the private sector, we empower communities, create opportunities, and build a future where prosperity is shared by all. This collaboration furthers our commitment to innovation and equality, driving us toward a world where economic growth is synonymous with social progress - where businesses thrive and every individual has the chance to prosper."
To this end, as the first step of the partnership, IDRC and ESCAP will collaborate on the organization of the upcoming edition of the Feminist Finance Forum from 7 to 8 May in Bangkok, building on the momentum created during the first edition of the Feminist Finance Forum, convened in August last year. Bolstered by the partnership with IDRC, the second edition of the Forum will seek to engage more stakeholders in feminist finance, creating a unified voice and amplifying advocacy efforts.
Designed as a dynamic platform for action, the event will aim to foster meaningful discussions, leading to concrete recommendations and guidance for policymakers, investors, women entrepreneurs, civil society, and financial providers. Significant focus will be placed on advancing the discourse on investments in the care economy and the role of finance in reducing gender-based violence as well as the gender - finance - climate nexus. The Forum is set to propel these conversations forward, not only through in-depth discussions, but also by strategizing on how to extend the impact and insights gained beyond the event itself.
