Colombia and UN Agency Renew Partnership to Promote Gender-Smart, Climate-Friendly Economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America

Key takeaways:

• Renewed Collaboration: The Presidential Agency for International Cooperation of Colombia (APC Colombia) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) have renewed their partnership to support sustainable development in both regions.
• Focus on Gender and Climate: The initiative will focus on promoting gender-smart and climate-friendly policies for economic development, benefiting women, indigenous communities, and vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge Sharing: Policymakers from Asia-Pacific and Latin America will exchange knowledge on building sustainable financial systems, investment strategies, and value chains.
• Building on Success: This new phase builds on two years of prior collaboration between the two organizations.

The Challenge:

• Achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires a private sector that prioritizes both profit and environmental and social well-being.
• Climate change and social inequality are global challenges that require international cooperation.

The Solution:

• This South-South cooperation initiative aims to create a global movement towards more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economies.
• The partnership will support policymakers in developing and implementing effective policies that:
  • Promote climate-friendly and gender-smart finance and investment.
  • Foster the development of sustainable livelihoods and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for a green transition.
  • Integrate environmental considerations into business practices.

Looking Ahead:

• This two-year initiative, funded by the Colombian government, is expected to lead to the creation of effective policies that benefit all citizens, with a particular focus on empowering women and protecting vulnerable populations.

Background:

• This is the third collaboration agreement between APC Colombia and ESCAP, building on a successful partnership focused on business innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals and inclusive economic policymaking.