The 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD), held from February 25 to 28, 2025, in Bangkok, served as a vital platform for governments, international organisations, and civil society to assess progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. With only five years left until the 2030 deadline, the forum emphasised the need for science-driven, evidence-based solutions to speed up sustainable development efforts across the Asia-Pacific region.
The theme of APFSD 2025, “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science – and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind in Asia and the Pacific,” reflects the urgency of finding practical, data-backed strategies to address global and regional sustainability challenges. APFSD 2025 sought to foster stronger regional cooperation and innovative solutions to tackle these pressing issues as the world grapples with climate change, economic instability, and widening inequalities.
Key Focus Areas of the 12th APFSD
APFSD 2025 was aligned with the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) 2025, which conducts a global review of specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) each year. This year, the forum focused on five SDGs that are critical to the Asia-Pacific region’s sustainable future:
SDG 3: Good health and well-being – Addressing challenges in public health systems, disease control, and healthcare accessibility.
SDG 5: Gender equality – Closing gender gaps in employment, education, and decision-making roles.
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth – Promoting fair labor practices, economic recovery, and sustainable employment.
SDG 14: Life below water – Protecting marine ecosystems and tackling pollution in Asia-Pacific’s vast ocean regions.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthening regional and global cooperation to drive sustainable development.
Experts at the forum discussed how policy reforms, digital technologies, and regional collaboration could help advance these goals more effectively.
Regional Challenges and Barriers to Progress
Despite the region’s commitment to sustainability, several challenges threaten SDG progress,
1. Inequalities and Gender Gaps (SDG 5 & SDG 8)
- Women in many Asia-Pacific countries face barriers in education, employment, and leadership roles.
- Informal and low-wage labor sectors, which disproportionately affect women and marginalised communities, are still widespread.
2. Climate Change and Environmental Degradation (SDG 14)
- The loss of marine biodiversity and rising plastic pollution pose significant threats to coastal communities.
- Many Asia-Pacific nations lack adequate funding for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
3. Slow Economic Recovery Post-Pandemic (SDG 8)
- Many developing economies struggle with job creation, inflation, and shifting trade dynamics.
- There is a pressing need for green jobs and sustainable business models to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Key Takeaways and Actionable Recommendations
APFSD 2025 resulted in a set of actionable recommendations for governments, businesses, and communities,
Strengthening Policy Coherence: Governments must align climate, economic, and social policies to create an integrated approach to sustainability.
Scaling Up Science-Based Decision-Making: Investing in research, big data, and digital innovation is crucial for evidence-based policymaking.
Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships: Sustainable development requires joint efforts between corporations, startups, and government agencies.
Promoting Regional Cooperation: Asia-Pacific nations must share best practices, technology, and funding mechanisms to accelerate SDG progress.
What’s Ahead for the Region?
The outcomes of APFSD 2025 will be presented at the 2025 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, where global leaders will review SDG progress and discuss the next steps for accelerating implementation.
Additionally, regional initiatives such as sustainable financing models, circular economy projects, and cross-border climate action are expected to gain momentum following the forum. The Asia-Pacific region has an opportunity to lead by example in implementing inclusive, technology-driven, and science-backed sustainability solutions.
The 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development reaffirmed the need for urgent, evidence-based action to keep the 2030 Agenda on track. With only five years left to meet the SDGs, Asia-Pacific governments, businesses, and civil society must strengthen partnerships, leverage innovation, and prioritize inclusive development to ensure no one is left behind.
As the region moves forward, the key to success lies in data-driven strategies, strong governance, and community-led initiatives that can turn commitments into tangible progress.
