UN Policy Forum in Bangkok Calls for Inclusive Growth Across Asia-Pacific

Bangkok hosted a pivotal United Nations policy forum this week, bringing together government leaders, civil society representatives, and development experts to address rising inequalities and strengthen regional cooperation across Asia and the Pacific. Organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the forum emphasized the urgent need for inclusive policies that depart no one behind amid growing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

With the region home to over 60% of the world’s population and some of its fastest-growing economies, officials warned that progress remains uneven. Marginalized groups — including women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and migrant workers — continue to face systemic barriers in accessing education, healthcare, and decent work. The forum’s central message was clear: sustainable development requires deliberate action to dismantle these inequities.

ESCAP Urges Inclusive Societies as Foundation for Regional Stability

At the opening session, ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana stressed that inclusion is not merely a social goal but an economic imperative. “When we exclude people from opportunities, we weaken the very fabric of our societies and economies,” she said. “Inclusive growth drives innovation, strengthens social cohesion, and builds resilience against shocks — whether economic, environmental, or political.”

The forum highlighted ESCAP’s latest Asia-Pacific SDG Progress Report, which reveals that while the region has made strides in poverty reduction and access to clean energy, it is falling short on key equity indicators. For example, labor force participation among women remains 20 percentage points lower than men’s on average, and persons with disabilities are up to three times more likely to live in poverty.

To close these gaps, ESCAP called for strengthened social protection systems, universal access to quality education, and labor market policies that promote equal pay and workplace accessibility. The commission also urged governments to invest in data systems that better track disparities so policies can be targeted effectively.

Regional Leaders Stress Cooperation Amid Rising Tensions

Amid ongoing territorial disputes, trade frictions, and strategic competition — particularly involving China, the United States, and their respective allies — several speakers warned against allowing geopolitical tensions to derail multilateral efforts. Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi urged ASEAN and Pacific Island nations to lead by example in global cooperation, emphasizing that regional unity is essential for addressing shared challenges like climate change, pandemics, and digital transformation.

“We cannot afford to let differences divide us when the stakes are so high,” Marsudi said during a plenary session. “The Asia-Pacific has shown before that it can find common ground — whether through the Bangkok Declaration that founded ASEAN or the Pacific Islands Forum’s vision of a peaceful, prosperous region. We must revive that spirit.”

Her remarks echoed calls from other leaders, including Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, who noted that small island states are disproportionately affected by climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions. He urged larger economies to fulfill climate finance commitments and support adaptation efforts in vulnerable communities.

Focus on Youth, Innovation, and Digital Inclusion

A recurring theme throughout the forum was the role of youth and technology in driving inclusive development. With over 60% of the region’s population under 35, policymakers stressed the need to invest in education, skills training, and digital access — particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Thailand’s Minister of Digital Economy and Society presented national initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access and promoting digital literacy among marginalized groups. Similarly, representatives from the Philippines and Vietnam highlighted programs that train young people in green technologies and entrepreneurship, linking economic opportunity with environmental sustainability.

Experts also cautioned that without intentional design, digital transformation could deepen existing divides. A panel hosted by ESCAP and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) warned that the gender gap in internet use remains significant in South and Southeast Asia, urging governments to adopt policies that ensure affordable access and online safety for women and girls.

Civil Society Calls for Accountability and Participation

Representatives from civil society organizations stressed that inclusive policies cannot be designed in isolation. During a dedicated forum session, activists from Bangladesh, Fiji, and Nepal called for meaningful participation of marginalized communities in decision-making processes — from urban planning to climate adaptation.

“Nothing about us without us” was a common refrain. Groups advocating for disability rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and indigenous land rights urged governments to move beyond consultation to co-creation, ensuring that those most affected by policies help shape them.

They also called for stronger accountability mechanisms, including independent monitoring of SDG implementation and protections for human rights defenders who speak out against injustice.

Looking Ahead: Turning Commitments into Action

As the forum concluded, ESCAP released a summary of key recommendations, urging member states to:

• Adopt national action plans on inclusion with clear targets and timelines.
• Integrate equity considerations into all fiscal and development policies.
• Strengthen regional cooperation through ESCAP-led platforms on trade, connectivity, and disaster resilience.
• Mobilize financing from both public and private sources to close inclusion gaps.
• Improve data collection to monitor progress and inform evidence-based policymaking.

Officials acknowledged that achieving inclusive societies will require sustained political will and cross-sector collaboration. Yet they expressed optimism, pointing to recent advances in countries like Malaysia, which has expanded social safety nets, and Samoa, which has implemented national disability-inclusive development policies.

As the Asia-Pacific navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, the message from Bangkok was unequivocal: the region’s future prosperity depends not on how fast it grows, but on how fairly it shares the benefits of that growth. By centering inclusion in policy and practice, leaders said, the Asia-Pacific can build a more just, resilient, and prosperous future for all.