The full form of ESCAP is Economic and Social Council for Asia and Pacific.

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) serves as the United Nations’ regional hub promoting cooperation among countries to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. The largest regional intergovernmental platform with 53 Member States and 9 associate members, ESCAP has emerged as a strong regional think-tank offering countries sound analytical products that shed insight into the evolving economic, social and environmental dynamics of the region. The Commission’s strategic focus is to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is reinforced and deepened by promoting regional cooperation and integration to advance responses to shared vulnerabilities, connectivity, financial cooperation and market integration. ESCAP’s research and analysis coupled with its policy advisory services, capacity building and technical assistance to governments aims to support countries’ sustainable and inclusive development ambitions.

The overall objective of ESCAP is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region, with priority accorded to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. ESCAP emphasizes strengthening institutional capacities to serve the rights of the people of the region and address their aspirations and needs. ESCAP pursues this objective by carrying out work, in close cooperation with other United Nations entities and intergovernmental organizations in the region, in the following areas:

Institutional change at all levels is required to ensure more efficient and effective delivery of essential services to the region’s growing population, increasing the demand for adequate food, clothing, housing, water, energy and transport infrastructure, together with other basic needs. Hence, ESCAP’s products and services support its member States in building national capacities in:

• Strengthening and implementing equitable and sustainable economic and social development policies and programmes, including regulatory and institutional frameworks;
• Preparing for, participating in and benefiting from multilateral and regional trade, transport, information and communication technology, energy and environmental partnerships and agreements;
• Building effective partnerships with civil society entities and the private sector;
• Reviewing progress in achieving the internationally agreed development goals and targets adopted at global and regional conferences.