The Triple Planetary Crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution have often been addressed in isolation, leading to fragmented policies and duplicated efforts. Since 2019, UNDESA and the UNFCCC secretariat have advanced global initiatives on synergies, including the Global Report on Climate and SDG Synergies published annually since 2023.
In 2024, the UNEA-6 “Synergies Resolution,” led by Japan with 6 co-sponsoring countries, set a global course for stronger collaboration across multilateral environmental agreements. The three Rio Conventions have also underscored the need for integrated action.
Academia and international organizations highlight synergies through concepts such as “integrated approaches,” “co-benefits,” and “policy coherence,” which aim to maximize positive impacts and reduce trade-offs. Building on this perspective, we see “synergies” as dynamic interactions across issues, stakeholders, and planning processes that arise from deliberate efforts to pursue integrated responses—generating cooperative results greater than the sum of individual actions.
Asia and the Pacific plays an important role in advancing global sustainable development. Organizing and sharing this knowledge in the Asia-Pacific context is now a pressing task.
The region is responsible for about 60% of global GHG emissions, 63% of global material use and half of the loss of mangroves, highlighting its immense impact on the global environment
There are few regions where the opportunities for leveraging synergies are greater than Asia and the Pacific. This is partially due to the fact that the region is home to many of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies
Capturing and sharing these synergy opportunities and solutions can help guide more coordinated and effective policymaking, while also informing global sustainable development efforts.
Focusing on synergies between the triple planetary crises and the SDGs, the report will highlight opportunities and practical actions in:
Climate & Health
Biodiversity & Nature Positive
Pollution & Circular Economy
Cities & Resilience (at the intersection of the above issues)
It will also spotlight key Means of Implementation:
Finance
Data & Tools
Governance
Each chapter will discuss the challenges and value of pursuing synergies, present 2–3 practical examples from the field, and explore policy implications and potential for scaling.
An appendix will feature over 100 good practices as a practical resource for policymakers and practitioners.
Informing the Regional Policy Agenda: To be submitted to the Ninth Session of the Committee on Environment and Development (at Ministerial level) as a key reference, with the goal of advancing a regional action programme on synergies.
Shaping Global Reports: Contributing directly to the Report on Climate and SDG Synergies, and providing valuable input to major processes such as the IPCC Seventh Assessment Report.
Guiding the Future Agenda: Serving as a foundation for sustainable development by 2030 and beyond, helping to set priorities for the next era of sustainable development.
Guiding Project Development and Implementation on the Ground: Providing practical direction for the design and execution of concrete synergy initiatives in countries and communities.
Lead Agencies
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Sponsor
Ministry of the Environment Japan （MOEJ)
Secretariat
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
With strong partners
from CSOs, Academia, research institutes, development agencies, etc.
2025
Feb: Kick-off event at APFSD
July: 1st in-person meeting in Manila
Dec: Progress update at UNEA-7 side event (incl. draft report contents)
2026
Feb: 2nd in-person meeting and special event during APFSD 2026
July: Report launch at ESCAP – 9th Session of the Committee on Environment and Development (Ministerial level) --> Regional Synergy Action Programme?
2027
April: ESCAP Commission Session --> Consideration of resolution to endorse the Programme
1. Share Your Case Studies
Submit synergy-related case studies from your country or institution. Selected cases may be showcased in the Asia-Pacific Synergy Report, and all submissions will be included in its appendix and in the Synergy Case Study Database to ensure wide visibility and knowledge sharing. (see "Call for Case Studies" tab for details)
2. Support the Initiative
Join as an additional sponsor or serve as a reviewer to help ensure the quality, reach, and impact of the report.
This is more than a regional effort—it is Asia-Pacific’s collective voice to the world.
Together, let us show how our region’s creativity, resilience, and solidarity can shape a truly global movement for synergies!
About this Website
This specific page has been developed by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, which serves as the Secretariat under a contract with the Ministry of the Environment Japan.
Contact: ap-synergy-secretariat@iges.or.jp