Why Synergies? (Background)

• 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.

Why We Need a Synergy Report in Asia-Pacific

• 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.

What Will the Report Cover?

• 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.

Where Will It Make an Impact?

• 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.

Who Is Involved?

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.

Key Milestones

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

• Launch at the Seventh Global Conference on Climate and SDG Synergies

• Action Programme adopted at CED9（Committee on Environment and Development, Ninth Session）  

2027

• April: ESCAP Commission Session --> Consideration of resolution to endorse the Programme

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