Purpose

The subregional forum aims to discuss key issues affecting the achievement of Millennium Development Goals in East and Southeast Asian countries and identify options for accelerating MDG progress in the subregion.

Background

With only five years left before the 2015 deadline, urgent and increased efforts and resources are needed for helping the Asia and Pacific achieve the MDGs. As part of the efforts, the tripartite partnership of ADB, ESCAP and UNDP will organize two subregional workshops in 2010: East and Southeast Asia Forum in Shanghai, and the South Asia Forum in Delhi, India. These workshops aim to bring together policy makers, civil society and donor community and drive human and financial resources to meet common development goals. Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is the local host and co-organizer for the East and Southeast Asia Forum.

In the 2009/10 MDG progress report for Asia and the Pacific, the East and Southeast Asia subregion was rated favorably in terms of poverty reduction, gender equality, prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases, and access to safe drinking water. However, achievements across countries in the subregion vary, with most having slow progress, and regressing in indicators on health, nutrition, sanitation, education, and environmental goals on forest cover, and CO2 emissions. The subregion is also facing considerable challenges as urbanization gains pace.

This is the second workshop for the subregion. The first MDG Subregional Forum for East and Southeast Asia was held on March 1-2, 2007 in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

Target participants

Participation is by invitation only**

• Government officials, representatives from civil society, academic institutions, and international development organizations

**Other organizations that are interested to participate may email the workshop organizers.