The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2012, the flagship publication of ESCAP, was launched on Thursday, May 10th 2012, simultaneously in 32 locations around the world, including capitals in the ESCAP region. The main launch tooke place in Bangkok, Thailand where Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, introduced the Survey 2012.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), established in 1947, is the regional development arm of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region. The flagship publication of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) – the regional arm of the United Nations – provides policy options for governments to overcome these challenges and maintain the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. The 2012 edition of The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific: Pursuing Shared Prosperity in an Era of Turbulence and High Commodity Prices, analyses the short and medium-term challenges for the region and the outlook for the year ahead. A persistent concern for the region highlighted in the Survey is the challenge presented by commodity price volatility, in particular the trend of rising commodity prices. High prices and persistent volatility are likely to become the ‘new normal’ of the global economy. This commodity boom presents risks and opportunities for both commodity exporters and importers in the region.

In Tehran, The Survey 2012 was launced by Mr. Sanaka Samarasinha, UNDP Iran Resident Representative a.i. and Dr. Jamshid Pazhuyan, Chairman of the Competition Council of the I.R. of Iran, in the presence of news agents from media and press. 

In his speech, Mr. Samarasinha expressed hope that “despite the economic slowdowns and challenges, the region remains an anchor of stability and a new growth pole for the world economy. It will also remain the world’s fastest growing region.” He further added that to ensure the required inclusive growth and development, the Asia-Pacific region countries, including Iran, should undertake actions that stimulate and rebalance growth and promote regional cooperation to share risks and opportunities.

The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2012 is available here.