United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the regional development arm of the United Nations, serving 53 member States and 9 associate members across the vast and diverse Asia-Pacific region. As the most comprehensive intergovernmental platform in the region, ESCAP promotes cooperation to tackle pressing challenges, from poverty reduction to sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental stewardship. Recognizing that air pollution and climate change are deeply interconnected threats with significant impacts on human health, ecosystems, and economies, ESCAP actively works to advance solutions that deliver shared benefits for people and the planet.

As a partner of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), ESCAP plays a pivotal role in regional efforts to reduce short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) such as methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). ESCAP supports countries across Asia and the Pacific by fostering policy dialogue and collaboration that integrate air quality improvement with climate action. Through high-level meetings, technical workshops, and dedicated programmes, ESCAP helps governments strengthen policy frameworks, develop action plans, and build the institutional capacity needed to address SLCPs effectively.

ESCAP’s initiatives include advancing the Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution (RAPAP), which helps countries develop and implement strategies for cleaner air that are aligned with global climate commitments. As the secretariat of the Asia-Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP), ESCAP also coordinates regional efforts to share knowledge, scale up best practices, and mobilize support for transformative clean air policies.