Inclusive development, shared prosperity and decent work

Asia and the Pacific boasts one of the highest economic growth rates in the world, with the real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate reaching 3.3 per cent per annum in 2019, much higher than the global average of 2.3 per cent before the pre-COVID crisis. The region is also home to more than half of the world’s labour force. A major gender gap remains in labour force participation, however. Women’s labour force participation ranges from a high of 72 per cent in South-East Asia to 29 per cent in Central and Southern Asia, while male labour force participation in these subregions is 95 per cent or higher. In the coming years, this gap is projected to either remain static or even increase.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Reduced Inequalities

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions