Press Release
July 07, 2026
- Global Environment
Launch of the “Asia-Pacific Synergies Report”
1. The “Asia-Pacific Synergies Report” (herein referred to as the “Synergies Report”) was launched at the “Seventh Global Conference on Strengthening Synergies between the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 29 to 30, 2026.
2. Developed with support from the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP-ROAP) served as lead agencies for the Synergies Report, with the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) serving as the Secretariat.
3. The Synergies Report was developed to serve as a guide for the effective implementation of synergistic approaches (initiatives that generate synergies) by diverse stakeholders, with the aim of accelerating achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The report is based on comprehensive analysis derived from more than 140 case studies of synergies in the Asia-Pacific region.
2. Developed with support from the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP-ROAP) served as lead agencies for the Synergies Report, with the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) serving as the Secretariat.
3. The Synergies Report was developed to serve as a guide for the effective implementation of synergistic approaches (initiatives that generate synergies) by diverse stakeholders, with the aim of accelerating achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The report is based on comprehensive analysis derived from more than 140 case studies of synergies in the Asia-Pacific region.
■ Purpose of the Synergies Report
Home to more than 60 percent of the world’s population, the Asia-Pacific region faces not only environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, but also social issues such as widening inequality, and it is in doubt that the SDGs will be achieved by 2030. To address these challenges, it is effective to have synergistic approaches which minimize trade-offs and maximize synergies through cross-sectoral efforts, rather than addressing issues in isolation. Furthermore, it is essential to put the concept of synergies into practice on the ground. To this end, the Synergies Report brings together concrete case studies and strategic guidance, and was developed to support a diverse range of stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region including international organizations, national governments, local governments, businesses and communities to effectively implement efforts that leverage synergies.
■ Overview of the Synergies Report
This report describes synergistic approaches for addressing the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Chapters 2 to 5 present analysis and recommendations in the four themes of “climate and health,” “nature-positive,” “circular economy” and “cities.” Furthermore, as elements supporting these initiatives, the report presents approaches to finance, data and tools, governance, and regional cooperation.
The appendix features more than 140 case studies from countries across the Asia-Pacific region that demonstrate the implementation of synergies in specific policies and on the ground.
Based on the analysis and case studies, the report recommends the following six strategic directions for achieving the SDGs and addressing the “triple planetary crisis” at the same time.
① Make synergies the organizing principle for national strategies
② Empower cities and local governments to serve as platforms
③ Promote cross-sectoral investment
④ Transform data and tools into resources for decision-making on synergies
⑤ Institutionalize whole-of-government and whole-of-society governance approaches
⑥ Leverage regional cooperation to synthesize evidence, promote learning, and scale synergistic solutions across diverse contexts
Rather than addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution separately, the report says it is synergistic approaches which integrate policies, funding, data and governance across sectors that create virtuous cycles of environmental conservation, economic development and health/well-being, and are a practical and indispensable measure for addressing the “triple planetary crisis” and achieving the SDGs at the same time.
The report also encourages a shift from fragmented responses to integrated approaches for sustainable development beyond 2030.
Table of contents of the report
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Leveraging synergies between climate and health
Chapter 3 Conserving biodiversity through nature-positive pathways
Chapter 4 Advancing circular economy solutions to address pollution
Chapter 5 Mobilizing cities as delivery platforms for resilient and synergistic solutions
Chapter 6 Leveraging synergistic finance to maximize co‑benefits
Chapter 7 Drawing on data systems and analytical tools to strengthen synergistic policymaking
Chapter 8 Strengthening governance to advance synergies
Chapter 9 Conclusion and future outlook
Appendix Compendium of over 140 case studies on synergies in Asia and the Pacific