Asia and the Pacific is grappling with the devastating consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. A collective response will be needed to contain the loss of life and address this evolving human crisis. Returning to “business as usual” is not an option for a region that is already off-track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Transformative approaches are needed to ensure progress, especially on goals with persistent shortcomings.

Keeping focus on the Global Decade of Action of delivering SDGs by 2030 in these turbulent times is now more important than ever. The disruptions caused by COVID-19 are cause for introspection and a gateway for a shift in social values that may ease the way for transformations. The pandemic has changed the ways in which many people work and consume, and hastened the uptake of technologies, in ways that may help create opportunities to accelerate progress on the Global Goals.

This webinar provided an interactive platform to exchange knowledge on various transformative entry points that can help the Asia and the Pacific deliver SDGs by 2030. Presenters brainstormed ideas for aligning pandemic response and recovery efforts with SDGs, while providing insights into viable and essential strategies for the way forward.