The UN ESCAP annual report on the 2019 Economic and Social Survey for Asia and the Pacific is a dynamic shift.

Launched yesterday, the agenda discusses a pathway towards development that is more people centered and ecologically sustainable.

Given the economic conditions of the Asia-Pacific region, the report highlights that despite the overall steady economic progress, there is rising inequality, lack of empowerment of certain segments of society and worsening environmental conditions.

Head of the UN ESCAPs Pacific Office, Iosefa Maiava says well-being is an approach that’s also being realized by some development partners.

“The well-being of people at the centre is needed to be at the centre of our partnerships as well.  It’s not either or, this shift in mindset placing well-being at the centre needs to be in those partnerships that we are promoting.”

Acting Head of Mission for the New Zealand High Commission in Fiji, Halia Haddad says it’s a sentiment they share which they’ve now incorporated as part and parcel of their policies.

“And the objectives of the New Zealand government which recently announced its intention to launch what I believe is the world’s first well-being budget.  So well-being economics has been part of policy frameworks in recent years, it’s becoming more commonplace.”

In July, a second Pacific Update report is expected to further detail how PICs can better navigate their economic futures.