Online side event at the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development
This interactive side event will focus on the role of human rights in building back better after COVID-19 and in achieving the 2030 Agenda. The side event will aim to inspire governments and other stakeholders in the region to take action, by showcasing concrete initiatives from different stakeholders the Asia-Pacific, illustrating how recovery with human rights at the heart is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing.
The side event takes place on Tuesday 23 March 2021 from 12:15 to 13:45 Bangkok time zone (GMT+7).
Check-in time 12:00-12:15 Bangkok time zone (GMT+7).
The SDG implementation trajectory has been seriously disrupted by the impact of the pandemic that has exacerbated existing patterns of inequality, vulnerability and discrimination. These patterns reflect long overdue obligations of states under international human rights law, as well as pending commitments under the 2030 Agenda. Depending on how states address this crisis, inequalities could become even more pronounced, undermining the promise of the 2030 Agenda “to leave no-one behind”.
The objective of this interactive side event is to serve as a platform to share good practices guided by human rights, that are proving effective in navigating the crisis and building back truly sustainable and just societies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Through contributions from countries with successful response and recovery strategies, leading experts and interactive segments with the audience, the expected outcome of the side event will be the identification of concrete and context-specific solutions to reach those left furthest behind.
Building back better can only be achieved where there is respect for fundamental human rights and where civic space is protected. This event will be an opportunity to encourage governments to engage with national human rights actors and other actors relevant to contributing to the realisation of the 2030 Agenda and to ensure recovery planning incorporates the principles of inclusion and participation, dignity and non-discrimination.
Programme
| 12:00-12:15 | Check-in |
| 12:15-12:25 | Welcome and Introduction |
| 12:25-12:30 | Interactive segment: Getting to know the participants and their views |
| 12:30-12:50 |
Moderated panel discussion: How can human rights guide us through the crisis and build a better future where we reach to aspirations of the 2030 Agenda? Speakers:
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| 12.50-13.05 | Interactive segment: Questions to the panellists |
| Moderated panel discussion: What are the most successful strategies for sustainable response and recovery, and how can public authorities step up efforts in this regard? Speakers:
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| 13:25-13:40 | Interactive segment: Questions to the panellists |
| 13:40-13:45 | Final reflections and closing |
Key questions
The side event will serve as a platform to share good practices and experiences around the following:
- Which are proving to be the most successful strategies for sustainable response and recovery in the Asia-Pacific region, and how are they related to human rights and the SDGs?
- How are effective sustainable response and recovery strategies ensuring the principle of leaving no-one behind, and realising the transformative potential of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?
- What role has civil society, NHRIs and other stakeholders played in the COVID-19 response, and how could they further contribute to sustainable and resilient recovery?
- What can we learn from earlier global health crises in relation to human rights when responding to the COVID-19?
Format and participants
This interactive side event will feature a panel discussion with a range of government officials, civil society representatives and developments experts, and also include segments to proactively involve the audience. The side event will aim to inspire governments and other stakeholders in the region to take action, by showcasing concrete initiatives from different stakeholders the Asia-Pacific, illustrating how recovery with human rights at the heart is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing.
The side-event will be open to all interested APFSD participants and the organizers will also invite policy makers and civil servants in ESCAP member states, UN entities, civil society, private sector and development actors, as well as national human rights institutions from the organizers’ respective networks in the region.
Hosts
- The UN Asia-Pacific Issue-based coalition on Human Rights, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (IBC) composed of OHCHR, UNFPA, UN Women (co-chairs), and ESCAP, FAO, ILO, IOM, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNDRR, UNEP, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNODC and WFP
- The Danish Institute for Human Rights
- Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions
- The Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM)
Registration
The webinar will take place on Teams. Kindly register via the form below.
By registering you also grant us permission to contact you via the registered email with a participation link, a reminder email and material from the event after the event has taken place.