ASEAN-China-UNDP 2019 Symposium: Innovation in Achieving the SDGs and Eradicating Poverty

July 30, 2019

45 September 2019, Hanoi, Viet Nam

 

Background

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) are working together to convene a symposium that focuses on innovation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and eradicate poverty. Designed as a forum where ASEAN Member States and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region can freely exchange knowledge, broaden horizons of possibilities, and identify opportunities for collaborative experimentation, this event will specifically focus on inclusive innovation.  

We envision this event to be a step towards creating an ASEAN model of innovation that goes beyond a technology-driven model of development that only benefits a privileged few, and moves towards innovation that meets the needs of the region’s marginalized, remote and disadvantaged populations. This model of inclusive innovation strives towards reducing inequality, taps into the creativity of diverse strata in our societies, is organic to the local context, and effectively accelerates the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Experience

The event will take place in Hanoi, Viet Nam, on 4-5 September 2019. Over the course of two days, participants will:

  • Experience field immersions to innovation hubs and local community initiatives;
  • Have a chance to connect with organizations and thought leaders who are working on inclusive innovation ecosystems across the Asia-Pacific region; and
  • Explore new ways of promoting inclusive innovation and building impactful innovation ecosystems.

Expected Outcome

The knowledge exchanged in the Symposium and the connections forged through participants’ interactions hopefully leads to influencing decisions around how ASEAN Member States structure their innovation policies, as well as towards the shaping ideas for further collaboration on inclusive innovation.

How will AI and Automation Affect Asia?

Automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the innovations of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” are penetrating everything from automotive, garment and electronics manufacturing to business processes, logistics and healthcare. How will they change Asian economies and societies?

   

Documents

Concept Note  

Publications

SDG Localization in ASEAN: Experiences in Shaping Policy and Implementation Pathways

Financing the Sustainable Development Goals in ASEAN

Related Information

ASEAN-China-UNDP 2018 Symposium

ASEAN

ASEAN Community Vision 2025

The Sustainable Development Goals

Contact

Courtney Lawrence
Head of Exploration, Regional Innovation Centre Asia-Pacific
courtney.lawrence@undp.org

Cedric Monteiro
Regional Communications Adviser
cedric.monteiro@undp.org