This ESCAP/ADB/UNDP Regional MDGs Report, eighth in the series under the partnership, comes at a critical juncture when we need one big final push to achieve the MDGs in less than 1,000 days. As we gear up our efforts, citizens and leaders of the world are also discussing the possible framework of a transformative development agenda beyond 2015. Thus, this 2012/13 report, while identifying the areas needing accelerated actions and emerging challenges is  intended to inform this global process.

This report presents some perspectives on the post-2015 development agenda as part of the system-wide discussion initiated by the Secretary-General. Being much less locked into traditional development pathways, Asia and the Pacific region has a clear window of opportunity to foster change. The perspectives and aspirations of this region for a new United Nations Development Agenda beyond 2015 should be of much interest to the global community.

The report has been informed by a series of sub-regional consultations and briefings with a wide range of stakeholders. It has also been informed by a series of background papers commissioned among eminent regional experts. Most importantly, this report builds on the work of the strengthened regional partnership between ESCAP, ADB and UNDP.