Co-Organisers: Asia Development Alliance (ADA), Asia Pacific Research Network (APRN), FORUS, Mongolian CSOs Network on SDGs, Pacific Island Association of Non- Governmental Organisations (PIANGO), Roots for Equity, TAP Network, UNESCAP 

Policy Coherence for sustainable development is a critical element for the success of the Agenda 2030 and therefore, it is enshrined in the Agenda itself. The 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement represent two complementary global frameworks for eradicating poverty and hunger and achieving environmental sustainability.

For the first time, these frameworks show a bottoms up approach in international policymaking. While on the face of it, it appears that countries are making tireless efforts to align their social, economic and environmental policies with the Agenda and the Paris Agreement; much remains to be done to make their national policies and programmes coherent with these frameworks. Lack of policy coherence at global level is also one of the mosti important factor sreinforcing lack of policy coherence at national levels.

These conflicts are likely to undermine success of the Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement, and cannot be addressed unless acknowledged and unless policy coherence for sustainable development is actively pursued by all governments and stakeholders.

The side event will seek to address the following questions: 

Q 1; How far have countries in Asia Pacific have been able to address policy coherence for sustainable development in general, and between NDCs and SDGs in particular, nationally? What are the best practices or innovations in creating policy synergy within the region or outside which can inspire peer learning? 

Q2: What are the areas of policy conflict and how can they be best addressed ? 

Q3: What is the potential role of the SDG 16+ in removing the policy conflict by ensuring citizens participation, rule of law and transparent and inclusive institutions in climate and sustainable development governance?