Danial Norjidi
A recent report highlighted the importance of connectivity in transport, energy and information and communications technology (ICT) is crucial for achieving sustainable development and a low-carbon and resilient economy.
Titled Strengthening regional cooperation for seamless and sustainable connectivity, the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released the report to coincide with the 79th session of the ESCAP, held from May 15 to 19.
According to the report, “Sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific is contingent on progress made by countries in special situations, which include least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing states (SIDS), and comprises more than half of the countries in the region. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions and persistent economic challenges have hindered their progress.”
The study focusses on the role of connectivity in addressing climate change and building resilience, with attention placed on countries in special situations in the Asia Pacific, while considering synergies across the three sectors. In the report’s foreword, under Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Secretary of the ESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana said, “Seamless and sustainable connectivity is essential to overcoming development challenges and improving living standards in the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS of Asia and the Pacific, given their economic size and geographic location.”
“By highlighting how policy-makers can leverage the transformative power of connectivity, this report calls for a collective push for the improved well-being of our citizens through the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
One of the report’s key messages is that connectivity in transport, energy and ICT is crucial not only for promoting socioeconomic development but also to address climate change and increasing resilience to disasters.
As an example, it notes that improved multimodal transport connectivity can reduce trade costs, enhance efficiency and competitiveness of doing business, and allow for the use of more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
“The benefits are especially pronounced for the Asia-Pacific LLDCs and SIDS, which are at a disadvantage because of their lack of direct coastal access and geographical distance from international markets, respectively.”
Also among the key messages is that the significance of connectivity for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS is well-recognised in the global programmes of action that the international community has created to support the development of these countries. It adds that despite the clear benefits of connectivity in transport, energy and ICT, the countries in special situations lag far behind what other countries in the region have managed to achieve.
The report proceeds to underscore that improving connectivity in countries in special situations is challenging due to several long-term structural factors. It states that one of the critical barriers to seamless connectivity in these countries is the lack of cooperation on interoperability and digitalisation.
The impacts of climate change also present a considerable challenge to connectivity in countries in special situations. “For instance, frequent adverse climate events threaten maritime connectivity in SIDS, causing damage to port infrastructure and increasing maintenance costs. Coastal erosion and increased sedimentation levels in harbours negatively affect shipping channels, while cyclones put ports at great risk. LDCs and LLDCs are also highly vulnerable to climate change. Two examples of this are the constant exposure to rising temperatures which result in the deterioration of road surfaces, bridge joints and rail tracks and are often of low quality to begin with, and flash floods or landslides that cause damages to all modes of transportation.”
Another of the report’s key messages is that the recent polycrisis of the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and a slowing global economy have further exacerbated challenges faced by countries in special situations. However, at the same time, it notes that the polycrisis has unlocked new opportunities for sustainable freight and digitalisation of infrastructure services.
In addition, the long-term downward trends of the cost of renewable energy and heightened costs and volatility of non-renewable energy prices amid the polycrisis could accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, said the report. “Renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind power, are becoming increasingly cost-effective for electric power generation. These sources of energy present great potential in sparsely populated areas. Consequently, power transmission must be central to efforts to bring renewable energy to the region’s cities and towns.”
Going forward, the study underlines that it will be crucial to coordinate regional efforts aimed at strengthening the development of transport corridors that promote decarbonisation and enhance resilience. It also states that harmonising existing operational, planning, financial and regulatory procedures is at the core of greater energy connectivity.
The report highlights that new technologies, geospatial data and smart solutions can enhance the resilience of countries in special situations.
“Promising options for the Asia-Pacific countries in special situations include adopting scientific monitoring and reliable fibre-optic cables, improving Internet redundancy through low Earth orbit satellite technologies, especially during and after natural disasters, and promoting affordable, efficient and quality Internet connectivity through Internet exchange points.
Access to funding and technical assistance for these new technologies is of paramount importance. Additionally, port digitalisation can enable resilient and sustainable maritime connectivity for SIDS.”
Overall, connectivity must be placed within the larger context of cross-cutting issues common to transport, energy and ICT, said the report, explaining that “there are significant opportunities to maximise synergies across the three sectors, particularly through co-deployment and management.”
It further notes that pursuing smart and cost-effective solutions is crucial to accelerate progress towards the SDGs, especially in countries in special situations where access to financial resources is often limited.
“Leveraging the transformative power of transport, energy and ICT connectivity to unlock synergies and respond swiftly to climate change is, therefore, a strategy that policymakers should pay heed to. This, however, requires greater institutional capacities of national stakeholders, including regulators and policymakers, and a strategic vision to collaborate regionally.”
“Reaping the social, economic, and environmental benefits of connectivity initiatives also requires more bilateral and multilateral efforts, including through South-South cooperation.”