AP-MDGs-Social is a subgroup Community of Practice on Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Health in the MDGs. It is part of the larger regional MDG Community of Practice [AP-MDG-CoP] created through the regional ESCAP-ADB-UNDP tripartite MDG initiative. AP-MDGs-Social aims to serve as a venue and forum for the exchange of region-specific views, policy-oriented analysis and knowledge on gender, health, social integration, population and development with a view to strengthening national efforts towards achieving the MDGs. Its discussions are geared toward experts from regional, intergovernmental and UN agencies and organizations, academia, government, civil society and other sectors. The Subgroup COP on Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Health in the MDGs originated from a Development Account project led by ESCAP aiming to strengthen policies and programmes for inclusion of socially vulnerable groups, promotion of gender equality and health in the Five Regional Commissions: ESCAP, ECA, ECE, ECLAD and ESCWA. It was later integrated into the larger regional MDG Community of Practice [AP-MDG-CoP] in order to contribute to the creation of a regional knowledge hub in support of the achievement of the MDGs in Asia-Pacific.
Focus areas of subgroup COP
The Asia Pacific region, with over three fifths of the world's population, is the most populous region in the world and one of the most dynamic. It is poised to contribute greatly to the progress of humanity. Yet the region is also facing numerous challenges tearing the socio-economic fabric of its society, including poverty, social exclusion, gender disparity, ageing and HIV/AIDS. This COP focuses on finding solutions and considering the social dimensions of the challenges facing the region in achieving the MDGs, especially with regard to issues directly affecting the poor and other vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of people in the region. It seeks to increase awareness and understanding of how various issues like population, ageing, migration, lowered fertility rates and HIV/AIDS affect the region. Special emphasis is placed on ways to empower women and prevent the stigma and discrimination faced by many persons with disabilities.
