The escalating climate impacts that threaten the Asia-Pacific region present an opportunity for transformation through the transition to low-carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive economies, according to a UN agency report.

This could help protect and maintain diverse ecosystems in the management of oceans, coasts and freshwater ecosystems, said the Asia Pacific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Partnership Report 2025 released on Feb 25.

By simultaneously addressing climate change, resource sustainability and social inclusion, the transition could create 180 million decent jobs by 2050, while delivering improved health outcomes and reduced environmental impacts, the report added.

Jointly released by the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the report estimated that the potential for job creation will be concentrated in key sectors driving the green and blue transition, with renewable energy leading the way.

"Rapid urban development is another opportunity for job growth, as cities prepare for a projected 350 percent jump in passenger transport demand by 2050, driving an expansion in green transportation infrastructure and services," the report said.

The report was a key document at the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development that kicked off in Bangkok on Feb 25.

Among the 117 targets across 17 SDGs with sufficient data in the Asia-Pacific region, 18 show a negative trend that demands urgent reversal — and the majority of those 18 goals relate to climate-related challenges and disaster risk, according to the forum.

The forum aims to inform, empower and support Asia-Pacific countries in their efforts to achieve the 17 SDGs and their targets set out by the 2030 agenda by identifying regional trends and sharing best practices and lessons learned.

In the waste management sector, particularly in recycling, the report estimated that the demand for green jobs in the region will rise, as the region generates 800 million tons of waste annually, accounting for 40 percent of the global total.

It also showed that sustainable fisheries are projected to grow rapidly, with the region's fish farms anticipated to produce over 60 percent of global fish supplies by 2030.

The economic value of coastal tourism, particularly important for Small Island Countries, could double by 2030, bolstered by an increase in sustainable practices.

"The report indicated that a just transition has the potential to generate millions of new jobs while addressing the risks of disruptions to employment and livelihoods," said UN Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Wignaraja.

"It highlights the critical need for a just transition to green and blue economies. This is a necessary step to addressing climate change while ensuring sustainable development, but it must be fair and inclusive, creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind," she said.

Despite the optimistic results from economic transformation, the report also stressed the significant risks and challenges. For example, it said that the phasing-out of non-renewable energy sectors will require millions of coal industry workers to upskill.

Moreover, it also warned that moving toward sustainable or smart agriculture could put 13 million of the region's agricultural workforce at risk by 2030.

"These impacts disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups, including women and informal workers, who often lack access to state support or other safety nets," the report said.

It suggested that people-centered public policies with a focus on achieving decent work, workforce health and well-being, as well as gender equality are required to better prepare the workforce for the transition.

It also highlighted several key aspects that are crucial to tackling those challenges, including policy development, coherence and coordination; harnessing digitization and technological innovation; financing; strengthening social dialogue and partnerships; and overcoming biased social norms for gender equality.

"The Asia-Pacific region has immense potential to accelerate SDG progress through action to harness the power of technology, accelerate the energy transition and transform food systems, driving progress across all goals," said United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed in her video remarks.

"Use your voice to ensure that the needs and priorities of this region shape action over the coming years."