Bhutan

2011 Human Development Report: Inequalities and environmental challenges threaten progress in Asia, Pacific

25 November 2011, Thimphu: The 2011 Report-Sustainability and Equity: A Better Future for All Human Development Report was jointly launched by the UNDP and the Royal Government of Bhutan. 

Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, Minister for Works and Human Settlement co-launched the report with Ms Claire Van der Vaeren, Resident Representative of UNDP Bhutan.

The report argues that environmental sustainability can be most effectively achieved by simultaneously addressing health, education, and income and gender disparities within and among countries. Environmental challenges fueled largely by rapid industrial development and deforestation sharpen inequalities within many countries and across Asia and the Pacific, and the region as a whole is by far the largest contributor to the global increase in greenhouse gas emissions in recent decades, even though East Asia's per capita emissions are still low, says the Report.

During the event, statements were made by both the Minister and the Deputy Resident Representative Ms Hideko Hadzialic.

"Let us take this opportunity to take a moment to think of the poor and the voiceless, risks and dangers our future generations will face. This is our responsibility to ensure equity and sustainability now. " - Ms Hideko Hadzialic, Deputy Resident Representative UNDP Bhutan

Among other government officials, donor partners and media were also invited to the launch.