Developments in ICT connectivity is essential for e-commerce to flourish, according to United Nations conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Discussions centered around the theme “Development Dimensions of Digital Platforms” will be held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 16-20 April 2018. The fourth E-Commerce Week is expected to explore the role of digital platforms toward sustainable development and ways to harness these technologies.

ERINA or Economic Research Institute for North East Asia is a think tank based in Japan that provides insights into economic trends and activities within the region. They are focussed on conducting research related to the interdependent relationships and trade and coordination between Japan and neighbouring nations and regions on the sectors of infrastructure, energy and environmental cooperation.

The Asia-Pacific E-Resilience Toolkit offers insights into a spectrum of available ICT tools and best practices that may benefit policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region to enhance e-resilience and disaster risk management. The summary report will be updated when new policies/best practices are available.

The report can be downloaded at: http://drrgateway.net/sites/default/files/pdf-2018/Asia-Pacific%20E-Resilience%20Toolkit%20REPORT.pdf

Based on the outcome and suggestions at the 21st meeting organized on 4 December 2017, this meeting aims to elaborate coordination and planning of joint activities among participating agencies for the coming year. In particular, the meeting will discuss how agencies can contribute jointly to the efforts towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including through the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) scheduled at the end of March 2018.