Under the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind in Asia and the Pacific”, the 12th Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) was a critical moment for assessing regional progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For World Vision and our partners, it was also an opportunity to highlight a crucial but often overlooked element of sustainable development—meaningful child participation.

World Vision’s Call to Action for the 12th Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development

In East Asia, millions of women, girls, and people with disabilities face persistent inequalities that limit their access to essential services and lifelong opportunities. An estimated 43 million children in the region live with disabilities, many of whom are denied education and healthcare. Poverty forces nearly 1 in 10 children into child labour across the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, 1 in 5 girls are married before their 18th birthday, hindering their education and increasing their vulnerability to poverty.

Disaster Risk Reduction Programming in Asia and the Pacific

At World Vision, we believe every child has the right to live free from harm. Yet, across East Asia, nearly 60% of children experience violence before they reach adulthood, and millions face the threat of trafficking, exploitation, and neglect. These realities demand urgent action.

Asia-Pacific is the most climate-exposed and disaster-prone region in the world. As many as 65% of children in East Asia are exposed to multiple shocks which are becoming increasingly frequent, especially flooding, drought, saltwater inundation, and climate-related diseases. Children and families living in poverty are particularly vulnerable, bearing the brunt of these recurrent crises and their longterm consequences.

In 2024, World Vision's Disaster Management reached over 35 million people, including 19 million children.

World Vision Statement on the impact of decreased humanitarian aid funding globally

European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, visited Albania from March 12 to 14 and participated in a significant event hosted by World Vision Albania, focusing on survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

East Asia is one of the most climate-exposed and disaster-prone region. Up to 65% of children face multiple and increasingly frequent shocks, including flooding, drought, saltwater inundation, and climate-related diseases. Children and families living in poverty are disproportionately affected.