Asia-Pacific Forum for Environment and Development (APFED):
Partnership Initiatives for Knowledge Network and Capacity Building

This initiative aims to support policy making and its implementation for sustainable development through enhancing knowledge network under the partnership of eminent persons mainly from Asia and the Pacific region, experts and NGOs.

APFED is an independent body which was established by the 10th Environment Congress for Asia and the Pacific, organized by Ministry of the Environment of Japan, in October 2001.
The purpose of this forum is to propose a new framework of more equitable and sustainable development in the region by the end of 2004.
The Forum consist of 23 eminent persons mainly from Asia and the Pacific region, including H.E. Nambaryn Enkhbayar, Prime Minister of Mongolia and Dr. Emil Salim, Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the WSSD. Mr. Ryutaro Hashimoto, former Prime Minister of Japan has been elected as Chairperson.
APFED concluded its Message to the Johannesburg Summit, which includes recommendations and its own commitments at its Second Substantive Meeting in May 2002. The recommendations were made on five major issues that require priority attention (freshwater resources, renewable energy, trade, finance, and urbanization) and two overarching issues (good governance and capacity building).
The side-event on the APFED Message and its Commitments was held in June at the PrepCom IV.

To support policy making and promote its implementation for sustainable development based on a firm knowledge base through enhancement of a knowledge network and access to capacity building programmes to those needing them.

Collect and analyze best policy practices related to actions recommended in the APFED Message to the WSSD for use as common asset.
Develop a network of researchers and research institutions which will serve as a foundation for developing policy recommendations.
Make an inventory of capacity building programs in Asia and the Pacific region and disseminate this information to those needing training.

IGES, ADB, UNEP, ESCAP, Tata Energy Research Institute, Thailand Environment Institute, and others from major groups participated/will participate in APFED deliberations.