Asia Pacific Regional Statement to the 7th GCSF

The Asia Pacific is a very diverse region. It has 3 of the world's most populous countries, 3 of the world’s largest countries, 2 of the least populated, 13 least developed countries, 12 landlocked countries, two of which is among the 2 double landlocked countries in the world, and 17 small island developing countries. Asia-Pacific accounts for one-third of the planet and houses two thirds of the world's population, the majority of whom live on less than a dollar a day. The enormous growing population that will soon reach 4 billion is expected to use more resources to achieve economic growth. More often than not this economic development will occur at a cost to the environment.