UNDP Asia-Pacific Regional Centre, in partnerships with UNDP Country Offices, UNDP-HQ (Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific and Bureau for Development Policy) and other UN agencies such as UNICEF undertook a series of policy–oriented country case studies (Bangladesh; China; Cambodia; India; Indonesia; Lao PDR; Philippines; Malaysia; Maldives; Mongolia; Nepal; Thailand; Sri Lanka and Vietnam) in Asia and the Pacific with the aim of understanding the impact of (and policy responses to) the global financial and economic crisis. The objective of this publication is to bring together the main findings of the above mentioned country case studies and other relevant studies conducted by various international organizations and research institutions in a coherent manner and to serve as an important advocacy and dissemination tool.

The study offers compelling insights into the importance of making growth more inclusive and balanced as well as reasons for a new development paradigm needed for both recovery from the crisis and making the 21st Century as the Asian Century. The key findings and policy recommendations of the study serve as a useful source of information and ideas to policymakers in prioritizing and mitigating measures to address the impact of the crisis, and a stimulus for discussion, innovation and regional cooperation as countries strive to achieve the MDGs and build a brighter future for all.