Event

Over 500 policymakers, scientists, representatives of Asia-Pacific governments and representatives from bilateral and multilateral donors gathered at the Forum.

The forum was opened by Young-Woo Park, Regional Director of the United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP/ ROAP). This was followed by a video message from UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner, who emphasised building resilience, the centrality of science to effective adaptation programming, and the power of partnerships. 

The knowledge-sharing, capacity development and financing were the key themes on Day 1, as participants debated the critical issues of how to best approach climate change and how to integrate adaptation into development. The forum broke into six parallel sessions covering "vertical integration of multi-level governance, science and policy", "horizontal integration of policy planning and implementation across sectors", "financing adaptation", "role of science in adaptive development", "vulnerability-based adaptation" and "market-based mechanisms for adaptation". Three parallel sessions were also held on the Day 2, regarding "adaptation policies, legislation and regulations", "climate uncertainty" and "capacity needs". 

The website named "Climate Change Adaptation in Asia and the Pacific" managed by APAN and Adaptation Platform was also launched at the Forum. The Market Place showcased dynamic and diverse range of organisations, products, services, information and knowledge on climate change adaptation. Several focus events were also organised at the Forum, focused on community-based adaptation, CSR, city adaptation, local governance, coastal eco system-based investment, child-based adaptation and disaster risk management and adaptation. IGES organised one focus event regarding APAN. 

There was consensus that the Forum was one of the largest adaptation events ever held in the region, and that by bringing in many new participants, the event marked a watershed in new approaches to climate change adaptation. 

›› Visit the 2010 Forum website for the Proceedings Report, evaluation summary report, presentations and related documents.