PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
The Foundation Co-Hosts Dialogue to Address Bangladesh’s External Debt Scenario
Bangladesh 2024
Program Snapshot
On April 4, the Foundation co-hosted a dialogue with the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), a partner of the Foundation’s South Asia Governance Program, on Bangladesh’s external debt servicing scenario. In December 2023, the country’s external debt crossed the $100 billion mark, surging 51% in just three years. The dialogue’s speakers focused on con… Read more
Resilient Social Forestry in Indonesia: The Impact of KUPS Lestari
Indonesia 2024
Program Snapshot
The Indonesian village of Malitu is famous for its vast forests of palm trees and palm sugar production. Yet, obtaining a license for the granulated palm sugar product has been no easy task for the Malitu people, who often waited years for approval while a large industrial timber plantation controlled the land. When the plantation’s permit eventual… Read more
Key Achievements: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Recycling Initiative in Cambodia
Cambodia
Program Snapshot
The Asia Foundation, with support from the Coca-Cola Foundation, concluded a one-year initiative in Cambodia to promote the recycling of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastics commonly used in the packaging of water and carbonated beverages. In collaboration with our local NGO partner, the Environmental Education and Recycling Organization (COMP… Read more
XCEPT’s Peripheral Vision Podcast: Trade Disruptions and Instability in Fragile Border Areas
2024
Program Snapshot
In Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, conflict and instability endure in contested border regions where local tensions connect with regional and global dynamics. The Asia Foundation, the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, the Rift Valley Institute, and their local research partners established the X-Border Local Research Network in 2018 t… Read more
Fostering a Love for Reading in Nepal: Let’s Read Exhibitions
Nepal 2024
Program Snapshot
In Nepal, our Let’s Read initiative is continuing to cultivate a love of books and reading through interactive and community-focused literature festivals. The initiative draws on The Asia Foundation’s deep expertise and networks in communities across Asia and the Pacific to cultivate the skills of local authors and illustrators while building Asia’… Read more
Future of Work in Nepal: Conference on Artificial Intelligence
Nepal 2024
Program Snapshot
AI technology is rapidly expanding worldwide, whether in regular individuals’ lives, research, or advances in health and agriculture. Adaptation of this technology is becoming increasingly important in any country, particularly one developing artificial intelligence. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Robotics… Read more
Accelerate My Business Impact: Somi Bhagat Guragain’s Story
Nepal 2024
Program Snapshot
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are vital to Nepal’s economy, comprising 90% of businesses and 45% of jobs, employing 2.7 million people. However, women-led enterprises, despite their significance, often lack essential skills and financial support. To address this disparity, The Asia Foundation’s Accelerate My Business Program (A… Read more
The Makassar City Government to Publish the Mayor’s Regulation (Perwali) on Restorative Justice’s Support Services
Indonesia 2024
Program Snapshot
The Makassar city government, in collaboration with YLBHI LBH Makassar, is currently in the final stages of drafting the Mayor’s Regulation (Perwali) on Restorative Justice’s Support Services in Indonesia. The regulation is supported by the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Justice 2 (AIPJ2) through The Asia Foundation and outlines the procedures… Read more
Rewriting Gender Paradigms for Women Pursuing Careers in Data and Technology in Nepal
Nepal 2024
Program Snapshot
The Women in Data (WiD) Steering Committee, comprised of 12 Nepali organizations with years of study and experience, advocates for fair opportunities for women in data and technology and aims to create a more inclusive industry. The Women in Data Conference is a recurring event in Nepal, held annually to address pertinent issues surrounding gender… Read more
KPPL Maju Bersama: The First Women’s Group Involved in Social Forestry in Indonesia
Indonesia 2024
Program Snapshot
Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP) plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation in Indonesia. Maintaining the sustainability of forests is crucial, as they serve as a key water source for the community, support livelihoods, and contribute significantly to people’s well-being by ensuring access to clean water and enhancing food security. In Beng… Read more