January 23, 2024 — The Asia Foundation announces the 2024 class of Asia Foundation Development Fellows: Emerging Leadership for Asia’s Future following a highly competitive selection process with thousands of applicants. The 2024 Development Fellows are emerging leaders in their fields, bringing bold, innovative thinking and a deep commitment to addressing complex issues across Asia and the Pacific. The 12 fellows selected for the 2024 class are from Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
The Development Fellows program brings exceptional individuals into a network of emerging leaders working to improve lives across the Asia-Pacific region. Now in its tenth year, the program includes 119 current and alum fellows across Asia-Pacific, forming an active network of the region’s most promising leaders from diverse cultures, country contexts, and work environments.
Meet the 2024 Development Fellows:
Achala Samaradivakara | Sri Lanka is a social entrepreneur and co-founder of Good Market, a global platform specializing in rural and sustainable development that supports over 2500 small businesses in over 90 countries.
Bolorsaikhan Badamsambuu | Mongolia works as a human rights defender, death penalty abolitionist, and civil rights activist, currently serving as Secretary of the National Committee for Human Rights and Open Government Partnership Multistakeholder Forum.
Claire De Leon | Philippines is a lawyer and advocate for the LGBTQI community serving on the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines and as the President of Babaylanes, a Philippine-based LGBTQI organization.
Haseenah Huurieyah Binti Wan Rosli | Malaysia is a refugee advocate and legal editor spearheading legal literacy and birth registration rule of law projects for stateless communities and previously served in the Malaysian Chief Justice office.
Hnin Shwe Zin Hlaing | Myanmar works as a gender expert to promote women’s meaningful participation in the restoration of peace and democracy in Myanmar, specifically addressing conflict-related sexual violence.
Indiah Wahyu Andari | Indonesia works with the Rifka Annika Women’s Crisis Center Indonesia to develop counseling techniques for victims of gender-based violence, centering gender and disability in the creation of violence prevention programs.
Mariyam Shunana | Maldives is the founder of the Public Interest Law Center, the first law center in the Maldives to provide free legal aid services for socially and economically marginalized individuals.
Minseo Ju | Korea is a seasoned development practitioner and currently serves as the youngest and sole female director of the Ulsan International Development Cooperation Center.
Boon Pei Ya | Singapore develops finance mechanisms that aim to unlock private and public capital for conservation and works as the regional conversation finance program manager for the Wildlife Conservation Society Southeast Asian Archipelago.
Sameer Chand | Fiji is a financial sector specialist working with the International Finance Corporation, focusing on maximizing finance for development and leveraging private sector investment for inclusive growth in emerging economies.
Suyheang Kry | Cambodia serves as the executive director of the Women Peace Makers organization, working to facilitate participatory approaches to peace processes and gender-sensitive mediation.
Tshering Dolkar | Bhutan is the director of the Climate Change and Environmental Law Clinic at Bhutan’s law school, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and has advised the Royal Government of Bhutan and international organizations on environmental policy and law.
This yearlong career advancement program includes two intensive Leadership Dialogue and Exchange programs in the Asia-Pacific region and the United States. The coursework explores the Fellows’ leadership styles, helps them develop their stories, and cultivates innovative thinking. The fellowship will begin in mid-February in Cambodia.
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equality, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. We work in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC. Our funding comes from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
January 12, 2024 — The Asia Foundation announces three new members to the Board of Trustees effective January 2024.
Joining our mission to improve lives and expand opportunities across Asia and the Pacific, these new members bring a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and a shared commitment to advancing our impact.
Meet our new members:
Lama Ahmad is a researcher and technology professional focused on ensuring safe and fair technology governance, particularly for those disproportionately impacted. On OpenAI’s Policy Research team, she leads partnerships and research on AI risks and social impact. Previously, at Facebook’s Open Research & Transparency team, she concentrated on Instagram and Facebook’s societal impacts, particularly regarding elections and democracy. As a Luce Scholar, Lama studied at the UN Pulse Lab Jakarta and focused on the ethics of data-driven technologies in Indonesia and Southeast Asia with a human-centered design approach.
Cheng-Ling Chen is an angel investor, advisor, and creative writer who supports women-led startups and nonprofits, focusing on under-served communities. Fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Taiwanese, she advocates for multilingual education and has served on the boards of Presidio Knolls School and APA Family Support Services. As a cross-border corporate attorney with experience in various parts of China, Cheng-Ling is a proponent of empowering women. She is also the founder of HERliograph.com, where she highlights everyday heroines and fosters connections among women.
Ma. Laurice Jamero is a climate resilience and sustainability scientist coordinating climate resilience efforts at the Manila Observatory. She collaborates with local governments and civil society organizations in the Philippines on climate and disaster risk management. Lau is involved in various roles internationally, including at the World Climate Research Programme, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Future Earth Coasts, and Southeast Asia Science Advisory Network. She dedicates herself to engaging vulnerable communities in understanding climate risks, designing solutions, and promoting climate action and justice.
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equity, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. We work in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC. Our funding comes from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
November 28, 2023 — On November 10, Indonesia National Heroes Day, in the City of Heroes, Surabaya, The Asia Foundation and Agna Komunika launched the book Perempuan Penjaga Hutan (Women Forest Defenders). The book is a product of our environmental governance unit’s work in the SETAPAK program, with contributions from women leaders in villages that receive support for forest defense efforts. It documents the experiences of women forest defenders in three provinces: Aceh, Bengkulu, and Central Sulawesi. The stories in the book exemplify the resilience and determination of women forest defenders despite facing significant barriers.
Following the launch, gender specialist and anthropologist Pinky Saptandari and executive director of Wahid Foundation, Mutjaba Hamdi, reviewed the book and engaged in a discussion.
Emphasizing how effectively women forest defenders navigate challenges, Pinky noted, “Their stories are evidence that women are agents of change who never give up in any condition. These women present have faced many challenges: limited time, limited energy, and cultural barriers, but they manage to overcome them by negotiation. Developing communication strategy and using their brain instead of muscles.”
Referring to the forest defender Rizky Emya’s story in the book, Pinky highlights how women in Aceh, including Emya, employ a direct approach to persuade the community and children to care about preserving their forests and stop illegal logging. Emya’s approach involves conveying the impact of poor water quality on religious practices, “We say to them if the water is polluted because we failed to protect our forests, we will not be able to purify ourselves and perform the worship.”
Throughout the discussion, speakers emphasized how these women’s experiences challenge gender stereotypes and demonstrate their ability to drive change in forest management, business, and community leadership.
Pada tanggal 10 November, bertepatan dengan Hari Pahlawan Nasional, dan bertempat di kota pahlawan Surabaya, The Asia Foundation dan Agna Komunika meluncurkan buku Perempuan Pembela Hutan. Buku yang dikeluarkan unit Environmental Governance dari The Asia Foundation Indonesia ini mendokumentasikan pengalaman perempuan pembela hutan di tiga provinsi: Aceh, Bengkulu dan Sulawesi Tengah.
Setelah peluncurannya digelar diskusi dengan pengulas spesialis gender dan antropolog dari Universitas Airlangga, Pinky Saptandari, dan Direktur Eksekutif Wahid Foundation, Mutjaba Hamdi. Pinky menggarisbawahi betapa efektifnya perempuan pembela hutan dalam menghadapi berbagai tantangan.
“Kisah mereka menjadi bukti bahwa perempuan adalah agen perubahan yang pantang menyerah dalam kondisi apa pun. Para perempuan yang hadir ini banyak menghadapi tantangan: keterbatasan waktu, keterbatasan tenaga, dan hambatan budaya, namun mereka berhasil mengatasinya melalui negosiasi. Menerapkan strategi komunikasi dan menggunakan akal alih-alih otot.”
Merujuk pada kisah pembela hutan Rizky Emya dalam buku tersebut, Pinky menyoroti bagaimana perempuan di Aceh, termasuk Emya, melakukan pendekatan langsung untuk mengajak masyarakat dan anak-anak agar peduli menjaga kelestarian hutan dan menghentikan penebangan liar. Pendekatan Emya mencakup penyampaian dampak kualitas air yang buruk terhadap praktik keagamaan. “Kami mengatakan kepada mereka jika air tercemar karena kami gagal melindungi hutan, kami tidak bisa menyucikan diri dan beribadah.”
Sepanjang diskusi, para pembicara menekankan bagaimana pengalaman perempuan dalam meruntuhkan stereotip gender dan menunjukkan kemampuan mereka untuk mendorong perubahan dalam pengelolaan hutan, bisnis dan kepemimpinan masyarakat.
Ulaanbaatar, November 22, 2023 — The Asia Foundation Mongolia Country Representative Mark Koenigreceived the highest civilian honor awarded to foreign citizens by the Mongolian government,theOrder of the Polar Star, during a recentrecognitionevent.H.E. Zandanshatar Gombojav, the speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia, presented Koenig with the awardat the GovernmentPalace in Ulaanbaataron November 15.
Polar Star award ceremony at the State Palace with representatives of The Asia Foundation Mongolia, H.E. Zandanshatar Gombojav, the speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia, and government officials. (Photo: The Asia Foundation)
Mongolia‘s President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh issued a presidential decree to recognizeMark Koenig with the Polar Star for his valuable contributions to Mongolia’s development through his work with The Asia Foundationin advancinginclusive governance in close partnership with Mongolia’s Parliament. Notably, Foundation programsstrengthening parliamentary democracy and supporting deliberative polling marked a significant step towards ensuring active citizenparticipation in legislative activities.
Mark Koenig was awarded the Polar Star from the H.E. Zandanshatar Gombojav, the speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia. (Photo: The Asia Foundation)
Koenig remarked, “The award coincides with The Asia Foundation’s 30th anniversary in Mongolia. During the past three decades, the Foundation has provided pivotal support to Mongolia’s development through strengthening governance and gender equality, addressing environmental challenges, and enhancing accessibility to education and information in partnership with the Mongolian government, civil society, and the private sector.”
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equity, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. We work in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC. Our funding comes from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
November 22, 2023 — With support from the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, The Asia Foundation’s Coalitions for Change (CfC) program, hosted a three-day Development Entrepreneurship (DE) Mentoring Conference in Pasig City, Philippines. The conference marked the culmination of a six-month collaboration between 24 learners (mentees) and ten experienced policy reformers (mentors) a part of the DE Mentoring Program. Through the initiative, mentees received guidance from mentors to identify and pursue policy reform ideas using DE principles. Key policy reforms discussed included universal health care for vulnerable groups, transportation system reforms in local governments, the establishment of safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals, promotion of mental health care at the level of barangays, and making it easier for households to connect to the power grid.
In her keynote speech, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu commended the achievements of the mentoring program and the mentees, referring to them as fellow reform warriors. “We exist because we want to make a difference for the better. We exist because we want to be the voice of those who are vulnerable, neglected, and forgotten by society,” she told the mentees.
She also pointed out unique aspects of this policy reform learning activity, citing the elements of mentoring and being part of a network of reformers. “Let that wonderful energy permeate from you to all those around you. Become a huge web of reform warriors who care for each other and provide a safety net for those who may need a bit of grit or confidence when they get knocked down,” Ambassador Yu encouraged.
Sam Chittick, the Foundation’s country representative in the Philippines, congratulated the mentees on their progress and policy wins and recognized CfC’s invaluable partnership with the Australian Government through its Mentoring Program. “Each of you are a realization of The Asia Foundation’s mission of improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Many people hold desires to make the world a better place, but fewer take the active step forward to transform that desire into action.”
He also recognized the invaluable partnership of the Australian Government with CfC and its Mentoring Program. “A running theme for our DE activities is that we are better when we work together. We are one in our desire to promote a stable and prosperous Philippines,” Chittick added.
The 3rd Cohort of the Development Entrepreneurship Mentoring Program.
The Mentoring Conference also featured breakout sessions, workshops, and a commencement ceremony for the 24 mentees under its third cohort. Mentors and mentees alike reflected on their experiences and successes in the program, including how DE principles can address diverse issues and how it has helped them feel empowered to advocate for policy change and secure funding for their initiatives. Mia Aranas, senior science research specialist at DOST-PCAARRD and a mentee from the first batch, described how the DE Mentoring Program enabled them to perform their policy advocacy function and increase their funding by millions.
“DE has provided us with the tools, experience, and the opportunity to get our hands dirty. We incorporated all those DE tools in the proposals we co-developed with our partners. This resulted in new projects and advocacies, translating to around 40 million pesos (1.1 million AUD). Before that year, we didn’t have any advocacy projects. I am very thankful to the Australian Government, The Asia Foundation, and CfC for partnering with us in transforming scientists and researchers into reformers,” Mia shared.
This recent cohort comprises development professionals from the academe, faith-based organizations, local and international non-government organizations, private corporations, and the government. The range of policy reforms they are working on includes:
Revised Children’s Code and revised GAD Ordinance of 2023
Operationalizing anti-political dynasty of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code
Local policy to support the implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC) for vulnerable groups
Stopping the illegal collection of undersized sandfish
Inclusion of medical and health aspects as basis for parole
Reforming transportation systems in LGUs
Declaring major rivers of Mt. Talinis as critical watersheds
Single-use plastic ban in Zamboanga
Safe Space ordinance in Iligan City
Accelerating LGU competitiveness with online economic data
LGU assistance for single parents
Setting up skilled breastfeeding service delivery network in LGUs and the private sector
Integrating gender data into disaster risk reduction and climate change management
Social protection for fishers
Navigating systematic change for non-profits
Promoting barangay-level mental health care and response
Connecting households to electric service
Developing reform in the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) sector
Recognizing the rights of nature
Improving Internal Organizational Processes the DE Way
The mentees shared some common lessons gleaned from their experience, including how to practice the DE principle of “Just Start” despite their limited time and resources and, to persevere with “Grit” to break down barriers and overcome challenges tenaciously. Mentees acknowledged the invaluable support of the Australian Government and The Asia Foundation during their mentoring journey.
“Hugot, gigil, pohon… these are the three Filipino words that I will try to use to synthesize my experience in this mentoring journey. Words that encapsulate our Filipino-ness, or our sensibilities as Filipinos. It’s this core that is connected deeply to our soul that explains so much about our experiences, background, pains, and our heartaches. DE allowed us to see this journey with kinder eyes. DE allowed us to be human because DE does not judge,” Levi Jun Miscala of Iligan Safespace, said.
The mentees are committed to pursuing their policy reforms and the conference provided a venue to widen their network and explore common reform interests.
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equality, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. We work in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC. Our funding comes from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
November 20, 2023 — To address the urgent need for collaboration and a path towards a more sustainable future between the U.S. and China, the world’s two largest greenhouse gas emitters, The Asia Foundation is introducing the first cohort of 2030 Climate Champions Fellowship. Comprising a cohort of ten young environmental leaders from the U.S. and China, the fellowship aims to promote greater cross-cultural dialogue between youth in both countries through a partnership with the U.S. Mission to China and the China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO). The 2030 Climate Champions Fellowship will strengthen diplomatic relationships ahead of the goals set forth by the 2015 COP27 Paris Agreements, where signing parties agreed to reduce their emissions by 43% by 2030 and revisit their original targets by 2023.
The 2030 Climate Champions Fellowship supports young leaders from both countries to exchange insights and jointly identify opportunities and actions. Over four months, the cohort will work together through a peer-learning platform and engage with our broad networks in both the U.S. and China and the social and civil networks of the China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO).
The program includes virtual skill-building sessions led by former Asia Foundation Development Fellow and newly appointed president of Rappler, Natashya Guiterrez. It also features virtual master-class sessions led by environmental experts from the U.S. and China, including Michael Kobori, Starbucks’ chief sustainability officer, and Li Shuo, the incoming director of China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute. The first team-building session was held on October 30, 2023, followed by a Climate Diplomacy masterclass on November 17, 2023. The 2030 Climate Champions Fellowship will culminate with a hybrid forum scheduled for April 15-16, 2024, in San Francisco and Beijing. The event will showcase the Climate Champions’ work on improving diplomatic endeavors between their countries, featuring keynote speeches and discussions with experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders.
Meet the 2030 Climate Champions:
United States cohort
Nkosi Muse is a PhD student at the University of Miami, specializing in Environmental Science. Muse is interested in mitigating contributions to global warming and ensuring that cities, both within the United States and globally, are equitably prepared for the implications of climate change. His research involves mixed quantitative and qualitative methods, from identifying exposure and vulnerability to climate threats to analyzing and proposing equitable and inclusive policy, specifically focused on extreme heat.
Madeline Craig-Scheckman is a PhD student and research assistant at Northeastern University’s School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, specializing in equitable renewable energy solutions in Southeast Asia. She holds a master’s degree from The George Washington University, where she studied climate security and U.S.-China relations and conducted field research on Thai solar energy development. Previously, Madeline helped manage the development of large community solar projects at the DC Sustainable Energy Utility.
Swathi Manchikanti is the health and climate adaptation lead with UNICEF’s Healthy Environment for Healthy Children Program, which aims to support governments in identifying and addressing the most pressing climate and environmental hazards affecting child health and global well-being. She has ten years of experience working on climate-informed water, sanitation, and health programs and has supported implementing interventions improving community resilience in Jordan, Zambia, and India.
Azmal Hossan is a sociology PhD. student and a National Research Trainee in Interdisciplinary Training, Education, and Research in Food-Energy-Water Systems at Colorado State University. Before joining the PhD. program, Azmal completed his Master’s in Sociology at Texas Tech University and Bachelor of Social Science in Sociology at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Daniel McDermott specializes in greenhouse gas accounting and data-driven sustainability strategies and has been an environmental consultant for the last eleven years. He currently heads his firm’s Air Emissions Monitoring and Reporting services, focusing on staying ahead of dynamic sustainability trends and crafting management strategies aligned with industry best practices.
China cohort
Zhang Lingxiao is a dedicated professional with a strong background in Development Studies and Economics from SOAS, University of London. She is passionate about international development, climate change, and sustainability. As the biodiversity and climate change education sector manager in China and program manager for the Young Leaders Fund, she leads initiatives engaging citizens in climate change issues.
Yu Qi is a dedicated practitioner in the impact investment field, focusing on how technology can combat climate change. Currently, she oversees the environmental sector investment in the Venture Philanthropy department under the Sany Foundation, an affiliation of the Sany Group. Prior to that, she had several experiences in incubators, VCs, and international banks.
Du Yusi seeks to empower the Chinese-speaking community through knowledge sharing, particularly on the issue of climate change. Her interest in international affairs led her to pursue a master’s in international relations at the University of California, San Diego. Currently, she serves as a project manager at an English TV station in Beijing.
Luo Yi is the founder of the Lao Tu social enterprise and is committed to urban and rural sustainable development, especially consumer and youth education. Lao Tu uses storytelling to promote rural sustainable development and lead green lifestyles. Yi graduated with a master’s degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s in History and Environmental Analysis from Claremont McKenna College.
Zhai Yubo serves as general manager of the Carbon Neutrality Division of Newlink and has worked in the energy transition and clean energy field for over ten years. He has assisted Newlink with implementing important international energy innovation projects and developing various standards and methodologies in transportation carbon emission reduction. He was invited to attend COP 26 and COP 27 to share Chinese enterprise’s low-carbon innovation practices.
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equity, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. We work in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC. Our funding comes from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
Canberra, November 17, 2023 — The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the Development Policy Centre at Australian National University (ANU), will host the 2023 Australasian Aid Conference December 5-7 at ANU’s Crawford School of Public Policy. This year’s themes include locally led development, gender equality and social inclusion, climate resilience, and aid effectiveness.
Now in its ninth year, the Australasian Aid Conference (AAC) unites researchers from Australia, the Pacific, and beyond who specialize in aid and international development policy to facilitate knowledge sharing, foster collaborative efforts, and enhance development in the community. The Asia Foundation provides grants and directly implements programs in over 20 countries through permanent offices across Asia and the Pacific, and Foundation experts from across the region will attend the conference.
The Asia Foundation’s President and CEO Laurel Miller will attend her first AAC as a keynote speaker.
From our Nepal office, Meghan Nalbo, country representative; Bishnu Adhikara, governance director; and Sovit Subedi, senior program officer, will discuss building effective and accountable states at the sub-national level through decentralization, federalism, and local service delivery initiatives.
Lavenia Rokoyucago, senior program officer in the Pacific Islands, will discuss using research for new partnerships, program entry points, and strengthening the local research community.
Adam Burke, senior director of our Conflict and Fragility team, and Nathan Shea, assistant director, will lead a conversation drawing on our recent report on the tensions and experiences of civil society peacebuilders, The State of Civic Peacebuilding in South and Southeast Asia, 2023.
Other Foundation staff will address regional issues like governance, leadership, gender equality, and social inclusion. Senior Directors Nicola Nixon, Anthea Mulakala, and Jane Sloane will lead discussions on empowering local leaders, strategies for major Asian development donors, and regional priorities for a global action plan on the care economy.
View registration details and read more about the panels in this year’s conference program.
The Development Policy Centre (Devpolicy) is an aid and development think tank that serves Australia, the region, and the global development community. Their work centers on independent research and initiatives that improve Australian aid, regional development, and global development policy insights.
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equity, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. We work in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC. Our funding comes from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
November 17, 2023 — On November 15, The Australian Embassy and The Asia Foundation announced the second phase of the Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia program to strengthen Cambodia’s knowledge sector and inclusive policy processes. In addition to keynote remarks from H.E. Ros Seilava, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy and Finance, representatives from the government, development partners, think tanks, universities, civil society organizations, and media attended, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the development program. The event also marked the availability of program funding opportunities for Cambodian knowledge sector institutions and civil society organizations.
Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia Phase II (2023-2027) aims to advance the integration of evidence-informed decision-making and inclusive dialogue into public policy processes. This initiative builds on the learnings from Ponlok Chomnes Phase I (2019-2023), which focused on developing the capacities of Cambodian institutions in conducting quality research to inform policy analysis and discussion. The second phase will focus on the practical application of these approaches, striving to establish evidence-informed decision-making as routine practice in the governance of Cambodia.
Ambassador Justin Whyatt highlighted the timeliness of the initiative, aligning with the Royal Government’s recent announcement of the Pentagonal Strategy Phase I following the general election. “The Pentagonal Strategy will guide Cambodia’s development in the next five years, including the Royal Government’s commitment to inclusive development. The government has demonstrated strong support for data-informed approaches to policymaking, and the Ponlok Chomnes program stands ready to assist governmental bodies and civil society to navigate the evolving developmental landscape of Cambodia.”
Meloney Lindberg, country representative for The Asia Foundation Cambodia, reiterated the program’s goals, “In its second phase, Ponlok Chomnes seeks to address emerging opportunities in Cambodia, such as enhancing platforms for inclusive dialogue and contributing to increasing integrated policy evidence and demands for local knowledge sources. The program will engage and build trust among diverse groups of policy actors in the policy processes, including representatives from the government, local think tanks, academics, individual experts, civil society organizations, and local communities.”
The event discussion highlighted key program strategies, approaches, and partners, reflecting the program’s emphasis on inclusive dialogue. This includes the support provided by the Ponlok Chomnes I Technical Advisory Council and partners, the Technical Steering Committee, Strategic Partners, and the Gender Equality, Disability and Inclusion Consortium.
Cambodian knowledge sector institutions and civil society organizations can apply for the Innovation Fund to conduct inclusive research, communication, or dialogue initiatives in Cambodia. Details and application processes can be found on the Ponlok Chomnes’ Policy Pulse website at www.policypulse.org.
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equity, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. We work in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC. Our funding comes from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
November 15, 2023 — The Asia Foundation Mongolia celebrated its 30th anniversary at a reception with Mongolian government representatives, donors, private sector, civil society, and staff. The occasion served as an opportunity to thank partners for their support and collaboration and reflect on the range of comprehensive programming addressing Mongolia’s needs in areas including good governance, gender equality, climate change, and education and literacy. The Asia Foundation was one of the first international nonprofit organizations to contribute to the country’s development journey; beginning in 1990 with its Mongolia programming, followed by the 1993 opening of the country office.
Since establishing the office, the Foundation has become a driving force in shaping crucial policies for the country’s development, starting with pivotal early technical assistance for the passing of the 1992 Constitution and 2004 Law on Combatting Domestic Violence. Recent impactful initiatives include empowering over 14,800 women entrepreneurs through the comprehensive support of the Women’s Business Center and strategically addressing public service gaps in collaboration with the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar through the Urban Governance Project.
In his opening speech at the reception, H.E. Zandanshatar Gombojav, speaker of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia, congratulated the Foundation and remarked, “I would like to wish success to The Asia Foundation team for its significant effort in strengthening parliamentary democracy in Mongolia. I am confident that our cooperation based on mutual trust and collaboration will continue in the future.”
H.E. Zandanshatar Gombojav, Speaker of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia, delivering the opening speech.
During his keynote address, Mark Koenig, country representative for Mongolia, thanked the attendees for their partnership, noting, “We could not be more proud to celebrate our 30-year anniversary in Mongolia and reflect on the incredible accomplishments of our partners during this dynamic period of Mongolia’s development. Gathering so many stakeholders, friends, and colleagues here today is both an opportunity to celebrate this work already done but also to inspire us as an organization to continue to find ways to effectively contribute to Mongolia’s development.”
Country Representative of The Asia Foundation Mongolia Mark Koenig shaking hands with H.E. Zandanshatar Gombojav, Speaker of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia.
Deputy chief of mission of the United States Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, Matthew Ference, acknowledged the Foundation’s commitment to Mongolia’s development, saying, “The Asia Foundation should be proud of their 30 years of advocacy in Mongolia. They have so many successes to celebrate and have earned the trust and respect of many people and organizations in the country, including the Embassy of the United States. Tireless commitment like theirs is just what we all need to make our nations stronger by educating citizens, promoting equality, and supporting inclusive economic growth that benefits all of us.”
Zolzaya Batkhuyag, co-founder and advisor of Women For Change NGO and Asia Foundation Development Fellow alumna, reflected on the Foundation’s history of close partnership with Mongolian civil society organizations, noting, “The Asia Foundation has been a cornerstone of transformational growth in the development of civil society organizations, standing as a steadfast and unwavering partner to CSOs in the dynamic landscape of Mongolia.”
Dave Preston, first secretary of the Australian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, extended his congratulations saying, “The Australian Embassy was proud to partner with the Foundation in supporting their essential work during and post the Covid-19 pandemic, through increasing the resilience of Mongolian women entrepreneurs. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and The Asia Foundation have shared a strong partnership throughout the Indo-Pacific region for many years. We look forward to continuing this long-standing partnership with the Foundation here in Mongolia over the coming years.”
The event concluded with the presentation of a certificate of appreciation to the Down Syndrome Association Mongolia in recognition of their community support in Ulaanbaatar. The Asia Foundation Mongolia is providing a donation to continue supporting the Association’s work with Mongolian youths.
The Asia Foundation’s Khaliun Boldbaatar (right) and Enkhbayar Davaajav (center) presenting the certificate of appreciation to Ganzorig Vanchig, Founder of the Down Syndrome Association Mongolia.
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work across the region is focused on good governance, women’s empowerment and gender equality, inclusive economic growth, environment and climate action, and regional and international relations.
San Francisco, November 6, 2023 — The collaboration will produce research, offer educational training, and host convenings to support policymakers and civil society in the Asia Pacific region as they harness AI’s potential and mitigate its harms.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a central topic of interest and discussion for policymakers globally. Generative and other forms of AI are impacting how governments provide public services, upending economies, changing how citizens communicate, transforming work, and much more.
To assist governments and civil society in understanding and engaging effectively with AI, The Asia Foundation and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) have launched a new program to support stakeholders in Asia and the Pacific with the insights they need to effectively navigate the societal effects of this technology. Drawing on HAI’s strengths in research and education, together with the Foundation’s program footprint across more than 20 countries in the region, the new collaboration will bolster a global dialogue on AI.
The program’s first track will focus on creating opportunities for policymakers in Asian countries to discuss and receive briefings on technical advances in AI, how AI impacts societies and inclusion, and potential policy and regulatory frameworks.
“Many countries have already begun formulating approaches to AI governance, with varying levels of technical support on the latest developments, regulatory capacity, and differing societal experiences,” says Fei-Fei Li, Denning co-director of HAI. “We want to provide support and up-to-the-minute insights needed to shape AI development to be more human-centered. We will also learn from more global approaches to AI governance and together enrich the international AI discourse with these perspectives.”
“This technology is moving so quickly that many governments and organizations are working hard to gain access to the best and most current AI knowledge,” says Laurel Miller, president and CEO of The Asia Foundation. “We hope this program will play a role as convenor and facilitator of discussions on AI policy dimensions in Asia and the Pacific and provide opportunities to ensure the region is positively impacted by AI.”
To learn more about this program and how to participate, contact: [email protected]
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities throughout Asia and the Pacific. Informed by decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work is focused on governance, women’s empowerment and gender equality, inclusive economic growth, environment and climate action, and regional and international relations. The Foundation works in over 20 countries through 18 offices across Asia and the Pacific.
