The 2023 ICLEI Southeast Asia Annual Report is now available! Click HERE to read about the organization’s achievements and activities within the region throughout the past year.

Message from the Secretariat

As we reflect on what we achieved in 2023, it is inspiring to see the continued shift towards sustainable urban development across Southeast Asia. The Secretariat’s engagements have been characterized by tangible impacts, fostering deeper vertical and horizontal connections among multi-sectoral representatives, and spurring innovation in addressing the multifaceted challenges of the climate emergency. These pillars—impact, connection, and innovation—best exemplify what ICLEI Southeast Asia has been able to achieve this 2023, ensuring that our efforts resonate meaningfully with our partners and stakeholders.

Impact

Last 2023, ICLEI Southeast Asia was able to impact over 60 local and regional governments through various projects and numerous others through light-touch engagements, extending our reach and advocacies throughout the region. These exchanges have laid the groundwork for the development of various climate action plans, energy plans, climate and disaster risk assessments, and circular economy policies, as well as infrastructure efforts, all of which contribute to local and global climate goals.

Connection

ICLEI Southeast Asia believes that meaningful relationships and open collaboration are essential to driving sustainable urban development. In 2023, we undertook various levels of engagement with a diverse roster of stakeholders, including those from the youth, community and people’s organizations, local governments, national agencies, international organizations, academic institutions, other non-profit organizations, and private sector partners. These partnerships have been critical in enhancing our capacity to deliver outcomes and in fostering a sense of shared responsibility towards climate action.

Specifically, we organized and participated in over 100 in-person and over 60 virtual events, meetings, and engagements, collectively reaching over 2,000 stakeholders. Moreover, we were able to work with over 30 organizations throughout the year. These platforms have enabled us to disseminate knowledge, share capacities, promote best practices, and facilitate the exchange of ideas across multi-sectoral and multi-level stakeholders. The virtual regional events we’ve engaged in have also significantly increased awareness of our work and advocacies, positioning us as a key sustainable development partner of local governments throughout Southeast Asia.

Innovation

Innovation remains an important part of ICLEI Southeast Asia’s approach to sustainable development. In 2023, we ran several projects that applied tried-and-tested approaches and methodologies, enabling local governments to tailor their climate action efforts to their unique needs and contexts. These efforts included those in climate finance, circular economy, renewable energy, and youth empowerment.

Through various multi-stakeholder consultations, we have surfaced critical insights to national-level sustainable resource management. Through stakeholder dialogues and stakeholder consultations, we supported local governments in making the transition to equitable, low carbon development and clean energy sources. In partnership with local governments and civil society, we advocated for the meaningful inclusion of the youth in making cities more livable places. Last point of note is that we helped capacitate local governments and local stakeholders in preparing their proposals and accessing climate finance for their climate action efforts.

As we continue to undertake this sustainability journey, I am filled with optimism and confidence in our collective ability to drive meaningful change. The achievements of 2023 are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, partners, and the communities we serve. Together, we have made significant strides towards a more sustainable and resilient Southeast Asia.

Our journey, however, is far from over. As we move forward, we will continue to harness the power of impact, connection, and innovation to build a future where both people and nature can thrive.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our mission. Let us continue to work together to create a sustainable future for all.

(sgd.)

Victorino Aquitania
Regional Director
ICLEI Southeast Asia