The ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue, through the ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, continues to expand its regional partnerships through a series of strategic engagements with key ASEAN institutions and networks. These discussions reaffirm ACSDSD’s role as a regional knowledge hub and facilitator for advancing circular economy and sustainable development across Southeast Asia.
Advancing Youth-Led Circular Economy with ASEAN Youth Organization
ACSDSD and AYO explored collaboration to empower youth as drivers of sustainable development. Key areas include strengthening youth participation in ASEAN processes, enhancing platforms for youth-led research and publications, and aligning flagship initiatives such as the ASEAN Youth Economic Forum with the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum. Both sides also identified opportunities to collaborate on digital innovation, including AI readiness programs and accessible sustainability education for younger generations.
Biodiversity and Regional Coordination with ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Engagement with ACB highlighted strong synergies between biodiversity conservation and circular economy approaches. ACB expressed its commitment to contribute to the upcoming ASEAN Networking Symposium on Sustainable Development, part of ASEAN Sustainability Week in Bangkok. Discussions emphasized collaboration on community-based capacity building, regional knowledge sharing, and aligning efforts to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Integrating Agriculture and Circular Economy with Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture
ACSDSD and SEARCA identified collaboration opportunities in promoting circular economy practices within the agricultural sector. This includes scaling innovative models such as rice straw biogas and sustainable aquaculture, as well as strengthening research impact monitoring. Both organizations also explored synergies in youth engagement, research grants, and digital transformation in agriculture.
Academic Collaboration with Ateneo Institute of Sustainability
Discussions with AIS underscored the importance of bridging research, policy, and practice. Potential collaboration areas include the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum thematic conference in the Philippines, localization of SDGs through education, and strengthening regional academic networks. AIS’s expertise in translating sustainability concepts into practical tools and policies aligns closely with ACSDSD’s mission.
ACESP and ACSDSD Engage with PAFTE
The meeting with the Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators at the College of Education – Graduate School, Rizal Technological University focused on strengthening the integration of SDGs into educational curricula and teacher training, as well as sharing best practices across ASEAN and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
ACSDSD presented its ongoing initiatives, including a pilot “train-the-trainers” programme in Bangkok aimed at equipping high school educators with tools to embed sustainability concepts into everyday learning. The initiative seeks to foster early awareness among youth and support long-term integration of SDGs into national education systems, with potential for replication across ASEAN Member States.
PAFTE shared its extensive experience as a nationwide network of educators, with 17 regional chapters and a strong focus on teacher capacity building at both basic and tertiary levels. Its upcoming mid-year convention in May will bring together educators and experts to exchange regional best practices on SDG implementation. The hybrid event is expected to engage both onsite and online participants, reflecting growing regional interest in sustainability education.
Both sides identified strong potential for collaboration, including knowledge exchange, participation in the convention, and contributions to regional dialogue on SDG education. ACSDSD has been invited to deliver a keynote address, providing regional insights on SDG progress and proposing pathways for enhanced ASEAN cooperation.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of engaging academic and policy partners, including the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, to further strengthen the impact of sustainability education initiatives.
This engagement underscores a shared commitment to empowering educators and integrating sustainable development into education systems, supporting the development of future generations across ASEAN.
ACESP and ACSDSD Advance Preparations for 2026 ASEAN Circular Economy Thematic Conference with DENR and Partners
The ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, under the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue, held a strategic planning meeting with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and key partners to advance preparations for the 2026 ASEAN Circular Economy (ACEF) Thematic Conference.
The discussion brought together representatives from partner organizations, including United Nations Development Programme, Global Green Growth Institute Philippines, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit Philippines, reflecting a strong multi-stakeholder collaboration to drive circular economy initiatives in ASEAN.
The planned regional dialogue, to be hosted by the Philippines as ASEAN Chair, will take place on 22–23 September 2026 in Manila and will serve as a key milestone leading up to the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum later in the year.
The event aims to strengthen regional cooperation by reviewing circular economy policies and implementation across ASEAN Member States, facilitating the exchange of best practices, and exploring pathways to scale circular solutions through finance, innovation, and inclusive approaches. Discussions will also address the role of local governments, private sector engagement, and behavioral change in advancing sustainable consumption and production.
The two-day programme is expected to bring together policymakers, development partners, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders to contribute to policy-relevant outcomes and support the development of regional priorities for circular economy action.
During the meeting, ACSDSD emphasized the importance of ensuring strong regional coherence, inclusivity, and practical outcomes, while also offering support in areas such as speaker coordination, knowledge exchange, and engagement with academic and international partners.
The Philippines, through DENR, reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a well-coordinated and impactful event, highlighting the importance of timely preparation, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with ASEAN processes.
This collaboration underscores the growing momentum for circular economy transition in ASEAN and the important role of ACESP as a platform for regional dialogue, knowledge sharing, and partnership building.
Looking Ahead
These engagements reflect a shared commitment to fostering an integrated, inclusive, and action-oriented approach to sustainable development in ASEAN. Through strengthened partnerships, ACESP will continue to serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and collaboration—advancing circular economy solutions that are locally grounded and regionally connected.