Regional Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific region
In Asia-Pacific, Sida addresses cross-border challenges in human rights, democracy, gender equality, migration and climate and the environment. This is of great importance as many countries in Asia-Pacific have experienced rapid economic growth, but often at the expense of the environment, climate and human rights. Sida will phase out the strategy for Asia and the Pacific region by 30 June 2026, following a decision by the Swedish Government.
Sida's regional support in Asia-Pacific 2024
Important thematic areas in Asia and the Pacific region
Progress has been made
More middle-income countries
Many countries in the region have improved their economies and have become, or are becoming, middle-income countries.
Millions have left poverty
The proportion of people living in poverty has decreased significantly over the past ten years. However, the pandemic hit those who were already vulnerable particularly hard, and many countries have yet to recover economically.
Greater awareness of issues with plastics
Greater awareness of environmental issues has led to countries banning plastic packaging and many countries stepping up efforts to tackle plastic debris in marine environments.
Challenges remain
Climate change and natural disasters have major consequences
Pressure on natural resources, reduction of biodiversity and high levels of pollution affect the entire region. Recurrent natural disasters and slower effects of climate change in particular influence people living in poverty.
Increased climate migration can lead to conflict
Poverty, threats, conflicts and natural disasters force people into displacement. Increased climate-related migration is considered a major risk for a future conflict.
Democracy is declining in many countries
The space is shrinking for civil society to get involved, rule of law is weakening and little progress is being made in fighting corruption. Human rights, democracy, and environmental rights defenders, whistleblowers, and journalists are particularly vulnerable.
Development cooperation in Asia and the Pacific region
The Swedish government has decided to phase out the strategy. It shall be completed by June 30, 2026.
The Himalayan region is severely affected by climate change. It is threatening the fragile mountain ecosystems and the people who depend on water from the glaciers. The International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) conducts research into and disseminates knowledge about the climate and environment in the region. The aim is for people living in mountainous areas to be able to support themselves sustainably and fairly.
The International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)’s website
About Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility on the Asian Development Bank website
Biodiversity is essential to sustainable development. The Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership Programme (PEUMP) is working on a sustainability project that supports sustainable fisheries in the region, including through campaigns and partnerships with fishing companies.
Oxfam’s Transboundary Rivers of South Asia (TROSA) programme focuses on working together on rivers shared by several countries in Southeast Asia. Among other things, young people have participated in a training course resulting in a regional network for transboundary water issues.
The UNDP Climate Change Finance programme works to encourage more countries to make climate investments. Some positive results include Indonesia’s development of green bonds and Cambodia’s inclusion of climate investment in its development strategy.
About the work on green investments on the UNDP Climate Change Finance website
The financial sector plays an important part in promoting more sustainable and fair development. Sida supports Fair Finance Asia in their work to increase the share of sustainable investments. Energy and gender equality are two priority areas and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria are used as a tool to assess and make visible how banks act in the area of sustainability.
Environmental activists, human rights defenders and journalists are working under increased safety threats in the region. Engage Media is helping enhance the digital safety of activists and human rights defenders. The project is one of several being run in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
About the enhanced digital security project on the Engage Media website
Deeply rooted patriarchal structures leave women in the region with fewer economic opportunities and less political influence than men. UN Women, the International Commission of Jurists and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) work together to ensure that laws respect women’s rights. They strengthen women’s rights organisations and ensure that countries’ laws and judicial systems comply with the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Migration can have positive effects for development, for the migrants themselves, for their families and for their countries of origin and destination. However, many migrant workers have unfairly low wages and unreasonable working conditions. The IOM’s Corporate Responsibility in Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking in Asia (CREST) initiative is working with private companies to protect the rights of migrant workers in Asia.
The Swedish government has decided to phase out the strategy. It shall be completed by June 30, 2026.
Updated: December 28, 2022