Based in Bangkok, the Southeast Asia Regional Office covers seven countries in the region: Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. AFD's first regional strategy in Southeast Asia was adopted in July 2020. Based on four regional challenges (high level of greenhouse gas emissions, high vulnerability to the effects of climate change, biodiversity under threat, significant social inequalities), AFD Group's strategy in the region sets three priorities for 2020-2024:
Encourage low-carbon transitions and territorial resilience
The global fight against climate change is of particular concern to Southeast Asia because of the level of greenhouse gas emissions it generates and its high vulnerability to the effects of the changing climate.
AFD leverages its experience in these areas and their importance in the region to maximize the positive impacts of the fight against climate change (strong climate co-benefits) in its operations, both in terms of mitigation and adaptation. To this end, we promote win-win solutions ensuring that climate change policies also contribute to social justice.
Promote the preservation and sustainable management of the environment
Southeast Asia is home to unique biodiversity. The rapid economic growth experienced by the countries of the region has been heavily linked to the exploitation of natural resources and biodiversity loss, thus generating a strong pressure on the environment. Ecosystems now show alarming levels of degradation (high deforestation and dwindling water resources, species extinction), whether in the Mekong basin, Myanmar or Indonesia.
It is therefore important to preserve and regenerate this natural capital in order to reduce vulnerabilities to the effects of climate change (especially drought) and to maintain the jobs of millions of people.
Alleviate social imbalances and reduce inequalities
Thanks to the region's sustained economic growth, poverty has been significantly reduced and quality of life has improved. But this growth does not benefit the entire population: inequalities have increased, and malnutrition persists, despite the rise in income per capita.
As part of its commitment to its "100% Social Link" strategy, AFD Group pays particular attention to territorial, generational and gender inequalities in its dialogue with public authorities on the basis of redistribution. We promote the concept of a "fair transition", coupling an ambitious stance in defining low-carbon trajectories with the necessary integration of issues related to employment, inequalities and redistribution, which are crucial in the region.
These priorities are accompanied by a strong emphasis on partnership, which is essential to achieving AFD's objectives and strengthening its effectiveness. In this respect, AFD is fully committed to developing its cooperation with ASEAN at the regional level, particularly in the context of France obtaining ASEAN development partner status in September 2020.
