CAPACITY 2015 is the global partnership mechanism of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assist countries in developing the capacity of their professionals, institutions, and systems to formulate and implement strategies for sustainable development (SD) to achieve local, national and international development goals. It works with developing and transitional countries to build and develop their capacity for sustainable development based on proven successes.

Cap2015 Asia provides a regional platform for partnering and sharing experience in addressing cross-cutting aspects around capacity development and sustainability that are critical for goal realization. As a programme Cap2015 Asia supports the region and countries in identifying operational strategies and making interventions for meeting the MDGs, at national, local government , and community levels.

Cap2015 Asia’s programmes respond to regional and country priorities, as identified through various international, regional, and national studies, forums and conferences. Country programmes, developed in partnership with the governments, the UNDP CO, and relevant stakeholders, therefore may feature a range of approaches and thematic focus according to priority needs. In the Philippines, Cap2015 Asia supports strengthening capacities of small and medium enterprises (SMES) to prepare them for globalization. In Nepal and Bhutan, the support is on empowering local governments and the participation of communities and civil society organizations in local and national sustainable development planning and policy formulation. In Cambodia, the support is on strengthening stakeholder capacities on community fisheries for the sustainable management of the Tonle Sap Lake. In Indonesia, Cap2015 Asia is providing support to strengthen the participation of the Indonesian Government in the Arafura and Timor Seas Experts Forum (ATSEF), as well as enhancing local government and community participation in a major private-sector-initiated energy project in the Papua province. At the regional level, Cap2015 Asia is currently implementing the Regional Environmental Governance (REG) Programme, which will map and assess environment and governance initiatives in the region, towards more effective and responsive integration of environment and governance issues.

Through the Information and Learning Network (ILN), Cap2015 Asia is likewise linking with various partners towards developing more effective mechanisms for developing, sharing, and promoting expertise and best practices for the MDGs.