LocationsGovernments and Philanthropic Leaders Convene in Bangkok to Advance Climate Finance in Asia-Pacific
April 30, 2025
Delegates from participating countries take part in a breakout activity during the Peer-to-Peer Learning and Training on Philanthropy for Climate Action, held in Bangkok, 27–28 February 2025.
A Regional Platform for Collaboration
A regional training on philanthropy for climate action was held in Bangkok on 27–28 February 2025, bringing together 24 government participants from 12 countries across Asia-Pacific. Government representatives from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Fiji, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand participated, alongside experts from leading philanthropic organizations, UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub, and the Climate Finance Network (CFN).
The event, organized by UNDP’s CFN, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Sida, and facilitated by the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS), served as a timely opportunity for cross-sector dialogue. While several speakers joined virtually or via pre-recorded messages, the discussions remained dynamic, practical, and grounded in regional realities.
Reframing Philanthropy’s Role in National Climate Strategies
The training focused on how philanthropy can help close climate finance gaps—particularly in a region where public budgets and traditional private financing often fall short. Participants explored how governments can create enabling environments through policy and regulatory frameworks, and how philanthropic actors can complement these efforts by de-risking investments, piloting innovations, and aligning with national plans.
Sessions examined the distinction between philanthropy and corporate social responsibility, and highlighted entry points for integrating philanthropic finance into broader sustainable finance architectures, including blended finance and public–private–philanthropy partnerships (PPPPs).
“The changing development landscape makes the role of philanthropy more critical than ever. As public resources become increasingly stretched, tapping into philanthropic capital offers new opportunities to bridge climate finance gaps,”
— Asad Maken, Regional Public Climate Finance Advisor, UNDP
“The government must be front and center in any work we do,”
— Deepali Khanna, Vice President, Rockefeller Foundation Asia Regional Office
“Our role is to understand national and local plans and find ways to support them—using our capital to de-risk and unlock solutions that align with public priorities.”
Throughout the two days, participants also reflected on the importance of shared data, coordinated action, and honest dialogue between government and philanthropic actors to ensure investments align with the needs of the most vulnerable communities and support long-term climate resilience.
Participants from across Asia-Pacific reflect on climate finance challenges and opportunities during the Philanthropy for Climate Action workshop.
Key Themes and Discussions
The sessions explored several key aspects of climate philanthropy, including:
- The role of government in enabling climate philanthropy – Participants examined how tax incentives, legal frameworks, and regulatory mechanisms can encourage private donors and foundations to contribute to national and local climate priorities and the broader sustainable development goals.
- Differences between Asian and Western philanthropy – Speakers highlighted the distinct characteristics of philanthropy in Asia-Pacific and how they shape funding models for climate finance from domestic and international sources.
- Emerging financial instruments – The event showcased innovative financing approaches, including blended finance, debt-for-nature swaps, and public-private-philanthropic partnerships (PPPPs), as potential models for mobilizing climate finance at scale.
- Challenges in aligning philanthropic and public finance – Discussions addressed the complexities of ensuring philanthropic contributions complement public and private investments rather than operating in isolation.
Cross-border climate philanthropy – Participants explored how regulatory and policy frameworks could facilitate greater philanthropic investment across national borders to support regional climate resilience.
Speakers included Deepali Khanna of the Rockefeller Foundation, who opened the discussion on philanthropic capital; Mr. Austere Panadero, who spoke across both days on the role of government in enabling climate philanthropy; and Jamshyd Godrej, who shared a family foundation perspective through a recorded conversation. Dr. Jemilah Mahmood of Sunway University reflected on the importance of collaboration between the UN and philanthropic actors, while either Devahuti Choudhury or Karanraj Chaudri shared insights on impact investment and UNDP’s role in blended finance.
The sessions combined presentations, panel discussions, virtual interviews, and breakout groups, creating space for practical exchanges between government participants, funders, and regional experts. Asad Maken, UNDP’s Regional Public Climate Finance Advisor, provided opening and closing remarks to frame the discussions and reflect on the way forward.
Participants discuss the role of government in enabling climate philanthropy at the regional training. Conversations highlighted how policy, regulation, and leadership can foster an environment for philanthropic investment in climate action.
Outcomes and Next Steps
A key takeaway from the event was the need for stronger collaboration between governments and philanthropic actors, particularly in shaping policies and incentive mechanisms that enable philanthropy to contribute to long-term climate investments. According to participants, they left the training with increased understanding of philanthropy for climate action, with 94% saying they now have a better grasp of the role of government in enabling and incentivizing philanthropy for climate action. With 87% of participants indicating improved understanding of philanthropic entry points through the tools and mechanisms of sustainable and climate finance, there is increased potential for blended finance and public-private-philanthropy partnerships.
Given existing commitments and government priorities on pursuing innovative climate finance, participants also learned about how philanthropy can complement government’s ongoing work on impact investment and blended finance as well as the broader sustainable finance architecture.