ICA-AP to Participate in the Policy Forum on Development Regional Meeting in Asia-Pacific
The International Cooperative Alliance – Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) is set to participate in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Policy Forum on Development Regional (PFD) Meeting, scheduled to take place from 2 to 3 June 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Convened by the European Union (EU), this regional meeting aims to strengthen structured dialogue between civil society organisations (CSOs), local authorities, and EU institutions on development policy and implementation. ICA-AP’s participation will take place under the ICA–EU Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA II).
The Asia-Pacific regional meeting will convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from civil society, local and regional governments, multilateral and bilateral development finance institutions, and other key actors engaged in sustainable development. The forum provides a strategic space to reflect on evolving development priorities in the region, exchange knowledge and experiences, and identify opportunities for collaboration and joint action. Structured over two days, the meeting will feature a combination of plenary sessions, thematic discussions, and interactive exchanges. Day 1 is expected to set the stage with high-level plenary dialogues focusing on regional development trends, partnerships, and policy frameworks. These sessions will bring together voices from across sectors to explore pressing challenges such as climate change, inequality, and the need for more inclusive and locally driven development approaches. Participants will also engage in discussions on strengthening the role of civil society and local authorities in shaping and implementing development agendas.
Day 2 will build on these discussions through more focused thematic sessions and moderated dialogues. These sessions are likely to delve deeper into areas such as climate governance, access to and effectiveness of climate finance, and innovative approaches to sustainable development. The format will encourage active participation, enabling stakeholders to share practical insights, highlight good practices, and collectively identify pathways for stronger partnerships and impact at the local level.
ICA-AP’s participation in the forum underscores its commitment to ensuring that the cooperative model is well represented in regional and global development dialogues. ICA-AP will bring forward the perspectives and experiences of cooperatives from the region, particularly their role in fostering inclusive economic growth, strengthening community resilience, and advancing sustainable livelihoods. Through its engagement, ICA-AP will highlight how cooperatives serve as effective vehicles for localising development, especially in the context of climate action and sustainable agri-food systems.
Participation in the PFD also provides an important opportunity for ICA-AP to strengthen its collaboration with the EU and other development partners. By contributing to policy discussions and sharing evidence from the cooperative sector, ICA-AP aims to advocate for more enabling frameworks that recognise and support cooperatives as key actors in achieving sustainable development goals in the region.
As the meeting approaches, ICA-AP looks forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue, contributing to collective learning, and advancing partnerships that support resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific.
