ICA-AP Highlights the Cooperative Voice at the Asia-Pacific Policy Forum on Development Regional Meeting
The International Cooperative Alliance – Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) participated in the Asia-Pacific Policy Forum on Development (PFD) Regional Meeting, held on 2 and 3 June 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Organised by the European Union (EU) under the PFD framework, the regional meeting brought together representatives from civil society organisations (CSOs), local and regional authorities, development finance institutions, and international partners to exchange perspectives on the region’s evolving development priorities. ICA-AP participated as part of the ICAâEU Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA II).
Over two days, participants engaged in a series of high-level plenary discussions, thematic dialogues, and interactive exchanges focused on strengthening partnerships for inclusive and sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific. Key discussions explored climate governance, climate finance, localisation of development, civic space, and the role of civil society and local authorities in shaping effective development policies and implementation.
Representing the cooperative movement in the region through its member organisations, the ICA-AP delegation actively contributed to several sessions throughout the forum. On Day 1, Ms. Monalisa Kashyap, Programme Coordinator and Advocacy Officer and Secretary of the ICA-AP Committee on Youth, participated in the opening plenary, “Localising the Climate Agenda Matters for Shared Prosperity,” where discussions focused on the importance of locally led approaches to addressing climate change and building resilient communities. Ms. Elenita San Roque, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU), Thailand, contributed to Session 2, sharing cooperative perspectives on strengthening the role of local actors in climate governance and improving access to climate finance. Ms. Donna Dizon of CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, Philippines, participated in the breakout discussions under Session 3, contributing practical insights from the cooperative sector on advancing inclusive and community-driven development. Ms. Altantuya Dorj, Chairperson of the National Association of Mongolian Agricultural Cooperatives (NAMAC), also represented the cooperative movement during the thematic discussions, bringing perspectives from Mongolia’s cooperative sector to the regional dialogue.
ICA-AP contributed to discussions by highlighting the unique role of cooperatives as people-centred enterprises that promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen community resilience, and advance sustainable livelihoods. Drawing on experiences from across Asia and the Pacific, ICA-AP emphasised how cooperatives empower farmers, women, youth, and informal workers through democratic governance, collective action, and improved access to markets, finance, and essential services.
The meeting also provided an important opportunity for ICA-AP to engage with representatives from the EU, CSO networks, and development partners to exchange experiences and identify opportunities for future collaboration. Throughout the discussions, ICA-AP advocated for greater recognition of cooperatives within development policies and programmes, particularly in areas related to climate action, sustainable agri-food systems, social inclusion, and local economic development.
A recurring theme across the forum was the importance of locally led development and stronger partnerships to address complex regional challenges. ICA-AP reinforced that cooperatives are well-positioned to translate policy commitments into tangible community-level action, offering sustainable and democratic solutions that contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participation in the PFD further strengthened ICA-AP’s engagement in regional policy dialogue and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the voices and experiences of cooperatives are reflected in international development processes.