The Asia Climate Philanthropy Advisory (ACPA), the first regional platform dedicated to climate giving, has been launched to address Asia’s significant climate finance gap. The initiative, backed by prominent foundations such as the Tara Climate Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, seeks to mobilise philanthropic capital and enhance strategic climate giving in the region.
The launch event, held in Singapore, was officiated by Ravi Menon, Singapore’s Ambassador for Climate Action. He emphasised the critical role Asia plays in global climate efforts and the need for innovative partnerships to bridge the finance gap. The ACPA aims to simplify and make climate philanthropy more impactful by addressing barriers such as complexity and collaboration gaps.
Laura Lee, the newly appointed CEO of ACPA, stated, “Our mission is to make climate giving in Asia simpler, more strategic, and more impactful.” The initiative plans to leverage regional insights and networks to empower Asian philanthropists to contribute effectively to climate solutions.
Asia faces an annual $815b finance gap, with the region contributing only 12% of global climate philanthropy despite generating nearly two-thirds of global wealth. The ACPA intends to unlock new forms of capital, including philanthropy, to supplement public and private finance, thereby accelerating Asia’s climate transition.
The initiative builds on two years of consultations with philanthropists and non-profit organisations across Asia. It aims to provide the guidance and networks necessary for philanthropists to confidently fund solutions tailored to the region’s needs. As Jamie Choi, CEO of Tara Climate Foundation, noted, “This Advisory is a bold, Asia-first step to close the gap.”
