Third batch of ASEAN nationals completes climate leadership program

BANGKOK, Thailand – Twenty-four professionals from eight ASEAN Member States have successfully completed the third ASEAN Climate Leadership Programme (ACLP), concluding a six-month journey focused on climate-resilient agriculture and leadership. The program culminated on June 15, 2025, with a final session and graduation ceremony held in Bangkok.

The final module brought together participants from government institutions, research organizations, civil society, and the public sector to present their Personal Change Projects (PCPs). These projects showcased innovative, on-the-ground solutions to local climate challenges, demonstrating the participants’ commitment to driving sustainable change in the region.

Participants synthesized core frameworks from the program, including the ACLP leadership model, systems thinking, and design thinking. Initial assessments revealed that the most impactful concepts for participants were climate-smart actions in ASEAN, Theory U, gender and inclusion, risk communication, and leadership plan development.

The PCP presentations highlighted practical applications of their new skills. Projects included low-technology solutions for women smallholders in Cambodia, an urban mushroom farming initiative in the Philippines, and a project utilizing solar panels in remote Indonesian islands. These initiatives underscore the program’s success in translating theoretical knowledge into tangible community impact.

The graduation ceremony celebrated the participants’ dedication and featured inspiring messages from program partners and dignitaries. Andre de Wit, Dean of the Amsterdam Leadership Academy, redefined leadership for the modern era, emphasizing Vision, Understanding, Connectedness, and Agility.

Mercedita Sombilla, SEARCA Center Director, urged the graduates to “transition from learning to leading,” expressing her hope that their newly acquired skills would translate into real climate action. Florian Miss of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Dr. Johannes Kerner from the German Embassy in Bangkok also offered their congratulations, reiterating the German government’s continued support for ASEAN’s climate initiatives.

The ceremony concluded with the official awarding of certificates, formally recognizing the new cohort of ASEAN climate leaders. They were encouraged to inspire future leaders and maintain a robust network to drive transformational change across the region.