In February 2017, the British Council and United Nations ESCAP signed a collaborative agreement to promote the growth of social enterprise and impact investment across the Asia-Pacific region as a means of supporting progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together we are co-operating to provide research, analysis, training, policy dialogues and offer guidance to support policy makers and other stakeholders in formulating and implementing policies and strategies that foster social enterprise and create enabling environments for impact investment.

The Department of Social Development and Welfare, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand in cooperation with Social Enterprise Thailand Association and British Council will be organizing ASEAN+3 Conference on Social Enterprises during 6-8 March 2019 at Swissotel Bangkok Rachada, Bangkok.

The Philippines development paradox of high poverty and inequality despite economic growth is a challenging start. Self-rated poverty among Filipinos rose to 46% in 2017 from 44% in 2016, even as the Philippine economy recorded one of the fastest growth rates in the region. In a recent release by Forbes magazine on the annual list of wealthiest people on the planet, 12 richest Filipinos had a combined fortune of $55.6 billion, nearly a fifth of the domestic economy.

Accounting for more than 30 per cent of the world’s poor, the South Asia subregion today faces many economic and environmental vulnerabilities. While the subregional countries share a host of common and mounting development challenges, economic cooperation and integration amongst them remain less than adequate. Trade between South Asian countries currently stands at less than one third of its full potential.

Technology and innovation are a driving force behind economic growth. The ability to innovate is more than ever a major determinant of the competitiveness of firms, regions and countries. Technology and innovation also provide immense opportunities for society and the environment. They have expanded access to basic opportunities and services such as education, health and energy and offered means to address environmental concerns.