EU-Asia collaboration to advance sustainable development

Joint European research partnerships with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) related to resource efficiency and climate action could be of benefit to the whole planet. The EU-funded project SUSTAIN EU-ASEAN (SUSTAIN EU-ASEAN: Sustain and enhance cooperation on sustainable development between Europe and southeast Asia) is enhancing collaboration in several key areas related to sustainable development.

While both regions have developed innovative technologies and solutions to reduce greenhouse gases, streamline resource efficiency and further environmental protection, uptake of research results remains inadequate. In this light, the project is identifying and clustering EU-funded projects on climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials issues relevant to the ASEAN region by highlighting collaboration and funding opportunities. It is also supporting access to mobility funds, project twinning and the launch of new projects.

Already, the project team has identified EU-funded projects that are related to its objectives, focusing particularly on climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials. It has held meetings in Belgium, Indonesia and Thailand with researchers who could benefit from EU-ASEAN collaboration in order to discuss mutual benefit. The meetings led to the development of two thematic clusters, with one focusing on natural resources and the other on cities and climate change.

The clusters are raising awareness among stakeholders on collaboration and funding and opportunities, highlighting as well what is being done in the field and what gaps exist. So far, the project has identified 29 environment-funding options related to climate action, energy efficiency, and water and sanitation. It documented the funding options available in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to encourage joint projects. Relevant information can be accessed through the project website, along with findings and publications.

In effect, the project extends more advanced collaboration in research and innovation between the EU and the ASEAN region in sustainable development. It is expected to improve the uptake and exploitation of respective research results by different user groups through synergies, joint research initiatives and bilateral projects. Researchers, policymakers and concerned stakeholders are set to benefit from this endeavour, which in turn will contribute to more sustainability worldwide.