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Asia and the Pacific

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Asia and the Pacific The Asia-Pacific has shown the most dynamic growth in the world for decades. Connecting Germany and Europe with this region is increasingly important. Through 21 country offices and seven regional programmes, KAS aims to build bridges between the Asia-Pacific region and Europe – based on our values, and centered around security, democracy and innovation.

 

The Asia & Pacific region

The Asia-Pacific is characterized by a unique diversity of political structures and  governance systems. Being present in almost every country in the region, our topics, partners and methods reflect this diversity.

We create a networking platform to connect decision-makers and support political dialogue between the Asia-Pacific and Europe. In a deeply connected world, we strengthen the structures of international cooperation crucial for economic well-being, political stability and security. As highlighted in the Indo-Pacific Guidelines of the German Government, our country seeks to actively strengthen the regional and international rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. To this end, we closely cooperate with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ‘Partners across the Globe‘, such as Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. 

As a political think tank our Foundation engages in capacity building to foster democratic structures and sustainable development in - and with - the Asia-Pacific. As the region‘s more industrialized nations face many challenges similar to Germany and Europe, we share knowledge and find solutions to the pressing problems of our time, such as climate change, resource scarcity and demographic challenges.

A German Pivot to Indo-Pacific? Opinions from the region on the Indo-Pacific Guidelines of the German Government

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Our core activities centre around the following focus themes:

Security

  • Foreign and security policy dialogue and networks building within the region, as well as with Germany and Europe
  • Dialogue on climate change and energy security

Participation and Representation

  • Supporting the creation of sustainable democratic structures, strengthening constitutional reform, and engaging in peace building processes
  • Cooperation with political center parties on the ideas of rule of law, human rights and promote political participation
  • Capacity building for civil society actors and the media

Innovation

  • Observing digitalization processes and enhancing expert exchange on frameworks and incentives for (digital) value-added-creation and delivery

 

Our work in Berlin

The Asia and Pacific Department is responsible for the strategy development and administration of all Foundation offices and regional programmes abroad in Asia-Pacific. It provides country-specific, first-hand experiences to the public debate in Germany and Europe – to parliaments, domestic and foreign government bodies, think tanks, civil society actors and the media. Through exchanges with representatives from the region we further provide deep insights into German and European politics.

Stay updated about our work abroad and in Berlin via our facebook page.

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Topic pages of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

We are significantly involved in the following KAS-wide thematic pages. Here you will regularly find various contributions (including publications and events) from our department.

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China's Role in the World

Germany and the Indo-Pacific

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Management

Management Christian Echle
Portraitbild Christian Echle
Head of the Department Asia and Pacific
christian.echle@kas.de +49 (0) 30 26996 3534

Team

Team member Thomas Yoshimura
Thomas Yoshimura
Policy Advisor for Asia and Pacific (China)
thomas.yoshimura@kas.de +82 2 790 4774 +82 2 793 3979
Team member Dr. habil. Karsten Grabow
Dr. habil. Karsten Grabow
Policy Advisor for Regional Programs in Asia, Southeast Asia, and Mongolia
karsten.grabow@kas.de +49 30 26996-3246 +49 30 26996-53246
Team member Anna Lederer
Policy Advisor for India and Southeast Asia
anna.lederer@kas.de
Contact Amos Helms
Amos Helms
Desk Officer for Asia in the Department International Dialogue Programs
amos.helms@kas.de +49 30 26996-3440 +49 30 26996-3558
Contact

Silka Baum

Secretary / Assistant for Asia in the Department International Dialogue Programs
silka.baum@kas.de +49 30 26996-3600

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Publications on this topic

1783392511059

Youth and Democracy in the Pacific

22-26 June 2026 | Nadi, Fiji and Apia, Samoa

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The National Party of New Zealand Annual Conference

19–21 June 2026 | Wellington, New Zealand

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Opening ceremony and orientation session of Model Parliament activity “SMART Youth Parliament 2026”

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International Law Conference

12-13 March 2026 | Christchurch, New Zealand

IMG_0776

Indigenous Climate Adaption Strategies

9 February 2026 | Canberra, Australia

IMG_0587

Fact Finding Mission (Pacific)

10-20 March 2026 | Fiji and Samoa

German-Pacific Parliamentary Friendship Group

Democratic Resilience in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific

Canberra, Australia | 10 February 2026

Kas.de

Coastwatchers 2.0

1-3 June 2026 | Brussels, Belgium