Details
The world is meeting at a time of profound transformation, marked by serious geopolitical tensions, ongoing conflicts, increasing macroeconomic challenges, and growing systemic risks. Amidst this uncertainty, official development assistance (ODA) is projected to decline in 2025. Many countries are facing an unprecedented debt crisis. With the withdrawal of the United States from the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) highlighted persistent geopolitical divisions, the conference outcomes nevertheless suggest that multilateral cooperation remains possible - albeit shaped by compromise and constrained by the need for consensus.
This seminar, which hosted several regional experts, arranged by the Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS) of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, aimed to discuss the current state of development aid, the significance of this aid, and its prospects within Asian countries.
Agenda
Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Introductory Remarks by Mr. Paul Linnarz – Country Representative Japan & Director, Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS), Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Session 1: Development Cooperation in Transition: From ODA to New Partnership
Lead Remarks:
- Dr. SeokWoo Kim – Professor of Department of International Relations, University of Seoul, Former President of Korean Association of International Studies (KAIS), South Korea
Moderated by Mr. Shojiro Kusumoto – Project Manager, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung SOPAS
Session 2: Infrastructure & Investment for Sustainable Development
Lead Remarks:
- Dr. Francoise Nicolas - Special Advisor, French Institute of International Relations (IFRI)
- Dr. Yasushi Ueki – President, Bangkok Research Center, IDE-JETRO
- Mr. Karl-Heinz Heckhausen – Former President & CEO, DaimlerChrysler Thailand, Former President, German-Thai Chamber of Commerce
Moderated by Ms. Maryam Sanchez – Human Development Forum Foundation (HDFF), Thailand
Session 3: Trade & Structural Vulnerability – Ensuring Equitable Global Integration
Lead Remarks:
- Dr. Nathan Gray – Director, Transnational Projects, University of Adelaide, Australia
- Mr. Dandy Rafitrandi – Researcher, Department of Economics, CSIS Indonesia, Indonesia
- Dr. Darmp Sukontasap – Chairman of the Executive Board, Krungthep Sophon PCL; Director, International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), Thailand
Moderated by Mr. Paul Linnarz – Country Representative Japan & Director, Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS), Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Thursday, 9 October 2025
Session 4: Development Aid for Climate Finance and a Just Clean Economy
Lead Remarks:
- Dr. Christopher Len – Visiting Senior Fellow and Acting Coordinator, Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programe, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
- Dr. Josef Yap – Emeritus Research Fellow, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Philippines
Moderated by Mr. Shojiro Kusumoto – Project Manager, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung SOPAS
Session 5: Leave No One Behind – Innovation & Skills for Sustainable and Inclusive Development
Lead Remarks:
- Mr. Calvin Cheng – Director (ETRI), Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia
- Mr. Bruce Avasadanond – English Instructor/Consultant, UNESCAP, Thailand
Moderated by Ms. Elena Wilt – Research Fellow, Human Development Forum Foundation (HDFF), Thailand
Study Visit: Ministry of Social Development and Human Security
Closing Remarks by Mr. Paul Linnarz – Country Representative Japan & Director, Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS), Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
