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Workshop

Strengthening Climate Governance at the Local Level: Residential Capacity Building Workshop

KAS-IDAG Workshop

The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, in partnership with the Institute of Democracy and Governance (IDAG), and the Sri Lankan Western Province, Ministry of Local Government, Economic Promotion, Power & Energy, Environmental Affairs, Water Supply & Drainage and Tourism successfully conducted a two-day residential workshop for local government officials from Kalutara District, Western Province, Sri Lanka. The workshop provided a platform to strengthen climate governance, enhance local policy-making capacity, and promote sustainable development through international cooperation. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to building sustainable and resilient local institutions through development cooperation between Germany and Sri Lanka.

Workshop

KASYP 16 – Module 3: Local Governance and Development, Ulaanbaatar Mongolia

Connecting local realities with regional perspectives through dialogue, practice, and political exchange

KASYP Batch 16 gathered in Ulaanbaatar for Module 3 on local governance and development, combining academic input, hands-on simulations, and direct engagement with policymakers. The programme offered participants a practical and comparative understanding of governance challenges and solutions across the region.

Workshop

KASYP 16.3 Module: Local Governance and Development – Mongolia

Exploring decentralisation, citizen engagement, and effective local governance in democratic societies

Through expert lectures, comparative discussions, and interactive simulations, participants will examine key concepts of decentralisation, fiscal governance, and citizen engagement. The programme also includes sessions on the structure and competences of local governments, financial arrangements at the local level, and the challenges of implementing effective local governance systems in different political contexts. The participants will also present and discuss governance experiences from their respective countries, allowing for peer learning and comparative insights across Asia and Europe. Practical exercises, including a policy simulation addressing urban governance challenges, will encourage participants to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world governance scenarios. The module further features learning visits and dialogues with Mongolian political actors and institutions, including meetings with representatives of political parties, local government authorities, and members of parliament. These exchanges aim to provide participants with firsthand insights into Mongolia’s governance system and ongoing decentralisation reforms. By combining academic input, practical policy exercises, and institutional exchanges, the module seeks to deepen participants’ understanding of how effective local governance can contribute to democratic resilience, responsive policymaking, and sustainable development.

Seminar

Bangladesh After the 2026 Election: What Comes Next?

ISAS-KAS PANEL DISCUSSION

Bangladesh’s parliamentary election of 12 February 2026 marks a major moment in the country’s post-uprising transition. Held alongside a referendum on constitutional reform, the vote took place in a context shaped by institutional strain, shifting alliances and competing visions of governance and national identity. Yet it also represents a renewed turn to electoral politics and an opportunity to rebuild stability after nearly two years of uncertainty following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. This panel brings together scholars and practitioners to reflect on whether this moment can lay the groundwork for a more stable, inclusive and forward-looking political order in Bangladesh after the 2026 vote.

Online seminar

Women Parliamentarians and Security: Identifying Threats Through a Gender Lens

Asian Women Parliamentarian Caucus E Meets

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia announces the next session of the Asian Women Parliamentarian Caucus (AWPC) e-Meets, to be held on 25 February 2026

Workshop

KASYP 17.1 Political Parties in Democratic Societies, 22- 27 February Cebu, Philippines

KASYP Batch 17 officially began their two-year journey toward responsible political leadership.

An intensive week of discussions, new perspectives, and honest exchanges lies behind the participants of KASYP Batch 17. The programme offered opportunities for personal and professional development while fostering connections among young politicians from across Asia. The first day laid a strong foundation for the week with inputs on different political systems and party structures. Country presentations, in which participants introduced their own countries, created space for comparison, reflection, and lively exchanges among the young politicians. Practical workshops on storytelling, feedback, leadership, and negotiation encouraged participants to step out of their comfort zones and work on their practical skills. Whether pitching political ideas, practicing giving and receiving feedback, or engaging in a multi-stakeholder negotiation simulation, the group worked constructively, strengthening their skills and confidence. A highlight of the week was the visit to Cebu City, including meetings at the Governor’s Office, the Vice Mayor’s Office, and the Office of the Ombudsman of the Visayas. After introductions to the work of each office, participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion. These visits provided valuable insights into daily political practice, as well as perspectives on local governance and anti-corruption efforts in the Philippines. Beyond the formal sessions, participants also continued their exchanges outside the programme. A networking dinner with KASYP alumni from the Philippines provided additional opportunities to learn from the experiences and perspectives of former participants. The module concluded with the presentation of certificates, marking the successful completion of the first step in the two-year KASYP journey. With this strong start, Batch 17 now continues its path within the programme, building on the experiences and insights gained in Cebu. We look forward to following their progress in the upcoming modules.

Workshop

KASYP 17.1, Module 01: Political Parties in Democratic Societies

KASYP 17.1 Cebu, Philippines | 22–28 February 2026

The module offers a comprehensive introduction to the ideational, institutional, and organisational foundations of political parties in Asia, with expert-led sessions on political ideologies, party systems, intra-party democracy, and party mobilisation. Through comparative formats such as discussions and country presentations, participants examine how political parties operate across different democratic contexts in the region. Beyond theoretical inputs, the programme places strong emphasis on practical political skills. Participants take part in hands-on workshops on pitching, framing, storytelling, public speaking, and party platform development, enabling them to translate political ideas into clear and compelling public narratives. The module also integrates direct engagement with democratic institutions, including visits to the Cebu Provincial Capitol, discussions with elected officials and oversight bodies, and exchanges with Philippines KASYP alumni, offering participants insights into democratic practice at the local and sub-national levels. As the inaugural module of the KASYP journey with participants from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Maldives, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan, Timor Leste, Cambodia, India, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan, this programme lays the foundation for a cohort-based learning experience that combines political knowledge, practical skills, and democratic leadership development across Asia.

Seminar

Agentic AI in an Emerging New World Order: What’s at Stake for Middle Powers and Small States?

Seminar on Agentic AI

This seminar examines how agentic AI is shaping an emerging new world order and what is at stake for middle powers and small states navigating between technological competition, governance capacity, and strategic autonomy. Rather than framing AI diffusion as a simple divide between producers and adopters, the discussion focuses on agency, institutional choice, and governance strategies in a multipolar environment.

Seminar

Security, Sovereignty, and Partnership in the Indo-Pacific

Indo-Pacific Security Seminar

The Indo-Pacific has become one of the central arenas of strategic competition in the second quarter of the 21st century. As shifting power balances, maritime tensions, and new economic alignments reshape the regional order, Europe faces both the challenge and the opportunity of defining a meaningful role in the Indo-Pacific. The region is home to key trade routes, emerging economies, and strategic partners whose security and prosperity are closely linked to those of Europe and thus dependent on a rules-based international order. This seminar brings together policymakers, scholars, and practitioners from Europe and across the Indo-Pacific to examine how security, trade, and connectivity are evolving amid intensifying geopolitical competition. Anchored in the principles of sovereignty, openness, and rules-based cooperation, the seminar seeks to identify practical pathways for deeper EU–Indo-Pacific engagement. By convening diverse regional voices in Singapore, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung aims to support nuanced political dialogue and strengthen strategic partnerships at a time when developments in the Indo-Pacific will shape not only Asia’s destiny, but also the future of Europe as well.

Event

KASYP Celebrates 15 Years!

15 Years of KASYP and 5 Years of ADLA: Charting the Next Chapter of Democratic Leadership in Asia

KASYP celebrated its 15th anniversary with a regional alumni gathering in Singapore from 20–22 October 2025, highlighting 15 years of empowering nearly 300 young political leaders across Asia. The event also marked ADLA’s 5th anniversary, reaffirming its role as KASYP’s alumni network and charting the path forward for stronger regional cooperation.

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EU Day & Climate Change & Disaster Management in Nepal

Youth Workshop on Climate Change

KAS Political Dialogue Asia was pleased to join the Europe Day celebrations in Nepal together with partners, scholars, and young changemakers working towards a more sustainable future.

Engaging Local Voices: Understanding Climate Change Impacts with the Bote Community in Chitwan

Climate Dialogue: KAS - Bote Community in Chitwan, Nepal

In partnership with Climate Action Nepal, led by Ujjwal Upadhyay, South Asian Youth for SDGs (SAYS) together with KAS Political Dialogue Asia represented by Jonas Nitschke and Megha Sarmah engaged with representatives of the Bote community in Chitwan to better understand the local impacts of climate change.

Climate Action Initiatives in Nepal with Climate Action Nepal & South Asian Youth for SDGs

Climate Action Initiatives in Nepal

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Political Dialogue Asia represented by Jonas Nitschke and Megha Sarmah, in partnership with the South Asian Youth for SDGs (SAYS) and Climate Action Nepal led by Ujjwal Upadhyay, implemented two climate action initiatives in Chitwan, Nepal.

EU-SG Dialogue on Clean and Safe Energy: 40th Anniversary of Chernobyl Disaster

EU-SG Dialogue

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Political Dialogue Asia, together with the Embassy of Ukraine in Singapore, organized an expert exchange marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.

Strengthening Climate Governance at the Local Level

KAS-IDAG Workshop

The Political Dialogue Asia of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, in partnership with the Institute of Democracy and Governance (IDAG) and the Western Province of Sri Lanka, successfully conducted a two-day residential capacity-building workshop for local government officials from the Kalutara District. The workshop created a valuable platform to strengthen climate governance at the local level, enhance evidence-based policy-making, and promote sustainable development by empowering local authorities in responding effectively to climate-related challenges. Sri Lanka is already experiencing the severe impacts of climate change, including more intense and erratic rainfall, flooding, coastal erosion, and landslides. The Kalutara District, located in Sri Lanka’s wet zone and along the western coastline, is particularly vulnerable. In late 2025, Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and displacement across many parts of the country, including the Western Province. In Kalutara, river flooding and extreme rainfall repeatedly affected communities, livelihoods, and local public services—underscoring the urgent need to strengthen climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and local governance capacities.

Environmental Education: Learning and Acting for a Better Future

The SAYS team, supported by KAS, participated in a specialized climate education training in Florence, gaining practical tools and insights to advance environmental awareness and action across South Asia.

Bangladesh After the 2026 Election: What Comes Next?

ISAS-KAS Panel Discussion

On 16 March 2026, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia, in collaboration with the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), convened a panel discussion titled “Bangladesh After the 2026 Election: What Comes Next?” The seminar explored the broader implications of the recent elections, with particular attention to democratic promotion, institutional reform, and emerging foreign policy challenges.

Agentic AI in an Emerging New World Order: What’s at Stake for Middle Powers and Small States?

Seminar on Agentic AI

On 27 January 2026, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia, in cooperation with TUM Asia and the TUM Think Tank, hosted a seminar titled “Agentic AI in an Emerging New World Order: What’s at Stake for Middle Powers and Small States?” The event explored the socio-political, legal, and technical dimensions of agentic AI, focusing on its potential risks and opportunities for middle powers and small states.

Climate Smart School: Supporting School Children to Learn and Care for Their Environment

Launch of the South Asian Youth for SDGs (SAYS) Interest Group.

KAS scholars from the Asian University of Women (Bangladesh) and National College Kathmandu (Nepal) have taken a leading role in advancing youth-driven climate action through the launch of the South Asian Youth for SDGs (SAYS) Interest Group and its first flagship initiative, Climate Smart School: Supporting School Children to Learn and Care for Their Environment.

Security, Sovereignty, and Partnership in the Indo-Pacific

Indo-Pacific Security Seminar

The KAS Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia hosted a seminar on “Security, Sovereignty and Partnership in the Indo-Pacific” on 3 December 2025, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, and experts from Europe and across the region to discuss evolving security challenges and Europe’s role in the Indo-Pacific. The discussions highlighted the importance of rules-based cooperation, strategic partnerships, and joint responses to both traditional and non-traditional security challenges in an increasingly contested regional environment.