The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) have launched the £2.1 million ASEAN Green Investment Catalyst initiative to accelerate sustainable foreign direct investment across Southeast Asia.
Funded through the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund, the initiative will support the implementation of ASEAN’s Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan, adopted by ASEAN Economic Ministers in September 2024. The plan represents the region’s first coordinated approach to attracting green investment and advancing its low-carbon economy goals.
“This strategic partnership…comes at a critical time when mobilising private investment for climate action is more urgent than ever,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.
UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, stated, “The UK is delighted to support this innovative initiative that will help unlock green investment across Southeast Asia…accelerating the region’s journey toward net-zero emissions while creating sustainable economic opportunities.”
The AGIC project aims to develop investment-ready green projects, facilitate investor matching, and provide capacity-building support for ASEAN Investment Promotion Agencies. It will also contribute to the ASEAN Investment Forum in 2025 and 2026 to showcase green investment opportunities.
This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner to sustainable development and aligns with its COP26 legacy of mobilising climate finance.
