The programme will run through 2026, focusing on co-developing solutions with marginalised communities and supporting ASEAN climate policy efforts
On Wednesday, the United Kingdom and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) unveiled a groundbreaking initiative in Jakarta aimed at promoting socially-inclusive urban resilience to climate change in the region. The Supporting Socially Inclusive Climate Adaptation & Resilience in ASEAN (CLARE-ASEAN) programme marks a significant step forward in the collaborative efforts to address the pressing climate challenges facing Southeast Asia.
The CLARE-ASEAN initiative is a regional programme operating under the UK’s flagship Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) research framework. It is predominantly funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which contributes approximately 90% of the financial support, with additional co-funding from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The initiative is set to run through 2026, with the overarching goal of generating evidence-based, inclusive solutions to climate challenges in Southeast Asian cities.
The UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, underscored the importance of the initiative, stating, “Climate resilience is a pivotal investment for Southeast Asia’s future. The UK’s support through CLARE-ASEAN aims to help ASEAN Member States tackle climate risks at scale—by strengthening partnerships among researchers, policymakers, and local communities.”
The CLARE-ASEAN programme is designed to focus on co-developing climate solutions with marginalised communities. This approach recognises that these communities are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and yet are frequently overlooked in traditional climate adaptation strategies. By engaging directly with these groups, the initiative seeks to ensure that their unique needs and perspectives are integrated into the development of climate resilience measures.
In addition to community engagement, CLARE-ASEAN will produce tailored research and policy briefs to support ASEAN decision-making. These documents will provide policymakers with the necessary evidence and insights to make informed decisions about climate adaptation and resilience. The initiative will also contribute to the forthcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, ensuring that the experiences and findings from Southeast Asia are included in the global discourse on urban climate resilience.
The launch of the CLARE-ASEAN initiative comes at a critical time for Southeast Asia. The region is already experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, with rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and shifting rainfall patterns posing significant threats to urban areas. The ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change (AWGCC) Action Plan, which the CLARE-ASEAN programme is closely aligned with, recognises the urgency of addressing these challenges.
The ASEAN State of Climate Change Report, which informed the AWGCC Action Plan, highlights that urban areas, home to more than half of the region’s population, are a critical sector for adaptation efforts. Cities in Southeast Asia are often densely populated and have limited capacity to cope with the impacts of climate change. The CLARE-ASEAN initiative is therefore well-positioned to provide much-needed support and resources to these urban centres.
The collaboration between the UK and ASEAN in the CLARE-ASEAN initiative is a testament to the growing recognition of the global nature of climate change. The UK’s expertise in climate research and adaptation, combined with ASEAN’s regional knowledge and experience, creates a powerful partnership capable of driving meaningful change. The initiative is expected to foster a culture of innovation and evidence-based decision-making, which will be crucial in building resilient communities across Southeast Asia.
As the CLARE-ASEAN programme progresses, it is anticipated that it will not only generate valuable research and policy recommendations but also build capacity within ASEAN Member States. This capacity-building will enable local researchers, policymakers, and communities to take ownership of climate resilience efforts and ensure their sustainability beyond the life of the initiative.
The launch of the CLARE-ASEAN initiative in Jakarta is a significant milestone in the global fight against climate change. It represents a commitment to inclusive and evidence-based approaches to climate adaptation and resilience. By focusing on the needs of marginalised communities and fostering partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and local stakeholders, the initiative has the potential to make a lasting impact on the region’s ability to withstand the challenges posed by climate change.
The CLARE-ASEAN initiative is a vital step forward in the collaborative efforts to address climate change in Southeast Asia. With the support of the UK and Canada, and in close alignment with the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change Action Plan, the programme is well-equipped to generate innovative and inclusive solutions to the region’s climate challenges. The future of Southeast Asia depends on the success of initiatives like CLARE-ASEAN, and the world will be watching closely as this groundbreaking programme unfolds.
