Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Political Dialogue Asia

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Political Dialogue Asia A very warm welcome to the official page of the Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Singapore!

This site will offer you regular information on the current political situation within Southeast Asia and the projects of our local office. Through this page, the KAS Singapore aims to connect, share and discuss ideas with our friends and partners. Please be aware that we do not accept any discriminatory remarks and comments on our page. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung aims to promote international dialogue and understanding. Our Regional Programme in Singapore organises international conferences, training programs for members of political parties and civil society organizations as well as political dialogue between parliamentarians and politicians within Asia and between Asia and Europe. A further focus is the dialogue and exchange between policy makers and representatives of think tanks from Europe and Asia.

🇩🇪 KASYP 16 heads to Germany for its final module!From 27 September to 4 October 2026, participants of the Konrad Adenau...
14/09/2026

🇩🇪 KASYP 16 heads to Germany for its final module!

From 27 September to 4 October 2026, participants of the Konrad Adenauer School for Young Politicians (KASYP) Batch 16 will come together in Frankfurt, Saarbrücken and Mainz for Module 04: Political Parties in European Parliamentary Democracy. 🏛️🇪🇺

After exploring political leadership, democratic institutions and party politics throughout their KASYP journey, this final module brings participants closer to the workings of Germany’s parliamentary democracy.

Through learning visits, political dialogues and exchanges with policymakers and institutions, the young political leaders will gain first-hand insights into political participation, parliamentary processes, federalism and Germany’s democratic landscape. 🗳️🤝

🌍 A special highlight will be “Youth Participation in Politics” in Saarbrücken, bringing together young politicians from Asia, young scholars from South Asia and students from Germany to exchange perspectives on how young people can play a stronger role in shaping democratic societies.

We look forward to an inspiring final chapter for KASYP Batch 16! 🎓🌏

📣 Post event update: 🌱 On 23 and 25 August 2026, the KAS Political Dialogue Asia and the Institute of Democracy and Gove...
01/09/2026

📣 Post event update: 🌱 On 23 and 25 August 2026, the KAS Political Dialogue Asia and the Institute of Democracy and Governance (IDAG) concluded an important series of activities under their joint initiative, “Strengthening Climate Governance at the Local Level.”

The first workshop, held at the Beruwala Urban Council on 23 August, brought together elected representatives and local government officials for a pilot council workshop. Dr. Denis Suarsana, Director of KAS Political Dialogue Asia, delivered the keynote address.

The programme included an awareness session led by Chandima Hettiarachchi and Aruna Pradeep, followed by a presentation by Palitha Abeywardana, Chief Legal Officer of the Western Provincial Council, on the legal and administrative steps required to establish a local Climate Action Committee. Participants worked on a draft council resolution for the creation of such a committee.

The project’s Final Conference was held on 25 August at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. The conference brought together representatives from national, provincial and local government, political leaders, experts and project stakeholders.

Following opening remarks by Dr Suarsana, Prof. Lakshman R Watawala Chairperson of the IDAG Advisory Board, addressed the participants. Professor Professor Chaminda Abeysinghe presented the project’s comparative study, while Hon. Professor L. M. Abeywickrema, Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Change, spoke about the importance of political leadership and sustained cooperation in responding to climate change.

The Chief Guest, Hon. Professor Chandana Abayarathna, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, delivered the concluding address. The Minister presented tokens of appreciation to Dr. Denis Suarsana and Mr Anish Mishra of KAS PDA in recognition of their involvement in the initiative and the partnership between KAS and IDAG.

📊 The highlight of the conference was the presentation of findings from a survey of 122 elected representatives and administrative officials from 26 Local Government Authorities in Kalutara, Jaffna and Kandy. The findings demonstrated strong support for permanent and inclusive multi-party mechanisms for local climate action, while also identifying gaps in legal authority, resources, institutional capacity and access to climate-risk information.

The two events reaffirmed that local climate action requires more than awareness. Local authorities need clear mandates, adequate resources, practical knowledge and institutions capable of sustaining political and community cooperation over the long term.

KAS extends its sincere appreciation to IDAG, the Ministry, the participating Local Government Authorities, all speakers and everyone who contributed to the successful implementation of this initiative. 🙏

📣Post event update: “The Pacific Alliance, ASEAN and the Evolving Landscape of Cross-Pacific Economic Relations” 🌏On 14...
31/08/2026

📣Post event update: “The Pacific Alliance, ASEAN and the Evolving Landscape of Cross-Pacific Economic Relations” 🌏

On 14 August 2026, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia convened the seminar “The Pacific Alliance, ASEAN and the Evolving Landscape of Cross-Pacific Economic Relations” in One Farrer Hotel, Singapore.

The event brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, business representatives and experts from Southeast Asia, Latin America, Europe and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Keynote addresses by H.E. Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, H.E. Ambassador Agustín García-López Loaeza, Ambassador of Mexico to Singapore, and Mr David Gregosz, MdB, Member of the German Parliament, set the stage for two expert panel discussions.

The seminar explored how ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance can:

🔹 strengthen trade and investment links;
🔹 diversify markets and supply chains;
🔹 improve physical, regulatory and digital connectivity;
🔹 support SMEs and inclusive development; and
🔹 create practical new pathways for cross-Pacific cooperation.

The discussions highlighted the importance of transforming political interest and existing trade frameworks into concrete opportunities for businesses, institutions and communities on both sides of the Pacific.

We thank all our keynote speakers, panellists, partners and participants for contributing to this timely and forward-looking exchange.

🎉 KAS Political Dialogue Asia and KAS Rule of Law Programme Asia teams came together last week with our partners and fri...
20/08/2026

🎉 KAS Political Dialogue Asia and KAS Rule of Law Programme Asia teams came together last week with our partners and friends for a very special evening as we bid farewell to our Directors, Andreas Klein and Stefan Samse.

The evening gave us the opportunity to look back on the many partnerships, friendships and shared achievements that have shaped both programmes over the years. From thoughtful speeches and a lively fireside chat on youth leadership, the night was filled with meaningful conversations, laughter and many wonderful memories. 💙

Most importantly, it was our chance to thank Andreas and Stefan for their leadership, dedication and the lasting impact they have made; not only on the work of both programmes, but also on all of us who had the privilege of working alongside them. We wish them every success and happiness as they begin their next chapters! 🚀

As we say goodbye, we also look ahead. Dr. Denis Suarsana, the new Regional Director of KAS Political Dialogue Asia, is already operational and leading the programme into its next chapter. During this transitional period, Fabian Wagener from the KAS Media Programme Asia will serve as Interim Director of the KAS Rule of Law Programme Asia.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a warm and memorable celebration of the people, partnerships and friendships behind our work. 🤝🌏

🌍 The second day of COP17 began with Jonas Nitschke and Megha Sarmah presenting the work of KAS PDA in the region at our...
19/08/2026

🌍 The second day of COP17 began with Jonas Nitschke and Megha Sarmah presenting the work of KAS PDA in the region at our pavilion in the House of Friendship in the Green Zone at COP17. 🇲🇳

🌱 South Asian Youth for SDG (SAYS) then presented its initiatives in Bangladesh, Nepal and India, highlighting how young people are translating ideas into practical action within their communities. 💡 We also showcased the GHG Accounting Handbook, developed by Climate Mongolia, and a climate-focused comic book produced by Green Stupa Mongolia as part of our climate activities together with KAS Mongolia in Southeast and East Asia.

🤝 Our delegates also participated in youth-focused activities at COP17, exchanging ideas and connecting with young climate advocates from Mongolia and beyond. 🌍It was an inspiring day of sharing our work, building connections and strengthening youth engagement in climate action. 🌱💚

KAS Political Dialogue Asia and KAS Mongolia join forces at COP17 in Ulaanbaatar! 🇲🇳🌏🤝Together with delegates from Germa...
18/08/2026

KAS Political Dialogue Asia and KAS Mongolia join forces at COP17 in Ulaanbaatar! 🇲🇳🌏🤝

Together with delegates from Germany 🇩🇪, political members of the Asian Women Parliamentarians Caucus (AWPC), representatives of South Asian Youth for SDG (SAYS) 🌱, KAS Political Dialogue Asia is participating in COP17 in Ulaanbaatar. 🌍

Our delegation began the programme by attending the inaugural ceremony of COP17 with an inspiring opening speech by Ms Yasmine Fouad, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary at the UNCCD Youth Caucus, marking the start of several days of dialogue and exchange on climate action in the Asia Pacific and its global implications. 🌏🌱 KAS Mongolia is hosting a pavilion at COP17, where we will present our activities, studies and initiatives conducted over the coming days. We will also share perspectives from across Asia and Germany and contribute to discussions on climate action, youth and women participation and inclusive governance. 🌿

In the second half of the day, our delegation was warmly welcomed to the Parliament of Mongolia 🇲🇳🏛️ by Hon. Jargalan Batbayar, Member of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia.

Two interactive group discussions focused on “Gender, Climate Change and Leadership: Advancing Inclusive Climate Governance,” ♀️🌍 facilitated by Megha Sarmah, and “Youth, Climate Change and Leadership: From Participation to Action,” 🌱 facilitated by Jonas Nitschke with representatives of Mongolian Youth Organisations. The discussions explored women’s leadership, gender-responsive climate policymaking, youth participation, and ways to translate young people’s ideas into concrete climate action and political participation. 💡🌿

The sessions brought together parliamentarians, young leaders and delegates from different countries, creating a platform for intergenerational exchange on more sustainable climate governance and the challenge of political implementation.

🇪🇺🇩🇪🇦🇸 Europe, Germany and ASEAN: Strengthening a Strategic Partnership from JakartaJakarta is where Europe’s Indo-Pacif...
13/08/2026

🇪🇺🇩🇪🇦🇸 Europe, Germany and ASEAN: Strengthening a Strategic Partnership from Jakarta

Jakarta is where Europe’s Indo-Pacific ambitions meet ASEAN’s regional reality.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the KAS Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia hosted David Gregosz, Member of the German Bundestag, for two days of high-level political dialogue on the future of EU–ASEAN relations and Germany’s role in the Indo-Pacific. Together with Andreas Klein and Jonas Nitschke, we engaged with ASEAN, Indonesian and European partners on strengthening cooperation with Southeast Asia.

At the ASEAN Secretariat and AIPA, we met H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and H.E. Dr. Chem Widhya, Secretary-General of the AIPA Secretariat. Discussions covered the upcoming 50th anniversary of the EU–ASEAN Partnership, Germany’s role as an observer parliament to AIPA, and its new status as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.

With the EU Delegation to ASEAN, we discussed opportunities and challenges in the EU–ASEAN partnership, including ongoing trade negotiations. At EuroCham Indonesia, discussions focused on the EU–Indonesia partnership and the upcoming CEPA — an important step towards deeper economic ties.

At CSIS Indonesia, we discussed economic security, resilience and diversification in ASEAN. We also exchanged views with Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, Founder of FPCI and former Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, on Indonesia’s foreign policy and growing China–US strategic competition.

Across these conversations, one message stood out: Europe and ASEAN have a strong strategic interest in working more closely together — economically, politically and strategically.

As we look towards 50 years of EU–ASEAN relations in 2027, sustained political dialogue will be essential to turn this shared interest into deeper cooperation.

A sincere thank you to our Indonesian, ASEAN and European partners for two days of insightful and forward-looking exchanges in Jakarta. 🇮🇩🤝🌏

📣 KASYP 17.2: Political Parties in Election Campaigning 📅 2nd - 8th August 2026 📍 Galle & Colombo, Sri LankaEnding KASYP...
13/08/2026

📣 KASYP 17.2: Political Parties in Election Campaigning
📅 2nd - 8th August 2026
📍 Galle & Colombo, Sri Lanka

Ending KASYP 17.2 on a high! 🇱🇰🔥

What better way to conclude an incredible week than by stepping into the heart of Sri Lanka's democracy?

On the final day of KASYP 17.2, participants visited the Parliament of Sri Lanka, where they met Hon. Dr. Harsha de Silva, MP, Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, for an insightful discussion on parliamentary oversight, public finance, accountability, and the role of Parliament in strengthening democratic governance. A guided tour of Parliament gave participants a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the country's most important democratic institutions.

The learning continued with an exclusive visit to the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, where participants engaged in a candid discussion with Hon. Sajith Premadasa and Members of Parliament on opposition campaigning, coalition politics and youth engagements. It was a rare opportunity to exchange ideas directly with political leaders navigating the realities of opposition politics and democratic competition.

The programme concluded with a memorable Farewell Dinner, bringing together participants, KASYP alumni, and distinguished guests to celebrate a week of learning, dialogue, and lasting friendships.

Five days. Countless conversations. New perspectives. Lifelong connections.

From political parties and election campaigns to democratic institutions, local governance, digital communication, and parliamentary politics, KASYP 17.2 once again demonstrated the power of dialogue in shaping the next generation of political leaders across Asia.

Thank you to all our speakers, partners, alumni, and participants for making this an unforgettable week. Until the next KASYP! 🌏✨

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Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
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