23 July 2024, Yokohama, Japan — The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN), in collaboration with Future Earth Japan and the Institute for Global Environment Strategies (IGES), organised the parallel session “Partnership for Sustainability” at the International Forum for Sustainable Asia and the Pacific 2024 (ISAP 2024). The session underscored the role of partnerships in addressing global change challenges and advancing sustainability.

Dr Linda Stevenson, Acting Director of the APN Secretariat, opened the session by emphasising the role of partnerships in fostering innovative solutions for a sustainable future, which aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 17.

The parallel session featured presentations on APN research and capacity development projects undertaken by researchers from IGES.

The first speaker, Dr Pankaj Kumar, discussed how socio-hydrological approaches can help design adaptation and mitigation measures to support sustainable water management in vulnerable riverine islands in Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam. He demonstrated how such approaches can effectively manage water resources by incorporating local knowledge into scientific models.

Dr Binaya Shivakoti, on the other hand, discussed integrating indigenous knowledge with national commitments to catalyse local adaptation innovations in Nepal, Vietnam and Fiji. He highlighted the importance of leveraging indigenous knowledge alongside modern technologies to build local capacity. The presentation emphasised the role of locally-led adaptation initiatives in promoting continuous learning and practical implementation at the local level for sustainable development.

The last speaker, Dr S.V.R.K. Prabhakar, presented APN projects focused on adaptation, loss and damage and risk insurance. He illustrated how regional partnerships enhance resilience and facilitate efficient climate adaptation and disaster reduction strategies. In this presentation, collaboration is pointed out to strengthen resilience and support the effective implementation of integrated approaches with clear incentives.

The session included a panel discussion featuring Dr Fumiko Kasuga of Future Earth Japan, who emphasised the significance of inclusiveness in fostering sustainable partnerships. Dr Kasuga further highlighted the significance of strengthening collaborative efforts between APN and Future Earth to enhance visibility and impact across the Asia-Pacific region. Moderated by Dr Ria Lambino, also from Future Earth, the panel discussed the importance of knowledge sharing, generating ownership among local stakeholders and co-creating sustainable solutions.

Dr. Nafesa Ismail from the APN Secretariat led a Mentimeter session to gather participants’ insights on important elements, challenges, and innovative approaches to successful partnerships. Trust, shared goals, and financial resources emerged as important elements, while financial constraints, diverse stakeholder objectives, and lack of accountability were identified as significant challenges.

Mr. Yukihiro Haisa, APN National Focal Point for Japan and Director of the Climate Change Science and Adaptation Office at the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, concluded the session, which was attended by over 40 in-person and 135 online participants. He emphasised the need for increased scientific knowledge and better communication with citizens, highlighting that these goals can be achieved through cooperative partnerships grounded in knowledge sharing and effective communication.

The session organised by APN aligns with ISAP 2024’s theme, “Taking an Integrated Approach to Overcome the Triple Planetary Crisis,” highlighting how integrated strategies made possible by partnerships address the issue. ISAP 2024 featured sessions that demonstrated the impact of these integrative approaches on a wide range of decisions in the Asia-Pacific region, paving the way for transformative change on a global scale.