A region at a critical juncture.

Southeast Asia at a critical juncture

The region is experiencing rapid economic growth, rising energy demand, and accelerating urbanisation — all while facing disproportionate climate risks. Heatwaves, flooding, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and coastal vulnerability are intensifying across our economies. Today, Southeast Asia contributes roughly 7% of global emissions — and its emissions are still rising, projected to increase further without decisive intervention.

The region also has one of the strongest growth runways in the world: a young population, expanding middle class, strategic position in global supply chains, and abundant natural resources. If Southeast Asia can align growth with decarbonisation, it can unlock a substantial green economy opportunity spanning clean energy, nature-based solutions, climate-smart agriculture, circular manufacturing, next-generation mobility, and sustainable built environments.

There is momentum, but progress remains uneven. Unlocking the region's full potential will require accelerating several interconnected shifts across policy, finance, technology, and industry — see the 2026 theme: the Year of Resilience for how we're reading this year specifically.