The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Graduate School of Public Management (GSPM), formalised a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 15 July 2026. The agreement marks an important milestone in advancing knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and capacity development between Asia and Europe.
Held in a hybrid format, the ceremony connected DAP-GSPM officials at the DAP Headquarters in Pasig City with ASEF representatives participating online, reflecting both institutions’ commitment to inclusive, cross-regional cooperation. Senior leaders from DAP and ASEF underlined the vital role of international partnerships in strengthening public sector institutions and promoting excellence in governance.
Representing ASEF Executive Director Ambassador Beata Stoczynska, Deputy Executive Director Zhang Lei conveyed her warm greetings and appreciation to DAP for the trust and commitment placed in this collaboration. He emphasised that the MoU is “more than a formal document; it is a shared commitment to building sustainable knowledge exchange platforms that can help us address both regional and global challenges,” including climate resilience, digital transformation, public sector innovation, and inclusive governance.
By bringing together ASEF’s mandate to connect the peoples of Asia and Europe with DAP’s long-standing expertise in public sector capability development, the partnership lays the foundation for a structured, long-term collaboration. ASEF and DAP-GSPM envisage co-created learning platforms that are technically sound, context-aware, people-centred, and responsive to the realities of both regions.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in key areas such as joint training programmes, knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and joint knowledge product development that highlight practical innovations from Asia and Europe. In doing so, the partners aim to empower current and future leaders to design solutions that are informed by evidence, enriched by comparative perspectives, and grounded in local realities. This build upon existing initial collaborations between DAP and ASEF’s Education Department, which ASEF looks forward to strengthening through this MoU.
Mr Zhang noted that both institutions share a firm belief that sustainable development depends on strong institutions and capable people, and that investing in knowledge exchange is central to building the capacity underpinning effective governance and resilient communities. Looking ahead, he expressed ASEF’s hope that this agreement will become “a living platform” that evolves through joint initiatives, shared research, and sustained engagement with practitioners and stakeholders across the Asia-Europe network.
On behalf of ASEF, Mr Zhang extended sincere thanks to DAP Acting President and CEO Dr Leocadio S. Sebastian, Senior Vice President and GSPM Dean Dr Lizan E. Perante-Calina, and the DAP team for their partnership. ASEF looks forward to building an enduring collaboration that serves the two regions and the wider international community.
