ADO 2023
This publication highlights brighter economic prospects for Asia and the Pacific amid ongoing challenges. It forecasts growth across the region’s developing economies of 4.8% this year and in 2024, up from 4.2% in 2022. Read it here.

ADO 2022
The 2022 report outlines economic prospects in developing Asia amid global turbulence and lingering pandemic risks. It discusses the implications of school closures and the conflict in Europe, and explores mobilizing taxes for development. Read it here.

ADO 2021
The 2021 report reflects on the fallout of Covid-19 and its impact on growth trajectories in Asian economies. It pinpoints new virus outbreaks and vaccine delays as key short-term risks to the region’s economic outlook, with long-term risks being consequences of prolonged unemployment and disrupted education. A thematic chapter explores the drivers and impacts of green and social finance. The infusion of private capital will be critical in boosting the funding necessary for a resilient and inclusive recovery in Asia. Read it here.

These reports examine the philanthropic contributions toward social development by the corporate sector in Pakistan.

• Corporate Philanthropy in Pakistan: Perspectives on the Giving and the Non-Giving Business Companies (2022)
• Corporate Philanthropy in Pakistan: Reflections on Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives in the COVID-19 Pandemic (2021)

The importance of operational funding for the growth and development of Hong Kong’s social sector cannot be overstated. While social delivery organizations (SDOs) need to ensure transparency and accountability in how funding is spent, funders must consider the needs of the SDOs they are supporting, beyond project funding alone.

Operational funding allows funders to support the overall mission and vision of the SDO by helping cover the crucial costs associated with keeping an organization going, including overheads, staff salaries and training, technology upgrades, facilities, and other administrative expenses. Operational funding also provides SDOs with stability and flexibility and allows them to plan for the future.

This report identifies the demands and flows of operational support for SDOs in Hong Kong. Findings reveal the essential role of operational funding in ensuring the health and wellbeing of Hong Kong’s social sector.

CAPS’ Chief Executive Ruth Shapiro shares insights on the critical role that private donors play in supporting and growing social delivery organizations, especially in times of crisis. Read here.

One year on from the start of the pandemic, this report looks at the impact that COVID-19 has had on youth-led enterprises in the Asia-Pacific. The report, conducted by Youth Co:lab in collaboration with UNDP and Citi Foundation, details how lockdowns, shrinking demand, supply chain disruptions and a credit crunch challenged these enterprises during the pandemic. It showcases a range of the innovative responses and solutions from young entrepreneurs, from pivoting business strategy, launching new products and services and transforming business models.

Findings are based on a survey conducted one-year on from the start of the crisis, which sought responses from 376 participants in 30 countries and territories in the region. Read it here.

This article argues that the locus of knowledge and power has shifted to grantees during Covid-19, who is most cognizant of the pressing needs of their communities. The immediacy and devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic is upending traditional grant-giving practices. It cites a recent study of 40 grantmakers and grantees that indicate a desire to continue recalibrating industry practices to allow efficient responses to locally-defined needs, such as less-restricted funding and less cumbersome reporting requirements. The authors offer recommendations on how to build off a new dynamic relationship between Global North and Global South philanthropic organizations—one that allows for more local capacity development and the effective use of local knowledge. Read it here.

This presentation, based on a survey of 199 civil society organizations (CSOs) in Malaysia, analyzes the impact that Covid-19 has had on them. It spotlights the financial and operational risks for CSOs, as well as the challenges faced by communities CSOs work in such as livelihood insecurity, access to healthcare and food scarcity. Measures that CSOs can take to continue operating during the pandemic and the role that the government can play in supporting them are also discussed.

Read it here.

This report looks at the contribution of Indian civil society organizations (CSOs) during the pandemic period and the challenges they faced in the process. A survey of 577 respondents from CSOs in India’s 26 States and 4 Union Territories was conducted to uncover the types of Covid-related support CSOs provided, from medical supplies, blood donations to the provision of basic necessities. Beyond their support for communities, the research also assessed the difficulties for CSOs in mobilizing financial and other resources to support relief work.

Read it here.

This brief advocates for civil society organizations (CSO) to take an active role in Covid-19 response programs to complement government efforts. It highlights the success of CSOs in delivering social programs in Asia Pacific, including immunization and social protection programs. A framework for governments to expand CSO engagement in Covid-19 response programs is offered, specifying six programmatic areas for CSO intervention. These are: vaccine distribution, community outreach and surveillance; verification of civil vaccine-related works; gaps in vaccine service delivery; inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable people in remote areas; and assisting audit and anti-corruption agencies. Read it here.

This report examines the response of Thai society during the Covid-19 pandemic. It details the contributions of various sectors—government, private sector, the public and civil society—including how these different sectors united to meet rising needs. The role of village health volunteers and the impact of the pandemic on the NGO sector are spotlighted.

The report relies on data from an opinion survey of 1,315 Thai respondents to support its findings. Read it here.