News Blog

The third competition of the Ecothon 2024 series took place in August - September with the enthusiastic participation of 15 start-ups with innovative business ideas aiming at facilitating sustainable consumption and production (SCP) as well as a transition to circular economy not only in the Philippines but also in the ASEAN region. Following the success of Ecothon in Lao PDR and Malaysia, the third competition of Ecothon 2024 series was held in the Philippines by the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) and the ASEM SMEs Eco-Innovation Center (ASEIC) with the support of the Department of Trade and Industry and Brainsparks Inc. The competition commenced with an online training course specifically designed for participants in Ecothon in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, the...

Hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea and jointly organised by the Hanns Seidel Foundation Vietnam (HSF),  the ASEM SMEs Eco-Innovation Center (ASEIC), Ecothon is an annual competition for promising sustainable business ideas and models in selected ASEAN countries, running since 2019. This year, following the success of programme in Lao PDR, Ecothon in Malaysia was held as the second competition of the Ecothon 2024 series. In Malaysia, Ecothon 2024 was co-hosted by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD) of Malaysia and implemented by Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research (CEDAR). The programme commenced with a 3-day intensive training course led by international experts, covering critical topics such as sustainable entrepreneurship, business model...

As part of the collaboration between the ASEM SMEs Eco-Innovation Center (ASEIC) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), Ecothon in Lao PDR 2024 was held in August 2024 through a series of online and offline training, coaching, and mentoring sessions culminating to the Demo-Day on 30th August in Vientiane. Since its inception in 2019 as part of the Republic of Korea (ROK)-ASEAN Startup Partnership, Ecothon has grown into a premier platform for sustainable business model development. Co-organised by HSF and its long-standing partner ASEIC in collaboration with local partners in selected ASEAN countries, Ecothon continues to bring together innovative startups, aspiring eco-entrepreneurs, and industry experts in a dynamic competition to develop sustainable business models. Designed to promote sustainable consumption and production...

As a kick-off activity of the Ecothon-Programme, the ASEAN Sustainable Business Coach Training (ToT) was held from 22nd to 26th July 2024 with the participation of 70 business coaches and start-up accelerators from different ASEAN countries. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the training course has been organised as part of Ecothon—a competition for sustainable business models featuring comprehensive training, coaching, and mentoring sessions for startups in ASEAN. Hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Start-ups of the Republic of Korea and co-organised by the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) and the ASEM SMEs Eco-Innovation Center (ASEIC), the virtual Training Course was organised to strengthen professional capacities of business coaches, start-up accelerators and the related stakeholders in the ASEAN countries, which...

The escalating impacts of climate change, driven by human activities, continue to threaten lives, devastate ecosystems, and contribute to rising sea levels. In response, the Mid-Latitude Region and Third Pole Experts Group Meeting (EGM) convened from 18 to 23 December 2024 to explore sustainable solutions, address policy gaps, and foster community engagement in adaptation and mitigation strategies. Dr. Bernhard Seliger, Representative of HSF Korea, and Dr. Hyun-Ah Choi, Senior Researcher at HSF Korea, participated in the EGM to strengthen collaborative efforts. On the first day, Dr Seliger met with Her Majesty Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, Founding President of the Tarayana Foundation, introduced HSF Korea's activity and exchanged insights with the delegation from Nepal, Mongolia, RO Korea, and Bhutan. During...

Scientists and conservationists from across Asia convened to address the challenges facing migratory geese. Workshops and international collaborations highlighted population trends and conservation measures along flyways. Along with the Lesser White-fronted Goose, the Bar-headed Goose is one of several endangered species on the Flyways. Despite ecological importance, there is still a lack of important data on population sizes for many of these species.  Since 2022 the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) Korea has organized workshops to enhance cooperation in conserving birds and their habits on the Flyways. Notably, HSF Korea and the Wildlife Science and Conservation Centre of Mongolia co-hosted the Goose workshop on 15 August 2023; participants discussed the progress of the Central Asian Flyway Initiative. This initiative aims to unite...

On December 12th, 2024 a virtual masterclass hosted by the Hanns Seidel Foundation Korea brought together experts and stakeholders to advance efforts in protecting migratory species across the Central Asian Flyways. Dr. Seliger opened the session, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration among countries like Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to preserve vital habitats and biodiversity. Dr. Batmunkh Davaasuren of the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia (WSCCM) shared research on the bar-headed goose, a species with exceptional migratory capabilities, connecting ecosystems across China, Nepal, and Bangladesh. With a population of 30,000 in Mongolia’s mountain regions, tagged individuals have provided valuable data on migration routes, habitat use, and stopover sites. Long-term monitoring and training for local ornithologists are central to advancing...

Two delegations from the Hanns Seidel Foundation’s (HSF) Global Project for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change (GMACC) had the opportunity of participating in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The delegations included project partners from various regions within the GMACC initiative, each contributing their valuable insights and experiences in the global fight against climate change. Delegation A and B: Key Dates and Objectives Delegation A participated in the event from 11 to 17 November 2024, while Delegation B joined from 17 to 23 November 2024. The study trip provided a unique opportunity for GMACC partners to have their voices heard on the international stage, facilitating dialogue,...

Establishment of a Black Soldier Fly Excellent Centre in Mbeere North - Kenya Last week, the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Kenya Office, through funding from The Global Project for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change established a Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Excellent Centre in Mbeere North. Partner:  Fair Climate Network Africa, with its diverse ecosystems and rich agricultural potential, faces a paradox. On one hand, there is tremendous amount of biowaste generated from the agricultural sector. Approximately, one third of food produced globally is lost or wasted resulting in economic losses. At the same time, there is a constant search for sustainable solutions to mitigate climate change, revive soils, strengthen food production, and provide the population with healthy and nutritious diets at...

At UNFCCC COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the Global Project for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change (GMACC), the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) hosted an engaging and impactful side event at the Namibia Pavilion, highlighting its global initiatives in climate action, environmental sustainability, and collaborative partnerships. The event brought together thought leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across sectors to discuss innovative solutions and forge effective partnerships that will drive global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Highlighting HSF’s Global Initiatives in Climate and Sustainability The event was dedicated to showcasing HSF’s worldwide initiatives aimed at tackling climate change, protecting ecosystems, and fostering sustainable development. As the global community faces urgent environmental challenges, the event demonstrated how international cooperation...