A Region Transformed: The Power of Regional Cooperation
Regional integration and cooperation have been central to Asia-Pacific’s transformation over recent decades—and they will be even more critical in the years ahead, said UNOSSC Trust Funds Director Grace Wang at the recent Boao Forum for Asia Conference 2025.
At a time of global inflection, Asia-Pacific, as the largest contributor to global GDP, holds the potential to shape the world’s future trajectory. South-South and triangular cooperation can help ensure continued global progress and stability by anchoring regional integration in principles of solidarity and mutual benefit.
At the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 (25–28 March), UNOSSC Trust Funds Director Grace Wang reaffirmed this message, emphasizing that solidarity among neighbors and regionally-coordinated growth strategies have underpinned Asia-Pacific’s remarkable rise. Sixty years ago, it was the poorest region in the world; today, it generates nearly half of global GDP and has lifted 1.5 billion people out of extreme poverty “within just two generations.”
South-South Cooperation: From Recipient to Partner
Asia-Pacific’s transformation also changed the nature of development cooperation. Once recipients of aid, many countries in the region are now donors or providers of funds and expertise, prioritizing partnerships with neighbors while extending support through trade, investment, and technical exchange with other regions.
This model reflects the founding principles of South-South and triangular cooperation, which originated in the region at the Bandung Conference in 1955. As the region continues to navigate uncertainty and complexity, these cooperation modalities remain vital.
Emerging Risks and Regional Vulnerabilities
Global and regional shifts – economic, political, and environmental – threaten the gains made. As the UN Secretary-General noted earlier this year, the path forward is uneven: global growth is forecast at just 2.8% in 2025, while rising fragmentation could shrink global GDP by up to 7%. Natural disasters, already responsible for significant economic losses, are expected to intensify. Geopolitical tensions may further disrupt trade, investments, and supply chains.
Despite expected growth of 4.5%, the Asia-Pacific region remains highly vulnerable – especially to climate change and disasters. It is the most disaster-prone region in the world, with climate-related and water-induced hazards threatening food security, livelihoods, and a substantial portion of global food trade (25% of exports and 27% of imports).
Urbanization is another defining trend. As Asia’s cities expand – contributing already to 80% of global GDP – the need for resilient, well-managed, and environmentally sustainable urban growth becomes more pressing. The way the region plans, connects, and governs its cities will influence how equitably the economic benefits are shared.
Reinforcing Cooperation to Safeguard the Future
To meet these challenges, the region must act collectively and strategically, recognizing the interdependence of economies and futures. South-South and triangular cooperation provide a mechanism to promote a shared regional vision aligned with global stability. Institutions such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) reinforce this commitment – its Putrajaya Vision 2040 affirms values such as equal partnership, shared responsibility, mutual respect, and common interest.
These are the very values underpinning South-South and triangular cooperation. As a modality, they enable cross-border dialogue, exchange of relevant and practical solutions, and access to resources and expertise without burden. Regional cooperation through South-South and triangular cooperation capitalizes on proximity – in geography and experience – to shape common futures.
Regional Integration in the Digital Era
Looking ahead, regional integration must evolve. Traditional models – centered on trade agreements and physical infrastructure – are no longer sufficient. In the digital age, integration also requires seamless digital connectivity, harmonized policies, secure data governance, and a workforce prepared for the digital economy.
The Asia-Pacific region has made significant strides through agreements like RCEP, CPTPP, and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement. With over 60% of the world’s internet users (ITU, 2024), Asia is transforming rapidly. Yet, challenges remain:
South-South Cooperation: From Recipient to Partner
Asia-Pacific’s transformation also changed the nature of development cooperation. Once recipients of aid, many countries in the region are now donors or providers of funds and expertise, prioritizing partnerships with neighbors while extending support through trade, investment, and technical exchange with other regions.
This model reflects the founding principles of South-South and triangular cooperation, which originated in the region at the Bandung Conference in 1955. As the region continues to navigate uncertainty and complexity, these cooperation modalities remain vital.
Emerging Risks and Regional Vulnerabilities
Global and regional shifts – economic, political, and environmental – threaten the gains made. As the UN Secretary-General noted earlier this year, the path forward is uneven: global growth is forecast at just 2.8% in 2025, while rising fragmentation could shrink global GDP by up to 7%. Natural disasters, already responsible for significant economic losses, are expected to intensify. Geopolitical tensions may further disrupt trade, investments, and supply chains.
Despite expected growth of 4.5%, the Asia-Pacific region remains highly vulnerable – especially to climate change and disasters. It is the most disaster-prone region in the world, with climate-related and water-induced hazards threatening food security, livelihoods, and a substantial portion of global food trade (25% of exports and 27% of imports).
Urbanization is another defining trend. As Asia’s cities expand – contributing already to 80% of global GDP – the need for resilient, well-managed, and environmentally sustainable urban growth becomes more pressing. The way the region plans, connects, and governs its cities will influence how equitably the economic benefits are shared.
Reinforcing Cooperation to Safeguard the Future
To meet these challenges, the region must act collectively and strategically, recognizing the interdependence of economies and futures. South-South and triangular cooperation provide a mechanism to promote a shared regional vision aligned with global stability. Institutions such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) reinforce this commitment – its Putrajaya Vision 2040 affirms values such as equal partnership, shared responsibility, mutual respect, and common interest.
These are the very values underpinning South-South and triangular cooperation. As a modality, they enable cross-border dialogue, exchange of relevant and practical solutions, and access to resources and expertise without burden. Regional cooperation through South-South and triangular cooperation capitalizes on proximity – in geography and experience – to shape common futures.
Regional Integration in the Digital Era
Looking ahead, regional integration must evolve. Traditional models – centered on trade agreements and physical infrastructure – are no longer sufficient. In the digital age, integration also requires seamless digital connectivity, harmonized policies, secure data governance, and a workforce prepared for the digital economy.
The Asia-Pacific region has made significant strides through agreements like RCEP, CPTPP, and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement. With over 60% of the world’s internet users (ITU, 2024), Asia is transforming rapidly. Yet, challenges remain:
- Over 60% of Asian countries have inconsistent data and cybersecurity laws (UNCTAD, 2023).
- 47% of the workforce lacks digital skills to fully engage in the digital economy (ILO, 2023).
- Only 14 out of 48 economies meet international standards for data protection (Global Data Privacy Tracker, 2024).
- Supporting regulatory harmonization for cross-border data and digital trade
- Advancing digital skills development in AI, cybersecurity, and data science
- Promoting data-driven solutions for sustainable development
- Building regional frameworks for trusted, interoperable digital commerce
