New Philanthropic Communities to Boost Energy Transition and Maternal, Child Health

With Asia grappling with challenges in shifting to clean energy sources and reducing preventable deaths among women and children, two new communities of givers were launched on May 5 to accelerate the search for solutions in these areas.

- Zachary Lim

These philanthropic groupings, called the Health for Human Potential community and the Just Energy Transition (JET) community, were introduced during the Philanthropy Asia Summit convened by the Temasek Trust-backed Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA). The event was held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

These communities serve as platforms for collaboration among alliance members keen on funding initiatives under the different themes.

"The communities initiative was born from a simple idea: that we can do more, and do better, when we act together," said PAA chief executive Shaun Seow.

"To drive deep impact, it is critical for PAA to provide focused platforms for collaboration, apart from industry convenings such as the Philanthropy Asia Summit."

The JET community, led by Tara Climate Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies, will help to hasten Asia's energy transition away from pollutive fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.

PAA and Tara Climate Foundation did not disclose how much they will commit to fund projects.

According to the Climate Works Funding Trends 2024 report, just 20 per cent of philanthropic funding reached Asia, Africa and Latin America combined between 2019 and 2023, compared with the nearly 60 per cent that flowed to the US and Europe.

JET seeks to close this gap, said PAA.