Insights into how philanthropy can respond more effectively to today’s challenges

From Dec. 3 to 6, 2025, I had the privilege of participating in the 4th Asia Philanthropy Congress in Tokyo, Japan, followed by a two-day exposure and site visit program in Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture.

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Hosted by The Nippon Foundation, the Congress was held on Dec. 4 at the InterContinental Tokyo Bay and brought together more than 200 leaders from philanthropic organizations, business, civil society, and development institutions across Asia.For Philippine foundations and development organizations, the Congress offered timely insights into how philanthropy can respond more effectively to today’s intersecting challenges: rising inequality, climate and disaster risks, social fragmentation, and persistent development gaps.

A platform for Asian Philanthropic collaboration

Launched in 2022, the Asia Philanthropy Congress was established to strengthen collaboration among foundations and philanthropic leaders working on complex social challenges across the region. Over the past years, Congress participants have emphasized the importance of transcending organizational, sectoral, and national boundaries — an approach particularly relevant for the Philippines, where inclusive growth requires sustained partnerships among government, civil society, private sector, and international allies.

The Congress provides space not only for dialogue, but also for co-creation — exploring innovative ways to mobilize resources, share knowledge, and scale solutions that can work across diverse Asian contexts.

Philanthropy in a fragmented world

The theme of the 4th Congress, “Philanthropy’s Role inaFragmented and Uncertain World,” resonated strongly with participants. Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, widening inequalities, and increasingly frequent disasters, the Congress revisited the unique role of philanthropy as a flexible, risk-taking, and catalytic force.