Action Asia is a continental structure in the Asia-Pacific region supported by ACTION-Global, alongside ACTION-Americas, ACTION-Europe and Middle East, and Coalition for Peace in Africa, or COPA. The network of Action Asia was formed in March 2000 through the initiative of six core group members from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. For almost ten years now, Action Asia is proud to have over 300 members from 17 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The network is directed by the Action Asia Leadership Forum which occurs every two years. The Leadership Forum is composed of individuals who either act as a consultant or trainer for Action Asia or those who have demonstrated a commitment to strengthening relationships and ties within the network and peacebuilding community writ large.
Action Asia brings together practitioners, researchers, academes in the field of conflict transformation and peacebuilding from the Asia-Pacific region in order to provide ongoing support, follow up trainings, and to more fully contextualize learning and knowledge on this field. Furthermore, Action Asia provides a safe forum to exchange learning and experiences, across contextual boundaries, in order to further develop theory and praxis of peacebuilding and conflict transformation.
The network has strategically worked on conflict issues affecting several countries within the Asia continent. Initially, Action Asia was focused on helping in strengthening the capacity of peace practitioners in Myanmar. Action Asia has since expanded its operations, and now works in five different contexts (for more, see Programs). Action Asia hopes not only to be a network which serves the people of the Asia-Pacific region but also those seeking peace in other regions. It is envisaged that in areas such as interfaith dialogue, Action Asia and the African network of COPA have much to learn from each other. Colleagues and associates in the Americas have already expressed interest in exchange visits between the regions and various issues surrounding post-conflict societies.
From 2000-2008 the Cambodia-based Alliance for Conflict Transformation (ACT) housed Action Asia. In March 2008 Action Asia began operating under the legal auspices of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS), which is also based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Our vision
Action Asia carries a vision of a world of justice and peace, where basic needs are met, and dignity and human rights are respected. It is a network of individuals and organizations in the Asia-Pacific region committed to action for conflict transformation through the sharing of skills, knowledge, experiences, and resources.
Our goals
- To generate a pool of resources for peace in our organizations and communities.
- To create a space for reflection and sharing of information, resources, experiences and learning.
- To nurture and energize one another in a supportive network and to promote linkages and solidarity with others working on conflict transformation.
- To address conflict at different levels, through non-violent means and promote good governance.
- To contextualize work on conflict transformation in the region.
Our values
- Justice, equity, peace and active non-violence
- Openness, accountability, and transparency
- Tolerance, compassion, and respect for human dignity
- Co-operation and commitment
- Celebration of diversity
- Conscientization and inclusiveness