The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is pleased to announce that it has joined Catalyste+, a Canadian economic development organization, as an implementing partner on the Innovative Leadership for Equitable & Accessible Democracy (i-LEAD) project in three Indo-Pacific countries: Mongolia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
i-LEAD is a three-year initiative, funded through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which focuses on strengthening civil society and democratic spaces by promoting inclusive governance, gender equality, human rights, and digital transformation. The aim is to assess the implementation of key digital transformation initiatives in Mongolia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, in particular, how governments in these countries are using digital tools and platforms to increase access to services and markets for marginalized populations. The project will also examine how these initiatives expand the participation of women and marginalized populations in the digital economy and increase access to government services and supports.
In addition, the i-LEAD project will explore how Vietnam’s National Action Plan on Responsible Business Practices can serve as a strategic tool for micro, small, and medium enterprises to access global supply chains under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), of which both Vietnam and Canada are members.
The project’s activities, which will conclude in early 2028, were determined based on input from governments, public institutions, civil society organizations, communities, and international bodies in the three target economies. This input highlighted opportunities in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies and frameworks related to inclusive governance, as well as the need for greater capacity to review, amend, and integrate gender-responsive strategies and services into national planning and budgeting. Inclusive governance, especially within digital transformation processes, and a lack of awareness of civil society's rights and responsibilities, remain challenges in the three countries.
“Catalyste+ is delighted to formalize this partnership with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada,” said Wendy Harris, President & CEO of Catalyste+. “Our joint activities under the i-LEAD project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, will provide important insights on how responsible business practices and digital transformation can stimulate economic growth and trade, strengthen governance, and expand opportunities for women and marginalized communities. This work is essential to building a more inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific where Canada can play a meaningful and constructive role.”
Added APF Canada President and CEO Jeff Nankivell: “This joint initiative draws on the strengths of both of our organizations to elevate the participation of women and marginalized populations in the increasingly dynamic digital economies of the Philippines, Vietnam, and Mongolia. At APF Canada, we share the belief that locally driven, inclusive, and sustainable growth builds stronger economies that support pathways for co-operation and collaboration between Canada and its partners in the Indo-Pacific.”
