Southeast Asia represents one of the most climate change-vulnerable regions in the world. However, compounding the climate crisis are socioeconomic and geopolitical challenges that shape the unequal distribution of ecological burdens across communities. In their talks, Wirjawan and Morales explore where these intersecting vulnerabilities create opportunities for policy innovation and meaningful change across sectors and levels of governance. Wirjawan discusses the importance of regional digitalization initiatives in fostering climate resilience, with a focus on addressing gender-based differences in mobile connectivity among youth NEET (not in education, employment, or training). She will also evaluate the strategic implications of the recently published ASEAN Community Vision 2045 within the framework of regional demographic shifts and digital transformation in advancing social inclusion. Meanwhile, Morales provides insights on how local governments in the region are responding to the climate crisis through norm “localization,” with the example of city-level adoption of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. By exploring the collaborative nature of these planning practices, the cases demonstrate how local governments fill resource and technical state capacity gaps, and in doing so develop innovative climate action projects through city-to-city learning and advocacy networks. Together, both talks highlight the agency of local communities and governments in paving the way for the region’s sustainable future from the bottom-up. 
 

Speakers

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Yasmin Wirjawan joins the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC) as a visiting scholar from 2024 to 2026. Her research focuses on economic participation and climate change resilience among women and youth in Southeast Asia. She has over 20 years of experience serving on corporate and nonprofit boards across diverse industries. She also serves as Independent Commissioner of TBS Energi Utama, Advisor to Ancora Group and Sweef Capital, and leads the Ancora Foundation. Wirjawan holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation and a MSc in Management and Systems from New York University. She also earned a MSc in Finance from Brandeis University and BA in International Business from the American University of Paris.

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Gaea Morales is the 2025-26 Shorenstein Postdoctoral Fellow on Contemporary Asia at APARC. Her work studies how global norms translate into local action, with a focus on cities, global environmental governance, and human rights. Her book project explores both the motivations and mechanisms by which cities “localize” (i.e., translate) environmental norms using case studies of Southeast Asia’s coastal capitals. She received her MA and PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Southern California, and her BA in Diplomacy and World Affairs and French Studies from Occidental College. Her work is also informed by past experiences in international and local agencies, including UNDP Philippines and the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of International Affairs. Beginning Fall 2026, she will be joining Loyola University Chicago as the Helen Houlahan Rigali Assistant Professor of Political Science.