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. 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.

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.

The theme of the 4th Congress, “Philanthropy’s Role in a Fragmented 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.

Unlike government or business, philanthropy can act early — testing new approaches, supporting marginalized communities, and filling gaps in areas such as disaster resilience, health, education, disability inclusion, and peacebuilding. These are sectors where Philippine foundations and social development organizations have long played a crucial role, often serving as first responders and innovation partners in vulnerable communities.

The Congress aimed to: strengthen networks among philanthropic and business leaders across Asia; provide a platform for addressing regional and global challenges through dialogue; and generate momentum for joint initiatives and solution-oriented alliances.

The opening program set a powerful tone, featuring performances by differently-abled artists, including blind pianist Koshi Kishita, deaf performer Aki, and Paralympian nurse Manami Ito, who plays the violin with a prosthetic arm. Their performances reflected The Nippon Foundation’s strong commitment to disability inclusion – a reminder for Philippine institutions to continue advancing meaningful participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in development programs.

The formal opening address was delivered by Mr. Takeju Ogata, chairman of The Nippon Foundation. The opening plenary, “Collective Action Toward the Future of Asia: Inclusion as a Key to Social Innovation,” emphasized that empowering Asia requires collaboration rooted in respect for diversity — across gender, culture, and abilities.

The afternoon featured 10 breakout sessions covering themes such as health, disability, disaster resilience, and social innovation. Notably, Filipino participation was visible and impactful. Ms. Susan Afan of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation moderated Session 5, “Inspire, Interconnect, Ignite Action,” joined by fellow panelists including Atty. Joey Ochave of Unilab Foundation. Highlighting the Philippines’ active role in regional philanthropic conversations, also present were Mr. Tony Lambino, president of Ayala Foundation, and Ms. Pauline Landicho, partnership director of CARD MRI.

On the sidelines of the Congress, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, The Nippon Foundation’s Chairman Emeritus. Our discussion explored potential areas of support for Muslim Mindanao, particularly in health initiatives and peacebuilding. Mr. Sasakawa’s extensive work — as Japan’s Special Envoy for peace processes and United Nations Ambassador for Leprosy Eradication — underscored the importance of sustained international solidarity in fragile and conflict-affected areas.

The Congress concluded with a two-day exposure and site visit in Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture, where I joined 14 other CEOs and senior leaders selected for the annual retreat. Unnan City, a mountainous municipality facing population decline and rapid aging, is pioneering community-driven and collaborative approaches to local development.

The visit offered valuable lessons for Philippine development practitioners, particularly on how local governments, universities, chambers of commerce, and non-profits can work closely to build resilient and inclusive communities. Despite limited resources, Unnan’s emphasis on local leadership, citizen participation, and cross-sector collaboration provides practical insights for rural and aging communities.

Several participants expressed interest in future exchange programs with Unnan City, signaling opportunities for learning partnerships that could benefit Philippine institutions grappling with similar demographic and development challenges.

The 4th Asia Philanthropy Congress reinforced a critical message: in an increasingly uncertain world, philanthropy must be bold, collaborative, and deeply rooted in inclusion. For the Philippines, the Congress affirmed that our development challenges — and solutions — are part of a broader Asian story, one that is best addressed through shared learning, collective action, and sustained partnerships.

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"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."- Vincent Van Gogh