Event-Water at the Core: Accelerating Climate Adaptation in Southeast Asia

The session highlighted water’s vital role in shaping economies, communities, and climate resilience at a convening of more than 100 guests from 70 countries.

It brought together business leaders, investors, and changemakers to explore innovative financing, market opportunities, and cross-sector partnerships that can unlock real solutions for a water-secure, climate-resilient future.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, and Sustainability & the Environment, Mr Baey Yam Keng, delivered special remarks recognising the critical role of local partners and NGOs in climate adaptation.

Programme highlights:

A preview of a position paper for climate adaptation through water and climate financing action
A high-level panel discussion on business opportunities in climate adaptation and pathways to mobilising finance for water projects
A project showcase to highlight critical challenges and present bold, actionable solutions for Southeast Asia’s water-related climate adaptation needs

The event surfaced key takeaways on how Southeast Asia can accelerate climate adaptation through water, finance, and innovation.

Key takeaways include:

Water as a Lever for Resilience - Water is a powerful entry point for driving inclusive climate adaptation in Southeast Asia. Locally led solutions exist, but scaling them requires long-term thinking, community ownership, and stronger alignment across sectors.
Catalysing Climate Finance through Greater Risk Assessment - Recognising climate-related risks to operations and markets in the near to medium term will drive greater investment in adaptation. Unlocking financing will require better risk data, de-risking tools, and blended finance models and projects. These will better demonstrate resilience outcomes and shared values to attract better financing.
Innovation Needs an Enabling Ecosystem - New solutions cannot scale without clear demand, regulatory support, and committed partners. Governments and investors must help create the conditions for innovation to take root and grow.

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"Water at the Core: Accelerating Climate Adaptation in Southeast Asia" is a partner event of Ecosperity Week 2025 by Temasek.

Water at the Core: Accelerating Climate Adaptation in Southeast Asia

The session highlighted water’s vital role in shaping economies, communities, and climate resilience at a convening of more than 100 guests from 70 countries.

Ecosperity Week is Temasek’s annual flagship sustainability event.