~New US$200,000 effort to build regional leadership ahead of the 2026 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) Meetings from on October 12-18 in Bangkok
~Grant to scale Asian-led solutions and connect capital to communities across the region, lifting vulnerable people out of poverty and facilitating sustainable economic opportunities
BANGKOK | SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 — The Rockefeller Foundation announced its support to AVPN’s new Asia Partnership for Investment in Resilient Economies (ASPIRE) to strengthen development finance and support vulnerable communities across Asia. The Rockefeller Foundation has announced a US$200,000 grant through its Asia Regional Office to help advance this effort.
The multi-stakeholder ASPIRE initiative aims to scale Asian-led financing solutions that address development challenges while connecting capital to community-driven efforts that help improve lives and livelihoods. As Asia prepares to lead 2026 IMF and WBG Annual Meetings in Bangkok, ASPIRE is working to close the region’s US$2.5 trillion Sustainable Development Goals financing gap by bringing together leaders across government, philanthropy, development finance, and the private sector to shape inclusive, sustainable finance pathways.
“This is a defining moment for Asia to lead and shape financial systems that work for its people and priorities,” said Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN. “Through ASPIRE, we are building on our mission to move capital towards impact by supporting homegrown solutions that deliver resilience and inclusive growth. Support from The Rockefeller Foundation strengthens our ability to bring regional leadership into global finance conversations and turn shared priorities into action.”
Beginning with a high-level convening at The Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center earlier this year, ASPIRE brought together 22 high-impact leaders to align on the initiative’s regional priorities of supporting community-driven development and connecting policy to investment. The discussions have laid the foundation for an Outcomes Report, an Action Brief for the 2026 IMF and WBG Meetings, and a High-Level Ambassador Group to drive coordination across the region and global finance forums.
These engagements led by ASPIRE’s Ambassador Group will encourage further discourse across major policy platforms such as the United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Financing Development Forum (FFD4), 2025 IMF and WBG Fall Meetings, AsiaXchange 2025, COP30 and 2026 IMF and WBG Meetings to build momentum and ensure that Asia’s priorities are reflected in global sustainable finance discussions and decisions. The initiative is focused on ensuring that Asian priorities are not only reflected in global discussions about development finance, but also shape policies, capital flows, and investment frameworks.
“Asia is home to many of the world’s fastest-growing economies, most vulnerable communities, and boldest financial innovations,” said Deepali Khanna, Head of Asia Regional Office at The Rockefeller Foundation. “We have long believed that community-led, regional solutions are key to closing the development finance gap. Supporting AVPN through ASPIRE is part of our continued effort to strengthen Asia’s leadership, connect policy to investment, and unlock opportunity where it’s needed most.”
The Rockefeller Foundation’s support for ASPIRE reflects its broader commitment to advancing climate resilience, sustainable finance, and inclusive growth, while expanding economic opportunity for vulnerable communities through cross-sector collaboration and local leadership.
About AVPN
AVPN is the largest network of social investors in Asia, comprising over 600 funders and resource providers across 33 markets. With over a decade of expertise and deep understanding of regulatory and process requirements, our mission is to increase the flow and effectiveness of financial, human, and intellectual capital in Asia by enabling members to channel resources towards impact. As an ecosystem builder, AVPN enables its members to connect, learn, act, and lead across key pillars and improve the effectiveness of deployed capital, bringing local field needs, regional expertise, and policy insights to the forefront. For more information about AVPN, please visit our website and read our latest Annual Review 2023/24.
About The Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.
