Division Asia
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is represented in Asia with five offices in Bangkok, New Delhi, Beijing, Seoul and Phnom Penh. From there, we support partner projects in the countries of the region. Our Afghanistan programme is implemented by a local partner organization, and you can find our articles, publications and events here.
Thematic focuses
Event recording
27. March 2025 I Jointly organized by Heinrich Böll Foundation & Berlin Contemporary China Network & Dialogue.Earth
Interpreting China’s Environmental Politics at Home and Abroad - Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
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In this discussion with leading experts on China’s environmental politics at home and abroad, the Heinrich Böll Foundation, together with the Berlin Contemporary China Network (BCCN) and Dialogue.Earth, explores the role of the state in shaping domestic environmental policy and extending its influence in the Global South.
The first panel focuses on how performativity and coercion shape China’s environmental governance at home. It examines how symbolic actions, historical memory, and bureaucratic practices impact policy outcomes. The second panel moves beyond the domestic sphere to consider China’s behaviour in and with the Global South—asking how internal logics are projected abroad, and how green transitions, extractivism, and climate diplomacy are approached by Chinese actors.
(...) the Party has led the eco-civilization agenda — even as it has managed to quite successfully denigrate or squash a lot of the grassroots energy — that effectively laid down the groundwork for China’s model of 'pollute first and clean up later.Sam Geall PhD
Videos
For us, this land is like our Mother, this forest is like our Father, and the rivers are like our blood vessels. All of these belong to us.Bandi Anak Ragai "Apai Janggut
Guardians of Sungai Utik: Ecological Wisdom of The Dayak Iban of Kalimantan - Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia
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Guardians of Sungai Utik
The Southeast Asia Regional Office of the Heinrich Böll Foundation visited Sungai Utik in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and met Apai Janggut along with two other generations of the Dayak Iban. This indigenous community has successfully defended their land against illegal logging and corporate interests. In inspiring conversations, they share their ecological wisdom and demonstrate how humans and nature can coexist in harmony.
"Guardians of Sungai Utik" is a compelling short documentary about their resistance, culture, and vision for a sustainable future.
Island of Memory: Ecological Wisdom of Sea People in Krabi, Thailand - Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia
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Island of Memory: Ecological Wisdom of Sea People in Krabi, Thailand
Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia Regional Office visited Koh Cham Island in Krabi Province, Thailand, and spoke with Ms. Naree Wongsachon, an Urak Lawoi community leader and Indigenous people's rights defender. Throughout our conversation, we learned about the ecological wisdom of the indigenous community of Urak Lawoi or the Sea People, and their efforts to maintain a way of life aligned with natural laws, despite challenges posed by the mainstream tourism industry and climate change. We also learned that Urak Lawoi women are significant actors in passing down local knowledge to future generations, as well as playing an important role in supporting their families and communities. Expressing hope, Ms. Naree conveyed that, believing in the coexistence of nature and people, we must respect nature through how we use and care for it.
Promoting a Greener World through Music: Interview with Robi Navicula - Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia
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Promoting a Greener World through Music: Interview with Robi Navicula
In this exclusive interview, hbs sits down with Gede Robi, lead singer and guitarist of Navicula, to explore his nearly three-decade journey of blending powerful music with environmental activism. Robi shares the principles driving his mission, the obstacles facing environmental advocates, and the need for cultural shifts toward sustainability. He reveals how he infuses his songs with environmental messages to inspire action against climate change and encourage care for the planet. Through his music and activism, Robi calls on everyone to unite for a greener, more sustainable future.
The Stories from Johor Strait: Fishery, Marine Conversation, and Citizen Science - Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia
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The Stories from Johor Strait: Fishery, Marine Conversation, and Citizen Science
The Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia Regional Office visited Mukim Tanjung Kupang in Johor, Malaysia, near the Singapore border, to explore the intersection of fishing and nature conservation. In this short documentary, local fisherman and entrepreneur Mr. Shalan bin Jum'at, conservationist Dr. Serina Rahman, and a group of passionate local and international youths share their insights on marine conservation and citizen science. Their stories highlight the importance of protecting our oceans and inspire proactive action for a sustainable future.
Fightback Sea Abrasion: Adapting to Climate Change in Central Java - Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia
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Fightback Sea Abrasion: Adapting to Climate Change in Central Java
In this short documentary, the Southeast Asia Regional Office of the Heinrich Böll Foundation tells the story of Pasijah, a woman from Central Java who is on the frontlines of the fight against the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels and uncontrolled development have drastically altered her life and that of her family. Yet, she refuses to give up: for the past 20 years, she has been planting and nurturing mangroves to protect her homeland. Her story represents women in coastal communities worldwide who, despite adversity, adapt and fight for a better future.
The Mekong River — Concerns, Struggles and Hopes with Tipakson Manpati - Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia
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The Mekong River — Concerns, Struggles and Hopes with Tipakson Manpati
We went to Northeast Thailand or the Isaan region with Tipakson Manpati to hear stories from local people who live along the Mekong River, sharing their concerns, struggles and hopes about the river which is so important to them and the future generations.
Unexpected Turns: About democracy in Southeast Asia
In the four years since the coup in Thailand, the military junta has consistently consolidated its power. In neighboring Malaysia, on the other hand, the parliamentary elections in May 2018 saw a democratic change of power for more than 50 years. What do these developments mean for Southeast Asia? A discussion with Bernice Chauly, author, Malaysia; Prabda Yoon, author, Thailand; Moderation: Manfred Hornung, Office Manager, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Southeast Asia.
Short film "The Sharp Edge of Peace"
The short film "The Sharp Edge of Peace", supported by the Heinrich Böll Foundation, accompanies and portrays Fatima Gailani, Fawzia Koofi, Habiba Sarabi, and Sharifa Zurmati, the only female members of the Afghan government delegation to the intra-Afghan peace negotiations in Doha, which began in September 2020. The short-film highlights the important role of these four women in defending women's rights, human rights, and an inclusive society in Afghanistan as part of the negotiations with the Taliban.
Afghanistan
Heinrich Böll Foundation has been active in Afghanistan since 2002 and had its own office in Kabul from 2006 to 2017. During the first years, the focus of the work was on media development, women's participation, and strengthening local civil society organizations.
Over the years, the thematic focus changed to include environmental and resource issues, the role of youth in democratization processes, and foreign, peace, and security policy.
Since 2018, the foundation's work has been implemented through a partner organization in Kabul and focuses predominantly on environmental and resource issues.
This page offers a range of publications, articles and background information on the work of Heinrich Böll Foundation in Afghanistan.
Pakistan
Heinrich Böll Stiftung worked in from 1994 to 2019 with an office in Lahore, which was shifted to Islamabad in 2012. The office initially focused on ecology, democratization, and peace and security policy. Since 2015, the program's content had then focused predominantly on resource justice, energy and climate change, and gender democracy.
After 25 years of successful cooperation with Pakistani project partners, the office was closed on March 31, 2019, however the work with partner organizations mainly in the field of urban mobility continues.
On this page you will find a number of publications, articles and background information on the work of Heinrich Böll Foundation in Pakistan.