Sabah, Malaysia | 7–10 April 2026
Across Asia, Indigenous communities continue to strengthen solidarity, reclaim their rights, and build their own pathways toward self-determined futures. From 7–10 April 2026, IPAS Fund convened its first Regional Learning Exchange in Sabah, Malaysia, bringing together Indigenous leaders and representatives from across the region under the theme “Strengthening Indigenous Institutions Across Asia.”
The gathering marked an important milestone for IPAS Fund as it created a regional space for Country Steering Committees (CSCs), Sectoral Committees, and Indigenous leaders to learn from one another, reflect on experiences, and strengthen collective efforts toward Indigenous-led funding.
As IPAS Fund continues to grow and expand its reach across the region, strengthening Indigenous institutions has become increasingly important. Building institutional readiness at the country and regional levels is essential to ensure that Indigenous organizations can effectively manage resources, govern funding mechanisms, and support communities as the scale of funding increases in the future.
Bringing Together Diverse Indigenous Voices
The Regional Learning Exchange brought together more than 30 participants from 11 countries across Asia, representing Indigenous organizations, Country Steering Committees, and Sectoral Committees for Indigenous women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Participants came from diverse geographical, cultural, and political contexts, yet shared common experiences of defending Indigenous rights, protecting territories, strengthening community institutions, and seeking more equitable access to resources.
More than a meeting, the exchange became a space for connection—a space where diverse voices, cultures, and experiences came together with a shared purpose. Participants built relationships grounded in solidarity, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to strengthening Indigenous institutions throughout Asia.
Strengthening Indigenous Institutions for Future Growth
A key objective of the Regional Learning Exchange was to strengthen Indigenous institutions and governance systems to prepare for the future growth of Indigenous-led funding in Asia.
As IPAS Fund continues to expand its grant-making across Asia, the roles of the Country Steering Committees (CSCs) and Sectoral Committees (SCs) have become increasingly important. These committees are responsible for key functions such as reviewing and approving grants, overseeing grant implementation, ensuring accountability, and maintaining close engagement with Indigenous communities. Strengthening their capacity is therefore essential to enable them to carry out these responsibilities effectively, ensure that funding reaches communities in a timely and transparent manner, and uphold the Indigenous-led values and principles that guide IPAS Fund.
Participants discussed institutional challenges and opportunities, including governance structures, financial management, transparency, decision-making processes, and community accountability. The exchange provided a valuable opportunity for committees to learn from one another and identify good practices that can be adapted across countries.
Building strong Indigenous institutions is not only about improving organizational systems. It is also about ensuring that Indigenous Peoples themselves are prepared to lead, manage, and sustain larger funding mechanisms in the future.
As the demand for direct funding continues to grow, strengthening Indigenous institutions becomes a critical foundation for scaling up Indigenous-led funds while maintaining trust, accountability, and community ownership.
Learning From Indigenous-Led Funding Practices
Over the three days, participants engaged in deep discussions, reflection sessions, and peer learning activities. The exchange provided opportunities for participants to share experiences in managing Indigenous-led funds, strengthening governance systems, and supporting grassroots initiatives.
Discussions focused on how funding mechanisms can become more accessible, responsive, and accountable to communities. Participants reflected on practical experiences from their respective countries, highlighting both successes and challenges in implementing direct funding approaches.
The conversations emphasized that funding should not merely be viewed as a financial transaction. Rather, it should serve as a tool to strengthen Indigenous movements, support self-determination, and reinforce community institutions.
Across the discussions, participants consistently highlighted the importance of trust, transparency, and Indigenous leadership as the foundation of effective funding mechanisms.
As the first Regional Learning Exchange organized by IPAS Fund, the gathering in Sabah represented not the end of a conversation, but the continuation of a shared journey. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Indigenous institutions, improving funding practices, and preparing their organizations and governance bodies for the future growth of Indigenous-led funding in Asia. By investing in institutional capacity, leadership, accountability, and regional solidarity, IPAS Fund and its partners are laying the foundation for scaling up Indigenous-led funding mechanisms that remain accountable to communities and guided by Indigenous values. Together, Indigenous Peoples across Asia are building pathways toward resilience, dignity, and self-determined futures. Through solidarity, shared learning, and community-led approaches, Indigenous institutions continue to grow stronger and more connected across the region.
IPAS Fund extends its sincere appreciation to PACOS Trust for serving as the local host of the Regional Learning Exchange in Sabah, Malaysia. Their team worked tirelessly to coordinate logistics, facilitate local arrangements, and warmly welcome participants from across Asia. Their dedication and hospitality ensured that participants felt welcomed and supported throughout the event, contributing significantly to the success of the Regional Learning Exchange.
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