In recent years, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has developed itself into a substantial regional organization with ambitious goals like the establishment of a common economic zone and a regional security apparatus. Besides that, ASEAN functions also as an ideal platform for the realization of common standards in Environmental Protection and Environmental Education. A longstanding partner regarding these efforts is the Hanns-Seidel Foundation in Indonesia, which early on advised ASEAN on the elaboration of eco-political goals and strategies. At an environmental conference in Singapore in 2003 mayors and policymakers from ASEAN member states could elaborate guidelines for ecological city development. The proposals were then, through the development of environmental indicators, further specified and for the implementation of a competition on sustainable city development validated. At the same time, HSF also supports the development of the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (AEEAP) 2008 to 2014. This plan consists of the following measures: advanced training for leaders, joint environmental campaigns and the development of standards for a broad Green School network in ASEAN member states. The work of the HSF was appreciated by ASEAN during two outstanding events at the end of this year. Within the framework of the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Film Festival on sustainable development and the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable City Award, at which cities in ASEAN, which show an exemplary ecological development, were awarded.

These measures on political level are enhanced through on site activities in Indonesia. Continually teachers and school officials are trained through working materials of HSF on Environmental Education, recently also on issues of Climate Change. Additionally an advanced training program, which aims at the bonding of sustainable development and Islamic spirituality, was developed in cooperation with the Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic mass organization in Indonesia. This program is particularly directed towards religious leaders, heads of Islamic boarding schools and their students.