The Innovative Leadership for Equitable and Accessible Democracy (i-LEAD) project is a three-year initiative implemented by Catalyste+ in partnership with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, funded through the Government of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. Operating across Mongolia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam, i-LEAD focuses on strengthening civil society and democratic spaces by promoting inclusive governance, gender equality, human rights, and digital transformation.
Drawing on APF Canada’s expertise in Canada–Asia relations, APF Canada will deliver high-quality research alongside virtual and in-person convenings to disseminate findings and foster dialogue among key stakeholders across Canada and Asia. Through i-LEAD, APF Canada will lead the development of research and knowledge-sharing activities that deepen Canada’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific and support more inclusive and resilient policy ecosystems across the region.
Research Focus Areas
Strengthening Implementation of Viet Nam’s National Action Plan on Responsible Business Practices
This research examines how Viet Nam’s National Action Plan on Responsible Business Practices serves as a potential opportunity for small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access global supply chains. The research will assess the policy’s operationalization and impacts on trade outcomes, particularly exploring linkages to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade pact including Canada and Viet Nam.
Digital Transformation across Mongolia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam
This research will assess the implementation of digital transformation initiatives across three countries in Asia (Mongolia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam), focusing on how governments are leveraging digital tools to expand access to services and markets for marginalized populations, increasing participation of women and marginalized groups in the digital economy, and improving access to government services and supports.
The project is currently inviting proposals from qualified research organizations or consultants to undertake primary data collection through key stakeholder interviews to analyze the current state of responsible business practices in Viet Nam.
Deadline: May 25, 2026 (17:00 Indochina Time (ICT))
For additional information about the i-LEAD project, please reach out to Mari Naganuma (mari.naganuma@asiapacific.ca), Program Manager, i-LEAD, APF Canada.
