Sunday Times 2
New think-tank, Asian Geopolitics, Sustainability & Peace Council to be launched AGSPeC engages political leaders and diplomats in high-level consultations
View(s):A new era in regional policy dialogue begins with the official launch of the Asian Geopolitics, Sustainability & Peace Council (AGSPeC), a platform dedicated to fostering strategic understanding of geopolitical issues, advancing peace, and promoting sustainable development across Asia. This milestone event takes place at 10.30 a.m. on August 20, 2025 at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Independent Square, Colombo 7.
Bringing together leading scholars, diplomats, policymakers, and civil society representatives from across the region, the AGSPeC aims to provide in-depth research, policy recommendations, and collaborative initiatives to address the complex geopolitical, security, and environmental challenges of the 21st century. The AGSPeC team is led by its President Prof Mohan Munasinghe (who shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize), and includes thought leaders on strategic affairs, diplomacy, and sustainable development.
“The goal is to facilitate informed dialogue that bridges political divides and promotes Sri Lanka’s strategic interests in a rapidly changing world,” said Prof Munasinghe. “We believe that constructive engagement between independent institutions, policymakers, a well-informed public, and the international community is essential for a stable and prosperous Sri Lanka.”
He emphasized that Asia, with its dynamic economies, diverse cultures, and pivotal geopolitical role, faces both unprecedented opportunities and pressing challenges. “Our mission is to be a bridge between knowledge and action – to ensure that informed dialogue shapes decisions on peace, security, and sustainability,” they said.
Senior officials from newly formed AGSPeC, Sri Lankan strategic affairs think tank convened a series of high-level meetings with representatives of major political parties and ambassadors/high commissioners from key diplomatic missions to discuss pressing regional and global developments, promote collaborative approaches to national policy-making, and educate concerned citizens.
The discussions, held in Colombo, focused on strengthening democratic governance, regional security cooperation, economic resilience, and Sri Lanka’s role in emerging geopolitical alignments.
During the engagements with political party leaders across the spectrum, AGSPeC emphasized the importance of evidence-based policy formulation and the role of independent research in shaping national strategies. Political leaders expressed appreciation for the initiative and pledged support for the ongoing dialogue between civil society, academia, and political stakeholders.
The meetings with ambassadors and high commissioners of several countries — including representatives from Asia and the West — centered on bilateral cooperation, regional security architecture, and enhancing people-to-people ties.
Diplomatic envoys welcomed the think tank’s efforts to foster inclusive and non-partisan policy discussions.
AGSPeC will continue its outreach through roundtable discussions, public seminars, and confidential policy briefings to support national decision-making with global insight and local relevance.