BALI, Indonesia – Leadership, communication, and transformational change were central themes in Module 4 of the ASEAN Climate Leadership Programme (ACLP) III, held in a hybrid format for the first time since the program’s inception in 2020. The onsite session, held on 23-25 April 2025, combined on-site activities in Bali with virtual participation to enhance the learning experience of participants.
A key highlight was the on-site visit to su-re.co (Sustainability & Resilience Co.) and the Jiwa Community Garden, where participants engaged with founders and community stakeholders. The tour showcased climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and the integration of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in community-based initiatives. The three-day Module 4 session covered topics on personal leadership, stages of the Theory U and how it relates to the participants’ personal change project (PCP), and introduction to the principles of risk communication.
Leading self through reflection, listening, and mindfulness
“Leadership is influencing other people towards one goal” one of the participants noted Mr Andre de Wit of the Leadership Academy Amsterdam expanded on this, emphasising that leadership begins with the self. To lead others effectively, an individual must first lead oneself, which will naturally extend to leading teams and organizations. Mr de Wit explained that each stage builds upon the previous one and involves different aspects of leadership.
Personal leadership requires the practice of self-reflection, listening, mindfulness, and staying focused on the present. These will help in understanding an individual’s purpose, values, and vision in life. To profoundly grasp the principles, participants had interactive peer sharing on leadership styles, personal insights on their values and purpose, and in developing their leadership development plans.
Mr de Wit emphasised that in shaping their personal leadership plan and PCPs it should be built upon one’s personal purpose and vision. The importance of mindfulness, continuous learning, and creating a feedback culture was also emphasised.
Personal Change Project and Peer Learning
The ACLP III participants presented their individual PCP, which is a capstone activity that showcase the application of their learnings in the program. Participants learned the techniques and types of feedback—constructive and appreciative—which they applied as they share, listen and provide comments on their co-participants’ PCP. The PCPs were thematised into groups in which a mentor was identified to guide the participants in shaping their project plans.
The groups and the assigned mentors were Dr Dhanush Dinesh – climate and nutrition; Dr. Rex Victor Cruz – emission reduction; Ms Imelda Bacudo – food system; and Dr Srijani Baral – inclusive and gender-responsive policy development. Indeed, the participants appreciated the input given by both their mentor and peers in their respective group presentations.
Communication in the VUCA environment
Communication is inevitably part of leadership and implementing projects relevant to CSA and GESI, especially in the vulnerable, uncertain, complex, ambiguous (VUCA) environment evident in societies. Dr Elaine Llarena talked about the foundational concepts and principles of risk communication, the types and topics. She also discussed different message development strategies and shared principles on effective communication. She highlighted in the discussion that risks may be socio-culturally constructed and creation of messages on risks should be clear and doable that requires a ‘call to action’ among its audience.
CSA and GESI initiatives through community garden
The on-site participants had engaging interactions with the founder and CEO of su-re.co, Professor Dr Takama, as he shared the beginnings of su-re.co through the fulfillment of the mantra “Don’t just study but do something”. This also built the organisation’s guiding principles of “think-do-be tank” in creating solutions for sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives that also supports local communities.
A guided tour was also arranged with one of su-re.co’s partners, the Jiwa Community Garden, where participants were met by its founders, Lennart “Lenny” Heitzhausen and Djuca Terenzi. Featured in the community garden tour is the composting process and biogas design, permaculture garden, and the eco-friendly structures in the property.
The participants culminated the tour with engaging discussions with su-re.co’s other community partners on agroforestry, youth, and gender.
Prepared by Elaine Llarena
Photo: GIZ/Agus Pande Setiawan, Cahyadi
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
