According to this paper, Asian countries with large populations concentrated in coastal cities are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, which can adversely affect water resources. Singapore has been hailed for its progressive water policies and practices, which were developed to overcome its natural resource disadvantage (limited resource base) and to achieve self-sufficiency.

This study is part of the International Energy Agency's (IEA) ongoing analysis of global renewable energy markets and policies, building on the key principles for effective policy design identified in "Deploying Renewables: Principles for Effective Policies" (2008). This paper examines the situation in 6 of the 10 countries that comprise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In 2007, ASEAN-6 represented more than 95% of energy demand in southeast Asia.

The IGTN Advocacy Document for the 5th WTO Ministerial Meeting that was held in Cancun, Mexico in September 2003 focuses on these four issues and identifies critical advocacy positions for each of them. With regard to agriculture, the IGTN asserts that control over agriculture by states rather than the WTO would ensure that small-scale and subsistence farmers have control over farming and food supply; a particularly important concern for women around the world who are those responsible for ensuring household food security and managing family farms.