Greener, more accountable and deeply human
As a social enterprise, TheOneHourProject (TOHP) was founded with the vision to build a society that cares – and this means taking a closer look at what society is concerned with and where we want change. Across Southeast Asia, people are reimagining – and acting on – building a better future, from mental health to fairer opportunities and sustainable futures.
Throughout various surveys and studies, a clear pattern is emerging: people in the region want progress that’s sustainable, fair, and deeply human. Below are five key ways people across the region want to see their societies progress into a better future:
- Urgent Climate Action – Typhoons, floods, plastic waste- we’re seeing and feeling the effects of a climate, our climate, in crisis. This is an ‘alternative future’ we want because this planet is the only planet we have.
- According to the UNDP People’s Climate Vote, over 80% of people globally — including in Asia — want stronger government action on climate.
- The Asian Development Bank estimates $100–$400 billion a year is needed for climate adaptation and green infrastructure.
People see the climate crisis not just as an environmental issue, but a national resilience and opportunity issue.
2. Decent Jobs and Economic Security – The world today is more transparent than ever before and people are reexamining what it means to be secure. To have work isn’t enough – there must be decency and dignity of work.
- The World Bank’s East Asia & Pacific Update highlights that job creation and skills training are top priorities post-pandemic.
- Young people especially want decent work and digital access — not just growth, but fair opportunity.
- The message is clear: a better future must mean work with dignity.
3. Mental Health and Wellbeing – We’re asking ourselves why we think and act this way and recognizing what needs healing.
- A YouGov APAC survey shows strong public demand for mental health coverage in insurance and public programs.
- Cost and stigma remain as barriers — but awareness is high and rising.
- Healthier societies, people are saying, start with well-supported minds.
4. Inclusion and Equity – We want EVERYONE to have a say in their future and the access to have that say.
- The ASEAN Youth Development Index finds young Southeast Asians prioritize social equity, gender equality, and access to technology.
- The Edelman Trust Barometer echoes this: people want businesses and governments to actively reduce inequality.
- Inclusion is now a measure of progress, not just a tokenistic phrase said across industries.
5. Trust in Institutions – With the future at stake, we’re holding our leaders and our institutions more accountable than ever before.
- Across the region, people want transparent, accountable leadership.
- The Edelman Trust Barometer shows trust is fragile — but it’s the foundation for everything else: climate, jobs, inclusion.
