The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) was launched in Manila, Philippines, in September 2000 to promote dialogue and cooperation among political parties across Asia and Oceania, regardless of ideology.

Its core mission is to enhance mutual understanding, build trust, and contribute to regional peace and prosperity through the unique channel of political party engagement.

Despite early skepticism about bringing together diverse governing, opposition, and independent parties from across Northeast, Southeast, Central, and West Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania, ICAPP has grown steadily in both membership and influence. Today, more than 350 political parties are eligible to participate, making ICAPP a distinctive platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation across the region.

ICAPP has developed into a well-structured institution supported by a range of programs. Its General Assembly, open to all eligible parties, is held biennially, while the Standing Committee—comprising representatives from over 40 parties in 26 countries—meets twice a year to guide overall activities. The 13^th General Assembly will be held in Seoul, Republic of Korea during November 4-7, 2026.

In addition, ICAPP organizes Special Conferences on timely issues and targeted workshops addressing specific themes such as anti-corruption, green development, migration, and business cooperation.

Dedicated bodies such as the Youth Wing and Women’s Wing hold annual meetings focused on empowerment, education, employment, human rights, and equal opportunities. Other affiliated platforms—including the ICAPP Media Forum, Business Council (IBC), and Asian Cultural Council (ACC)—further broaden engagement across sectors.

ICAPP has expanded its outreach beyond Asia by establishing partnerships with political organizations in Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Key collaborations include the Permanent Conference of Political Parties in Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAL), the European Parliament, and the Council of African Political Parties (CAPP).

Since 2009, ICAPP and COPPPAL have held annual joint sessions, while trilateral meetings with CAPP have taken place since 2016. In response to recent political developments affecting CAPP’s activities, however, ICAPP strengthened its engagement in Africa through cooperation with the Africa Governance Center (AGC) in Ghana, leading to the 2025 African Political Parties Summit in Accra, which was participated by representatives of 45 political parties from 26 countries in Africa, and the launch of the African Political Parties Initiative (APPI).

ICAPP also co-organizes the Asia-Europe Political Forum (AEPF) with political groups in the European Parliament. Since its inception, AEPF meetings have been held across major cities in Asia and Europe, most recently in Budapest in 2025 in partnership with political groups in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

Governmental support for ICAPP has also grown. Since 2013, multiple countries have signed an intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding to support its activities, with more encouraged to join. In 2024 and 2025, ICAPP further expanded its global network by signing MOUs with regional political party organizations like COPPPAL and APPI, and several international parliamentary organizations, including AIPA, IPTP, PABSEC, and NAM-PN.

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ICAPP promotes dialogue on policies addressing global challenges. Its role was formally recognized in 2018 through a cooperation agreement with UNESCO.

Building on this momentum, ICAPP launched the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Continental Dialogue among Political Parties (ICDPP), under the theme “From Vision to Reality: Launching the ICDPP,” from September 6 to 9, 2026. It was also confirmed that the second ICDPP meeting will be held in Istanbul, Türkiye, in March 2027.

The ICAPP Secretariat was established in Seoul, Republic of Korea, following a decision at the 5^th General Assembly in 2009. With the support of member governments, it continues to expand and coordinate ICAPP’s activities.

For inquiries, the Secretariat can be contacted at secretariat@theicapp.org, and further information is available at www.theicapp.org.