HUMANITARIAN AND PHILANTHROPY - The specific French approach in Asia

While there are never been so many geopolitical and climatic crises in Asia, “Humanitarian and philanthropy - the French Way” sharing evening will explore the long-lasting presence and approach of three outstanding French-based organisations towards the most vulnerable populations in Asia, in the field of education, health and the most basic needs.

The presentation and sharing discussion organised by Fondation de France Asia will happen on 27 October 2025 at 7pm, at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center.

Co-organised with the Consulate General of France, experts from the field will present the cooperations implemented in different countries in Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Nepal and the Philippines) and the evolution and challenges of the past years, and will discuss the distinctive French approach.

This special evening is organised in partnership with the Asia Society Hong Kong Center.

Access to the event is complementary, with pre-registration below.

Rundown of the event (conducted in English)

6:00 p.m. - Doors open

6:30 p.m. - Introductory remarks by the Representative of Asia Society Hong Kong Center (tbc) and Mr. Benjamin Hubin, Deputy Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macao followed by a welcome word and presentation of the programme by Julien-Loic Garin, Executive Director of Fondation de France Asia

6:45p.m. – Sharing presentations by the Asian representatives of Enfants d’Asie, Médecins du Monde and Handicap International (Humanity and Inclusion)

7:15p.m. – Round table exploring the common challenges, evolution of the roles and activities and practices by the three institutions in Asia followed by a Q&A

8:00p.m. - Cocktail and networking

Speakers:

Mr. Vincent Prosper, Country Director of Enfants d’Asie in Laos

Mrs Florence Vanderborght, General Coordinator for Médecins du Monde in The Philippines

Mr Gilles Nouzies, Regional Director for Southeast Asia of Handicap International

Moderator:

Julien Loic Garin, Executive Director of Fondation de France Asia

Speakers’ biographies:

Vincent Prosper, Country Director of Enfants d’Asie in Laos

Graduated with a master’s degree in international law from University of Paris 11 and Diploma of international legal advisor from ISIT Paris, Vincent has more than 15 years’ experience in project management and a strong expertise in leading projects in a cross-cultural environment.

As Country Director for Enfants d’Asie and through previous leadership roles in various INGOs, Vincent has led education and child protection programs in Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. He is deeply committed to promoting equal opportunities and improving access to quality education for vulnerable children.

About Enfants d’Asie

For 35 years, Enfants d’Asie has been working to support and empower disadvantaged children across Southeast Asia in a sustainable way. The organization is committed to promoting the respect of children’s fundamental rights and ensuring that their basic needs are met. Through tailored programs focused on education, protection and child development, Enfants d’Asie aims to create lasting educational and social impact, helping each child build a better and more independent future.

Florence Vanderborght General Coordinator for Médecins du Monde in The Philippines

Florence Vanderborght is a humanitarian worker with 15 years of experience in crisis-affected contexts, specializing in humanitarian access, risk management, and inclusive program coordination. She began her career with Médecins du Monde (MdM) in France and has since held senior roles with MdM, the Norwegian Refugee Council and INSO, working across Latin America, East Africa, and Eastern Europe. She is currently General Coordinator for MdM in the Philippines, leading the country’s response in environmental health, sexual and reproductive health rights, and emergency preparedness.

Florence holds a master’s degree in international law from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva (IHEID) and brings a strong commitment to rights-based, community-centred humanitarian action.

About Médecins du Monde (Doctors of the World)

MDN is an international medical organisation committed to defending the right to health for all. For over 40 years, MDM has worked alongside communities across the globe to provide essential healthcare, reduce health inequities, and advocate for justice in health systems. In Asia, they operate in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines, delivering both emergency response and long-term, community-driven programs. The interventions are designed not only to provide care, but to create sustainable and measurable impact.

Médecins du Monde works hand in hand with civil society, health institutions, and affected populations to ensure a rights-based approach and to build resilient, inclusive healthcare solutions.

Gilles Nouzies, Regional Director for Southeast Asia of Handicap International

Gilles is an international solidarity professional with over 30 years of experience, mainly with Handicap International – Humanity & Inclusion (HI). Specialized in strategic and operational program management in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, he is currently based in Laos (since 2022), after having held management positions in France, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. As Regional Director for Southeast Asia, he oversees all of the organization's operations in six countries: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

About Handicap International - Humanity and Inclusion

Handicap International – Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an independent and impartial aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. The organisation works alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, taking action and bearing witness in order to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.