About PRISA...
PRISA Think Tank Brief
About Us
independent research institute...
PRISA (The Policy Research Institute for South Asia) is a UK-based, non-profit, and non-political think tank registered as a company limited by guarantee (Company No. 16031908). Led by a volunteer Board of Directors, PRISA provides a collaborative platform for researchers and scholars to address critical issues affecting South Asia. Our mission is to advance regional integration, enhance UK-South Asia relations, and empower the South Asian diaspora in the UK.
What problem do we intend to solve?
South Asia is a subcontinent of Asia known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. It is home to some of the world’s oldest civilisations and has over 2 billion people, constituting about 25% of the global population. However, the region faces significant challenges, including the second-highest proportion of extreme poverty in the world, following sub-Saharan Africa. It has 40% of the world’s poor.
PRISA is passionately committed to advancing regional integration in South Asia across key areas such as trade, cultural exchange and environmental sustainability. We understand that many challenges South Asia faces are not confined to any single nation but are regional issues that necessitate cooperative and collaborative solutions. Our ambition also extends to reinforcing the bonds between the UK and South Asia across various sectors, including trade, culture, education, and the environment. With over four centuries of connection, it is crucial that we reexamine and strengthen this relationship to ensure it is mutually beneficial and respectful for both parties involved. Our mission further emphasizes understanding the South Asian diaspora in the UK and empowering them to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic and social development. Following are their details.
Key Focus Areas
1. Regional Integration
South Asia is one of the least economically integrated regions, with intra-regional trade comprising just 5% of total trade. PRISA focuses on:
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Trade Facilitation: Removing barriers to trade and investment to unlock the region’s economic potential. This integration can take the form of free trade areas, customs unions, or economic unions, all aimed at boosting trade, investment, and regional prosperity.
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People-to-People Connectivity: Encouraging educational collaborations, tourism, and cultural exchanges to foster mutual understanding. These interactions foster understanding, trust, and cooperation, uniting the region while driving peace, stability, and economic growth. People-to-people connectivity is key to trade integration and innovation.
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Environmental Cooperation: Addressing cross-border environmental and climate change-related challenges through joint strategies and policies. By collaborating, South Asian countries can pool resources and expertise to develop sustainable solutions, conduct joint research, share best practices, and coordinate policies for clean energy and climate adaptation. Joint funds can further support these efforts.
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Promoting South Asian Identity: Celebrating the region’s long shared cultural heritage while fostering unity and regional cohesion. Recognizing historical figures, supporting cultural events, and promoting South Asia’s diverse heritage fosters pride, unity, and integration. Celebrating commonalities strengthens identity, bridges divides, and combats stereotypes for a more inclusive society.
2. South Asian Diaspora in the UK
With over 5 million South Asians residing in the UK, PRISA works to empower the community by focusing on the following:
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Human Agency: PRISA strengthens individual and collective voices to advocate for rights and social justice while addressing critical social issues such as domestic violence, discrimination, and social exclusion. The organization promotes awareness of civic rights and encourages leadership within the community.
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Economic Empowerment: PRISA tackles employment disparities, promotes entrepreneurship, and supports career development and financial literacy. By fostering business collaborations within the diaspora and South Asia, PRISA helps create sustainable economic opportunities.
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Social Inclusion: Encouraging through active participation in civic, cultural, and political life. PRISA promotes representation in governance and public decision-making while working to bridge generational and cultural gaps within the diaspora.
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Women’s Empowerment: With initiatives advocating for gender equality, tackling domestic violence, and promoting access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. PRISA supports women’s leadership and greater participation in public life.
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Health & Well-being: PRISA also raises awareness about prevalent health issues such as diabetes and heart disease while promoting access to culturally sensitive healthcare services. The organization encourages healthier lifestyles and preventive healthcare measures to improve well-being within the community.
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3. Strengthening UK-South Asia Relations
PRISA acts as a vital link between the UK and South Asia, driving collaboration in:
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Trade & Investment: PRISA works to expand economic partnerships and trade agreements while encouraging business exchanges and investment opportunities. The organization also facilitates UK-South Asia trade networks to strengthen economic ties.
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Climate Action: PRISA promotes sustainable development and renewable energy collaboration. The organization supports climate resilience and adaptation strategies and encourages joint initiatives on pollution control and environmental conservation.
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Education & Research: PRISA is also committed to strengthening education and research by fostering academic partnerships and student exchange programs. The organization supports research collaborations in science, technology, and social issues while promoting digital learning initiatives between the UK and South Asia.
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Cultural Exchange: PRISA showcases South Asian arts, literature, and traditions to foster cross-cultural understanding. The organization organizes cultural events and heritage programs while advocating for South Asian representation in British media and the arts.
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Poverty Alleviation: PRISA supports development programs that reduce poverty and economic disparities. The organization encourages UK-South Asia collaboration in humanitarian initiatives and advocates for policies that promote inclusive economic growth.
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Human Rights Advocacy: PRISA is also dedicated to human rights advocacy, promoting democratic values, religious freedom, and gender equality. The organization supports campaigns against discrimination and human rights abuses while encouraging open dialogue on social justice issues.
Our Approach...
PRISA follows a policy-driven, evidence-based approach, rooted in democratic values, pluralism, and a global outlook with a local focus. Our strategies include:
- Publishing Policy Papers, Research Reports, and Policy Briefs
- Hosting Webinars, Roundtables, and Conferences
- Engaging in Community Partnerships and Media Outreach
- Running Social Media Campaigns and Advocacy Initiatives
Through these efforts, PRISA ensures its research and recommendations reach policymakers, academics, and the broader public, fostering meaningful change in South Asia and the UK.
