Asia Society, a U.S.-based think tank, announced the launch of its Policy Institute on April 8 in New York City.

The new organization will be a nonpartisan, Asia-centric global network of experts who formulate solutions to advancing prosperity, security, and sustainability in Asia. It will be devoted to forging understanding between Asia and the United States in a global context.

"We have designed the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) to be a different kind of think tank," Asia Society President Josette Sheeran told the press, adding that they will connect a powerful global network of advisers and forward thinkers so as to build understanding and solutions addressing critical issues and opportunities for Asia and the world.

The network includes more than 160 figures from government, business, civil society, academia, and other sectors. Its Honorary Council includes former Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, former U.S. Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright, Henry Kissinger, and Condoleezza Rice, and former chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Tung Chee Hwa.

"With decades of experience developing understanding between Asia and the United States, Asia Society has a remarkable record of bringing together leaders of those important regions of the world to solve problems," said James A. Baker, III, former U.S. Secretary of State and a member of ASPI's Honorary Council.

"By applying the same approach to policy challenges, the ASPI can help resolve some of the most pressing issues of our time," he added.

Founded in 1956, Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational institution dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among peoples, leaders and institutions of Asia and the U.S.

(Reporting from New York City)