The CAI-Asia Partnership is set up as a UN Type II partnership, and although not established after the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002 it shares the guiding principles for partnerships that were established as part of the WSSD. These include the following:

• Non-legal and non-binding
• Voluntary and respect for fundamental principles and values
• Link with globally agreed need for improved air quality
• Multi-stakeholder approach
• Transparency and accountability
• Tangible results
• Local involvement with regional and global impact