APLF is a movement that builds on existing leadership initiatives at sub-national, national, sub-regional and regional levels. At the same time, it also identifies new opportunities to engage other leadership that has not been involved in responding to the AIDS epidemic. The strategy of the APLF is to leverage leadership within countries, while also undertaking regional activities to complement the country-level work.

Though APLF focuses at the country level, sub-regional and regional approaches are used to support and enhance country responses. The APLF recognizes the significance of key sub-regional bodies existing in the region. Therefore, APLF collaborates with these sub-regional bodies to engage leadership through a number of activities.

•  Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
•  Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
•  South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)