Background

Following four and half days of discussions and dialogue on how we can accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy systems in Asia and the Pacific, what are the issues and challenges that are unique to the region? How can countries work together better to catalyze efforts toward sustainable development that will also lead to a carbon-neutral future?

Objectives

The ACEF Closing Plenary aims to:
  1. To recap the key issues and challenges presented and discussed during ACEF 2021.
  2. To discuss collaborative efforts and collective actions for Asia and the Pacific to grow sustainably toward a carbon-neutral future.

Agenda

Time (Manila) Activities
02:00-02:10 p.m.. Session Moderator
  • Stephen S. Peters, Senior Energy Specialist, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
ACEF 2021 Summary Video A 5-minute video showing clips and key messages from the ACEF 2021 sessions during the week.
02:10-02:20 p.m. Video: Securing Southeast Asia’s Energy Future
  • Steven G. Olive, Mission Director, Regional Development Mission for Asia, United States Agency for International Development
As the damaging effects of climate change threaten Southeast Asia's booming economies, regional governments are turning towards renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This video showcases how USAID-supported energy activities have helped cut over 8 million tons of greenhouse gases in the region since 2015, and what steps USAID is taking to secure Southeast Asia’s energy future and a healthier climate for the world.
02:20-02:40 p.m. Keynote Messages The Importance of Energy Access in the Energy Transition
  • Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy
Passing the Economic Tipping Point of the Transition to Net Zero
  • John Murton, United Kingdom COP26 Envoy
02:40-03:20 p.m. Panel Discussion: Collaborative Actions for a Sustainable and Resilient Asia and the Pacific
The forthcoming 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) advocates “Uniting the World to Tackle Climate Change.” As more ambitious climate goas are pursued—updated nationally determined contributions and carbon-neutrality by the mid-century—working together better will ease the transition. Collaborations such as public-private sector partnerships, regional and inter-regional cooperations, and bilateral and multilateral agreements, have been going on in Asia and the Pacific.
How can the region maximize existing channels of collaboration? How can these collaborations turn into collective actions toward a progressive, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable region? What areas of clean energy development does the region need to focus on, and how can stakeholders collaborate in these areas? How can multilateral development banks contribute in encouraging collective actions in the region?
Panel Moderator:
  • Priyantha Cabral Wijayatunga, Director, Energy Division, South Asia Department, ADB

Panelists:
  • Sujata Gupta, Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Division, East Asia Department, ADB
  • Shantanu Chakraborty, Director, Infrastructure Finance Division 1, ADB
  • Jackie B. Surtani, Director, Infrastructure Finance Division 2, ADB
  • Matthew Wittenstein, Section Chief, Connectivity, Energy Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
  • Mark Radka, Deputy Director, Economy Division, United Nations Environment Program
03:20-03:30 p.m.. Closing Remarks
  • Ashok Lavasa, Vice President for Private Sector Operations and Public-Private Partnerships, ADB