DDW: Gender Inclusive Clean Energy Solutions to Tackle Energy Poverty

Deep Dive Workshop

Gender Inclusive Clean Energy Solutions to Tackle Energy Poverty

Organized by: ADB Institute (ADBI)

Tuesday, 4 June 2024

2:00 - 5:30 p.m. (GMT +8) | Multi-Function Hall 2

The intersection of gender and energy, including the environmental problems caused by energy use, is a critical but underexplored area of research that has immense implications for achieving social equity and environmental sustainability. Gender dynamics significantly influence energy access, consumption, production, and decision-making processes. As the world strives to address the challenges of energy transition and climate change, understanding the multifaceted relationship between gender, energy, and the environment becomes crucial. For women, solid fuel presents additional challenges. In many societies, due to traditional gender roles, women and girls are often responsible for gathering and managing household energy, meaning they must spend significant time and effort collecting solid fuels. This not only limits their opportunities for education and economic activities but may also expose them to health risks from using unclean fuels. Therefore, strategies to address energy poverty need to pay special attention to women's needs and rights, including improving their access to energy, reducing dependence on polluting fuels, and ensuring their voice in energy decision-making processes. ADBI has launched a call for papers on the above topic at Energy Economics Journal with a deadline for submission 30th June 2024. All submissions are welcome. More information is here.

AGENDA

1:50 - 2:00 p.m.

Introduction (technical guidance and speakers’ group photo)

Dina Azhgaliyeva, Senior Research fellow, Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), Japan

2:00 - 2:05 p.m.

Opening remarks

Priyantha Wijayatunga, Senior Director, Energy, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Philippines

2:05 - 2:20 p.m.

Keynote Speech

Paresh Narayan, Professor, Monash Business School, Australia

2:20 - 3:30 p.m.

Session 1: Gender and the Energy Transition

This session will present the latest case studies related to gender inclusivity and energy transition. We will focus on sharing experiences and lessons learned from the design, implementation, and evaluation of clean energy projects, programs, business models, and investments that have integrated a comprehensive gender perspective. Participants will gain insights into how to effectively implement a gender-inclusive approach with energy transition strategies, as well as the practical outcomes of such integration in promoting sustainable development and enhancing project impact.

Moderator:

Dil Rahut, Vice-Chair of Research and Senior Research Fellow, Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), Japan

Presentation 1: Employed Women Prioritize Environmental and Health Impact from Fuel Choice More Than Employed Man: an Empirical Evidence from Central Asia

Dina Azhgaliyeva, Senior Research fellow, Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), Japan

Hans Holzhacker, Chief Economist, CAREC Institute, the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC)

Presentation 2: Towards an Inclusive Energy Transition in South Asia: the Maldives Case

Jaimes Kolantharaj, Principal Energy Specialist, Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Panelists:

Bin Chen, Professor, School of Environment, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Beijing Normal University, PRC
Sukanya Das, Dean (Research & Partnerships), Department of Policy and Management Studies, TERI, India
Ashish Kumar Sedai, Assistant Professor of Economics, University of Texas at Arlington, United States
Florence Ventura, Team Leader of Energy Security Georesources and Energy Programme Pacific Community SPC, Suva, Fiji
Ahmed Shukry Hussain, Social Expert, Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Maldives

Open Q&A

3:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Coffee Break

Video: ADB Support towards a Just Transition of the Maldives (4 min)

Video: Developing Carbon Credits Through Renewables Among Ger District Households (4 min)

4:00 - 5:20 p.m.

Session 2: Gender and Energy Poverty

This session will delve into the relationship between gender inclusivity, energy poverty, and just energy transition. Participants will share case studies and experiences which focus on gender inclusivity and the eradication of energy poverty, to exchange practical solutions and viable insights for just energy transition.

Moderator:

Samantha Hung, Director, Gender Equality, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Philippines

Presentation 3: Empowering Women for a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future

Zonibel Woods, Senior Social Development Specialist, Gender Equality Division, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Philippines

Presentation 4: Coal-to-Solar: Improving Ger District Lives

Onon Bayasgalan, Chief Sustainability Officer, URECA, Mongolia

Panelists:

Joel Krishmal Abraham, Chief Executive Officer, Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), Fiji
Anobha Gurung, Director of Nepal, Research, Evidence and Learning, Clean Cooking Alliance, United States
Zhanna Kapsalyamova, Assistant Professor, Economics, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
Japnit Kaur, Senior Investment Specialist, PSOD (Public Sector Operations Department), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Philippines

Open Q&A

5:20 - 5:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Dil Rahut, Vice-Chair of Research and Senior Research Fellow, Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), Japan