Technology innovation, a feature of the low-carbon energy transition, combined with improving access to clean energy solutions have provided opportunities to incorporate interventions to enhance gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), pioneered in the ADB South Asia energy sector portfolio over the last ten years. These inclusive clean energy solutions have contributed to local socio-economic development, with the establishment of micro and small enterprises and employment opportunities for women within the energy sector. Many of these projects have become good practice case studies for inclusive energy solutions.

Experts from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the University of Melbourne, government and others who were involved in this groundbreaking work, including the design and implementation of the good practice projects, will reflect on these experiences in the South Asia energy sector, drawing some key lessons to inform the further development of the ADB portfolio going forward. Case studies of more recent projects with innovative and inclusive energy solutions will also be presented.

This session aims to reflect on the experience of integrating GESI into the ADB energy portfolio in South Asia and highlight key lessons for the energy sector, including replicability and scalability in other regions.