Pre-Forum Event: From Pledge to Action - Asia Clean Energy Forum

Pre-Forum Event

From Pledge to Action: Energy Efficiency in the Asia Pacific (Roundtable)

Hosted By: CLASP, Mission Efficiency, and SEforAll

Monday, 3 June 2024

4:00 - 5:30 p.m. (GMT +8) | Multi-Function Hall 1

COP28’s global stocktake along with the Global Renewables & Energy Efficiency Pledge call on countries to work together to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. This target requires an all-hands approach involving stronger policies, de-risking finance and a widespread adoption of efficient technologies and services. To realize this target, tripling investments in energy efficiency to over USD 1.8 trillion by 2030 is necessary. While policies and technologies necessary to double energy efficiency improvements are widely recognized and readily available, the critical challenge now lies in charting a path from the COP28 Pledge to actionable steps. Collaboration is imperative to avoid duplication and make the most with the limited time and resources.

With over half of the world's population, a rapidly growing demand for cooling, and rising expectations for improved living standards, the Asia Pacific region plays a pivotal role in achieving global energy efficiency targets. The region's energy intensity increased by a significant 201% between 2000 and 2021, highlighting its vast potential for greater efficiency. Furthermore, over 400 million people are projected to move from rural areas to towns and cities by 2050, creating opportunities for efficient infrastructure development that fosters thriving communities.

Through dynamic discussions, participants will assess current readiness, identify regional strengths and opportunities, and develop a concrete action roadmap. Leveraging the power of partnerships, this roadmap will translate global pledges into tangible progress to achieve energy efficiency targets.

The roundtable will start with welcome and keynote remarks. Following these opening addresses, speakers identified on the agenda will deliver statements to frame the ensuing roundtable discussion, which will involve key regional stakeholders such as governments, financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, and representatives from the international community. Roundtable participants will contribute to this discussion. Observers from the Forum are encouraged to attend.

AGENDA

4:00 - 4:05 p.m.

Welcome remarks and objective of the roundtable

Bishal Thapa, Senior Director India, CLASP

4:05 - 4:20 p.m.

Keynotes:

Patrick Aquino, Director of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau. Department of Energy Philippines

Sushil Chandra Tiwari, Government of Nepal Secretary, Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation

4:20 - 4:30 p.m.

Roundtable discussion: Partnerships that Deliver Impact

What have been some of the most impactful energy efficiency programs, policies, or projects – both regionally and internationally? What key factors contributed to their success, and how can these learnings be applied to our own efforts?

What specific opportunities do you see for collaboration between governments, industry, financial institutions, and other funders to double energy efficiency improvements this decade?

Opening statements:

David Morgado, Senior Energy Specialist, ADB

Bernadette Anne N. Buensuceso, Y4E-SEA's Director of Outreach and Collaboration

4:30 - 4:50 p.m.

Roundtable discussion

4:50 - 5:00 p.m.

Roundtable discussion: Roadmap for Asia Pacific

Moderator: Jacqueline Lam, Regional Director for Asia, SEforALL

What specific actions can this roundtable collectively advocate for, such as policy recommendations or joint statements, to triple investments in energy efficiency and catalyze regional progress?

How can existing initiatives and partnerships be utilized most effectively to foster regional commitments and support concrete actions towards doubled energy efficiency?

Opening statements:

Han Wei, Director of Projects - President’s Office, Energy Foundation China

Teddy Monroy, UNIDO's Philippines Country Representative

5:00 - 5:25 p.m.

Roundtable Discussion

5:25 - 5:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Maraida Licerio, Senior Advisor and National Coordinator Philippines, GIZ