From Pledge to Action: Energy Efficiency in the Asia Pacific

Event
Date
16:00 UTC
03 Jun 2024
End
17:00 UTC
03 Jun 2024

 

Background 

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.   

Mission Efficiency is an energy efficiency ecosystem that harnesses the collective knowledge, resources, and expertise of its partners to facilitate delivery of impactful solutions across sectors and regions, fostering commitments and actions. This roundtable will bring together key stakeholders in the region to discuss collaboration opportunities and explore opportunities of a collective path to double energy efficiency progress this decade, particularly with the intent of generating actionable steps that stakeholders can adopt or advocate towards that goal.   

Objectives 

  • Foster cooperation, exchange initiatives to forge a collective regional pathway towards doubling energy efficiency within this decade.  
  • Define actionable steps towards doubling energy efficiency, including Mission Efficiency Pledge or enhanced NDCs. 

Flow of the meeting 

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. 

Draft agenda  

Important notice: please note that a final version of the agenda will be communicated in the days prior to the event. 

16:00 – 16:05

Welcome remarks and objective of the roundtable  

  • Mr. Bishal Thapa – Senior Director India, CLASP 
16:05– 16:20

Key notes 

  • Secretary Sushil Chandra Tiwari. Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. Government of Nepal.
  • Mr. Patrick Aquino. Director of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau. Department of Energy Philippines  
16:20 – 16:30

Roundtable discussion: Partnerships that Deliver Impact 

Moderator: Akash Goenka, Associate Fellow, AEEE 

  • 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:   

  • Mr. David Morgado - Senior Energy Specialist, ADB  
  • Ms. Bernadette Anne N. Buensuceso - Y4E-SEA's Director of Outreach and Collaboration 
16:30 - 16:50Roundtable discussion moderated by Akash Goenka, Associate Fellow, AEEE: Partnerships that Deliver Impact  
16:50 – 17:00

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:    

  • Ms. Han Wei, Director of Projects - President’s Office, Energy Foundation China  
  • Teddy Monroy - UNIDO's Philippines Country Representative 
17:00 – 17: 25Roundtable discussion moderated by Jacqueline Lam, Regional Director for Asia, SEforALL: Roadmap for Asia Pacific 
17:25 – 17:30

Closing remarks: 

  • Maraida Licerio, Senior Advisor and National Coordinator Philippines, GIZ