On June 19, 2024, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) signed a memorandum of understanding to foster energy efficiency and promote gender mainstreaming in energy policy with the ASEAN region. This signing was held together with the webinar “Advancing Energy Transition in ASEAN through Energy Efficiency and Gender-Responsive Policy.” 

The agreement was signed by Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ACE, and Dechen Tsering, Division Director of Climate Change Division at UNEP. Both organisations unite to address climate change and support transitioning to low-carbon and resource-efficient economies. The partnership will also support the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2021-2025 and the APAEC Post 2025.

On the part of UNEP, United for Efficiency (U4E), the Cool Coalition, and the Sustainable Mobility Unit will facilitate energy efficiency efforts to achieve milestones under the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Programme Area. Additionally, EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies Phase II will support the Renewable Energy and Regional Energy and Policy Planning Programme Areas. 

Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ACE, stated, “This cooperation agreement with UNEP underscores ACE’s commitment in advancing energy efficiency under APAEC programme area and promoting gender mainstreaming. By combining our specialties with UNEP, we can drive transformative change that goes beyond technical solutions. This partnership allows us to harness regional cooperation and knowledge sharing, which are essential for building resilient and sustainable energy systems.” 

Dechen Tsering, Acting Director of UNEP’s Climate Division, echoed this sentiment, stating “The 13th ASEAN-United Nations (UN) Summit noted the importance of collaboration between the United Nations and ASEAN Centres, highlighting UNEP’s collaboration with ASEAN Centre of Energy (ACE) to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Our partnership will promote the incorporation of commitments and actions into countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, to demonstrate a comprehensive approach to achieving countries’ climate goals, aligning with regional initiatives, and ensuring sustainable development. Furthermore, this collaboration will strengthen the transparency and accountability of climate action”.

The panel “Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Appliances, Cooling and Transport in ASEAN” followed the signing ceremony. It featured presentations from U4E, ACE, the Cool Coalition, and the Sustainable Mobility Unit. U4E Programme Manager Patrick Blake covered topics such as the savings opportunities in ASEAN from energy-efficient lighting and cooling appliances and equipment and U4E’s Model Regulation Guidelines in the presentation “Harnessing the Benefits of Energy Efficiency in Appliances and Equipment.”

The second panel, “Advancing Sustainable Energy and Gender Inclusion in ASEAN,” focused on collaborative efforts in ASEAN’s energy transition, gender mainstreaming, and gender-just transition for climate resilience. ACE and EmPower led the presentations.  

For further information, contact Patrick Blake at patrick.black@un.org. Alternatively, please see the webinar resources page.