The 5th East Asia Energy Forum (EAEF5), held in Phnom Penh on Sept. 12, discussed challenges and opportunity for resolving climate and energy security issues.
With the theme “ASEAN’s Challenges on Carbon Neutrality and Energy Security”, the forum took place in hybrid format with opening speeches by H.E. Suy Sem, Minister of Mines and Energy and H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary General of ASEAN.
‘EAEF5 has been a great success with insightful presentations and active discussions about challenges and opportunity for resolving the climate and energy security challenges together,” read a statement.
H.E. Suy Sem highlighted the global energy issues which have been exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war.
“The world needs to develop a smooth energy transition while minimising the use of fossil fuels, therefore we must commit to continuing fight against climate change by strengthening cooperation and collaboration to find solutions for both climate and energy development of the country according to the resources, responsibilities and capability of each country,” he said.
For his part, H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi pointed out the continuous efforts to find solutions for decarburisation and climate mitigation efforts within the region through this forum.
“ASEAN has been pressing to contribute to low carbon and sustainable future. Within the ASEAN economic pillar, consolidation intervention has been put in place to accelerate sustainability initiative, including on-going effort on Circular Economy Framework and ongoing preparation on carbon neutral strategy for ASEAN,” he said.
President of ERIA, Prof Hidetoshi Nishimura emphasised several points on the importance of securing natural gas supply, including its investment within the region.
“Stakeholders including the governments, financial institutions, and the private sector in the ASEAN region will need to make the actions clear on the technology transition while simultaneously promoting renewables and clean technologies. In addition, ASEAN countries should raise their voices in the international debate on green finance so that diverse national/regional circumstances could appropriately be taken into consideration,” said Prof. Nishimura.
The outcomes of the forum will be reported to the next EAS Energy Ministers Meeting.
Several high-level officials from energy ministries from ASEAN countries, Japan and the United States participated in this forum to convey their commitments to be part of international cooperation for achieving carbon neutrality targets within the region.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press