The 11^th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) recently convened at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, from 20-23 February, 2024. APFSD is an annual intergovernmental forum aimed at reviewing progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the regional level. Among the distinguished participants was the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), showcasing its dedication to advancing sustainable development initiatives in the ASEAN region and beyond.

Under the theme “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions in Asia and the Pacific”, the 11^th APFSD focused on five SDGs: Goal 1 (No poverty), Goal 2 (Zero hunger), Goal 13 (Climate action), Goal 16 (Peace, justice, and strong institutions), and Goal 17 (Partnership for the Goals).

A notable highlight of ACE’s participation was the active involvement of Dr Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ACE, in leading discussions at the Roundtable dedicated to SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals: Breakout Group #3 focusing on Coordination, Collaboration, and Capacity Building. Dr Nuki facilitated insightful dialogues among approximately 30 representatives and experts from diverse backgrounds and countries.

Fluid discussions within Dr Nuki’s group touched upon critical topics such as expanding digital access, green infrastructure development, cross-sectoral and cross-border collaboration, capacity building in partnership development and project management, aligning global initiatives with localised solutions, and the roles of youth, gender, and marginalised people. Drawing from ASEAN’s energy sector initiatives, Dr Nuki provided valuable insights, emphasising the importance of regional cooperation in driving energy transition and sustainability.

On the following day, the key agenda was Agenda Item 4: Review of regional progress and opportunities for achieving the SDGs. The session was opened by the reports from the SDG Roundtables, including the SDG 17 Roundtable. It was followed by a session on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the subregional level. Andie Fong Toy, Head of the Subregional Office for the Pacific, and Mikiko Tanaka, Head of the Subregional Office for South and South-West Area, delivered an introduction and keynote presentation.

As one of the representative subregional organisations, Dr Nuki highlighted ACE’s coordinated approach to accelerating the ASEAN energy transition, emphasising the organisation’s role as an implementing agency of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC). ACE’s comprehensive strategy encompasses all energy options, aiming to enhance energy security, affordability, accessibility, and sustainability across the ASEAN region through regional interconnectivity.

In his address, Dr Nuki also shed light on the challenges faced by the region, particularly its dependence on fossil fuels. Despite these challenges, ACE remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving regional targets, including a 23% renewable energy share in primary energy supply and a 32% reduction in energy intensity, in alignment with the SDGs.

The forum served as a platform for ACE to underscore the significance of strong collaboration within ASEAN and beyond in driving a just and inclusive energy transition. ACE reaffirmed its dedication to being an active contributor to regional sustainability efforts, emphasising the importance of collective action in addressing shared challenges.

As the 11^th APFSD concluded, ACE’s impactful presence and contributions resonated with stakeholders, reinforcing its pivotal role in advancing sustainable development across the ASEAN region and beyond.