Photo 1. (left-right) John Samuel, Regional Director of Oxfam in Asia Regional Platform and Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ASEAN Centre for Energy signed the MoU. 

 Jakarta, 7 May 2024 – The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and Oxfam have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the Project Agreement on 7 May 2024 at the ACE Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, initiating a partnership aimed at advancing sustainable energy. This strategic alliance signifies a mutual commitment to driving inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability through equitable energy strategies.  

The collaboration has a particular focus on the energy-gender nexus and the implementation of the ASEAN RE-Gender Roadmap and is aligned with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) objectives. 

Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ACE, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This MoU with Oxfam is a monumental step towards our shared goals of sustainable and gender-responsive energy policies in the ASEAN region. By focusing on the ASEAN RE-Gender Roadmap, we aim to ensure that our efforts in sustainable energy also advance gender inclusivity across all ASEAN member states.” 

He further elaborates on the partnership, “The collaboration with Oxfam not only amplifies our commitment to equitable energy access but also highlights the critical intersection of energy policies and gender dynamics within ASEAN. Through this partnership, we aim to redefine the energy landscape to be more inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind in our journey towards sustainable development.” 

John Samuel, Regional Director of Oxfam in Asia, highlighted the partnership’s significance, “Celebrating this partnership between Oxfam and the ASEAN Centre for Energy is not just a momentous occasion—it’s a manifestation of hope for a future where renewable energy is sustainable and inclusive. Partnering with ACE enables Oxfam to advance the discourse on sustainable energy and gender equality significantly. 

He adds, “By weaving women’s potential into the fabric of ASEAN’s energy transition, we’re not just embracing gender equality; we’re driving transformative change that uplifts communities and safeguards our planet for future generations. This partnership is crucial for ensuring that the ASEAN energy transition agenda is fair and inclusive, benefiting all segments of society.” 

Photo 2. (left-right) Maria Lauranti, Country Director of Oxfam in Indonesia, John Samuel, Regional Director of Oxfam in Asia Regional Platform and Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ASEAN Centre for Energy signed the project agreement. 

Maria Lauranti, Country Director of Oxfam in Indonesia, along with ACE, signed the project agreement, which encompasses joint events, research, educational programmes, and capacity-building initiatives. These activities will be led by Dr. Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Manager at ACE, and his team, who are responsible for the implementation of the partnership’s objectives. 

From May 2024 until June 2027, the MoU marks a commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and innovative practices in sustainable energy and ensuring that these efforts are inclusive and equitable, prioritising the role of women in the energy transition. This joint endeavour is a testament to the shared vision of ACE and Oxfam for a future where sustainable development and gender equality are interlinked objectives, contributing significantly towards the socio-economic and environmental aspirations of the ASEAN region.