Accelerating People-Centric Just Transition in Asia

Wini Rizkiningayu, RMI’s Southeast Asia director, is speaking on a panel hosted by AVPN at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

There is a critical need to accelerate a sustainable and equitable energy transition in Asia, ensuring that the benefits of a greener economy are fairly distributed and support mechanisms are in place for those most affected. This shift requires moving beyond an infrastructure-centred approach to one that places people at its core. It also demands mobilising capital to address the ‘equity’ dimensions of the transition, facilitated by collaboration among diverse funders, including government agencies, the private sector, philanthropic organisations, and international bodies.

This session will explore the challenges and solutions for a people-centric energy transition in Asia-Pacific, sharing insights from the latest report, “The People-Centric Energy Transition in the Asia Pacific: The Now, The How, and the Future.” A panel discussion will follow, addressing innovations in climate finance and fostering dialogue between philanthropic capital, private investors, multilateral development banks, and development finance institutions to guide capital flow into systemic change initiatives. Experts from various sectors will discuss their roles and potential partnerships to promote a people-focused energy transition.