Youth for Energy Southeast Asia (Y4E-SEA) and AYO Research Center (AYO Recent) collaborated on a joint research project, titled Project Clean Future. The theme of the research is “assessing ASEAN’s readiness for a clean energy transition”. The research focuses on knowledge gaps, awareness, investment landscape and gender disparities in work opportunities, and the profile of existing clean energy jobs.
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Endry Lim, our Research Director, presented our initial findings on December 5th, 2023 at the Thai Pavilion during COP28 in Dubai.
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The message is loud and clear: 8 out of 10 young people believe their country needs a decarbonization target, and they want it NOW. Southeast Asian youth are ready to lead the charge for a sustainable future, and identified three key barriers to an ASEAN-wide clean energy transition, mainly:
1. Lack of government political will
2. Gaps in regulatory and policy framework
3. Lack of inter-governmental cooperation
A vast majority (80%) of young people are concerned about their countries' inadequate investment in energy infrastructure, and they are calling on governments and businesses to:
a. Demonstrate strong political will and commitment to decarbonization.
b. Prioritize investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency infrastructure.
c. Develop and implement facilitative policies that incentivize green investments.
d. Invest in education and awareness programs on climate change and energy transition.
e. Provide industry-relevant skills training to prepare young people for the green jobs of the future.
We are very excited to publish the full report soon, please stay tuned!
About our Partners: AYO Recent is an affiliate of ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO). AYO Recent conducts independent research in the domain of International law, Economy and Trade, Human Rights, International Relations and Security, Urban Development, Education, and the Environment. To know more about their work please visit: https://ayorecent.com/
Y4E-SEA joins the UN Energy Compact with the aim of accelerating progress related to SDG7 and the energy transition within Southeast Asia.
Energy Compacts are voluntary pledges by UN Member States and various stakeholders, outlining specific, measurable actions to promote advancements in SDG7 and achieve net-zero emissions. These energy compacts have been recognized by the UN as a high-impact initiative aimed at advancing the objectives of SDG7 and promoting clean energy goals.
On December 8, Y4E-SEA launched our energy compact entitled “EnergizeSEA: Action Plan for SDG7 in Southeast Asia” at the SDG7 Global South Pavilion, COP28 Dubai, UAE.
Through EnergizeSEA, Y4E-SEA pledges to empower the region's youth, increase awareness about energy and green jobs, and actively shape policy and decision-making processes in the area. This marks a significant step in positioning Southeast Asian youth at the forefront of the global SDG7 agenda.
Key commitments include:
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Y4E-SEA commits to boost participation 10x by 2030, engaging 3,000+ youths, fund at least 1 per ASEAN state, and secure 10+ interventions*. ​
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Y4E-SEA commits to execute 7,000+ projects with at least 50 sustainable initiatives, 2,000 mentorship pairings, and capacity-building for 10,000 youths by 2030.
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Y4E-SEA commits to establish 120+ partnerships with at least 20 corporations, 50 NGOs, and 1 long-term cooperation agreement in each ASEAN Member State by 2025.
Y4E-SEA’s energy compact is now officially registered and accessible on the UN website! For the latest updates, see the Energy Compact Registry.
*An intervention, as described by Y4E-SEA, involves the presentation of an official statement, providing valuable insights on a specific topic relevant to SDG 7, youth, and energy transition in Southeast Asia in order to contribute to discussions and address issues within regional, national, and international levels.
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