The first Asia-Pacific Energy Youth Engagement Platform Meeting was organized by UN ESCAP with support from other UN Regional Commissions and in partnership with Youth for Energy in Southeast Asia and the BRICS Youth Energy Agency. The meeting was held as side event of the Thirteenth International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD) which took place on 2-4th December 2024 at United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.
Background of the cooperation:
The Asia-Pacific region is at a crossroads regarding energy production and consumption. As the demand for energy continues to rise, the region faces significant challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. The region's young people, who make up a significant portion of the population, are not only the most affected by today's decisions but also the most capable of enacting and inspiring change for a sustainable energy future. Young people, who are innovative, adaptive, and passionate about climate change action, are crucial stakeholders in driving the energy transition. However, to contribute effectively, they need to be empowered with the necessary skills, knowledge, and platforms to participate in energy decision-making processes.
The Ministerial Declaration of the Third Asian and Pacific Energy Forum (APEF), held in Bangkok in October 2023, reaffirmed the importance of involving young people and youth-led, youth-focused organizations in the work of the United Nations at the national, regional, and international levels.
Inspired by the APEF 2023 Ministerial Declaration, ESCAP launched the project Supporting Youth Empowerment for Energy Transition in the Asia-Pacific Region in September 2024 with support from the Russian Federation. This project seeks to empower youth in the region by providing platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and capacity-building, thereby enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the energy transition. The first Asia-Pacific Energy Youth Engagement Platform Meeting will be a critical milestone for the project, bringing together representatives of selected youth energy organizations from across the region.
While the meeting will focus on the Asia-Pacific region, youth energy organization representatives from around the world will participate to share their experiences in youth engagement from other global regions.
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