On Thursday, 26 September 2024, Dr. Ardhi Arsala Rahmani had the privilege of attending and speaking at the panel discussion titled Equitable and Inclusive Energy Transition Opportunities in ASEAN as part of the Strategic Multistakeholder Forum on Just and Inclusive Energy Transition in ASEAN. The event took place in Vientiane, Lao PDR, and was organized by the ASEAN Centre for Energy during the 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-24). The forum was supported by Oxfam, UNEP, UN Women, and Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I).
The overarching purpose of the panel was to introduce and explore strategies for a just and inclusive energy transition in ASEAN, focusing on energy and jobs, gender and energy, community renewable energy, and education and skills.
Ardhi attended the event as the Senior Research Officer at Youth for Energy - Southeast Asia (Y4E-SEA). During his speaking engagement, he emphasized the critical need for both intragenerational and intergenerational justice in ASEAN’s energy transition. He underlined that today’s decisions not only affect present communities but also have long-lasting implications for future generations.
Ardhi advocated for the inclusion of youth voices in decision-making processes related to the energy transition, stressing that these engagements must go beyond tokenism. Young people must be granted genuine influence to shape their own future. As he articulated, "We are at the crossroads of destiny where the decisions of a few today are increasingly unequal against those who have yet to have a say in the future."
This message resonated well within the context of the event, which focused heavily on the need for an equitable energy transition that benefits all sectors of society.
The panel discussion attracted a diverse audience of over 150 stakeholders from the private, public, academic, and civil society sectors. This included senior government officials, business leaders, academic researchers, and civil society organizations (CSOs) working on renewable energy and social equity initiatives. Ardhi's remarks received positive feedback, particularly from representatives of youth organizations and CSOs, who appreciated the focus on intergenerational equity.
Several participants approached Ardhi afterward to discuss potential collaborations, including joint advocacy efforts and youth-led initiatives in the energy sector. This was a valuable networking opportunity, further raising the profile of Y4E-SEA and enhancing its standing within the regional energy dialogue.
Overall, the panel discussion was a significant step toward elevating youth perspectives in ASEAN’s energy transition discussions. Ardhi's engagement at this event aligns with Y4E-SEA's ongoing mission to ensure young people are recognized as key stakeholders in shaping a sustainable and equitable energy future. Moving forward, the organization will continue to participate in such forums, advocating for a future where youth voices are integral in shaping the path to a cleaner, fairer energy landscape for ASEAN.
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