As Cambodia welcomes Asean heads of state to Phnom Penh for the 40th and 41st Asean Summits, we can expect the energy-hungry lights will be blazing and the air conditioners to hum across the capital. This meeting takes place at a critical time globally with an unprecedented energy crisis and stalled progress on decarbonising energy with Unep predicting a 2.8 degree Celsius temperature rise by the end of the century, significantly higher that the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5-2C.
Yet Asean has the technology, human capital, and natural resources to make a world-leading energy transition, and during this summit, we hope member states will build on the progress already made and further determine how to meet the energy transition challenges. With its principle of cooperation and mutual benefit, Asean could become a global leader by promoting a just energy transition that does not compound existing inequalities and leaves no one behind.
Based on regional consultation with partners who are civil society organisations (CSOs) and experts from across Southeast Asia, Oxfam believes Asean member states have an opportunity to "super-charge" an energy transition that provides energy security and is inclusive and just. We recognise the significant challenges with high population growth, some of the world's most dynamic growing economies and the fastest energy demand and widening inequalities between people and between states. Within Asean 29 million people still lack access to electricity and 219 million cook with solid biofuels.
