Launch of the Asia-Pacific Network of Energy Think Tanks (APNETT)

7 Oct 2019
Bangkok, Thailand
Open meeting

Background

The Asia-Pacific Network of Energy Think Tanks (APNETT) has been proposed by ESCAP to
link the diverse multidisciplinary energy expertise across region. APNETT convened academic
institutions, think tanks, universities and not-for-profit entities to facilitate exchange on energy
topics and develop collaborative research on energy issues identified by ESCAP’s Secretariat and
its member States through intergovernmental processes.
ESCAP has established APNETT and served as its focal point. It will develop terms of reference
that will govern its operation, for distribution prior and to be agreed upon by members in a separate
session at the forum. Members will focus on research issues and barriers to achieving sustainable
energy development including SDG7.

The Network will serve to:

a) deliver collaborative research, drawing on contributions from relevant institutes in APNETT, feeding into ESCAP’s regional publications on energy;
b) undertake peer reviews of energy research in support of the ESCAP work program on energy;
c) support capacity development in the form of research tools, databases and assistance to institutes in need; and
d) exchange information across the network and disseminate learnings to policymakers.

Objectives

The objective of this session was to launch and introduce APNETT to the wider forum audience.
This was an opportunity for forum attendees to learn about the group and ESCAP’s intentions in
its establishment. Although the network did not have held its inception meeting (where the Terms
of Reference will be agreed and initial discussions held towards defining a work plan), the session
provided a chance for high-profile APNETT members to present their views on the principal
research questions facing the region that can be considered for investigation. As an interactive
session, it also provided an opportunity to canvas views from the Forum audience on contemporary
challenges facing the energy transition in the Asia Pacific region.