Regional Workshop for the Development Account Project “Evidence-based policies for the Sustainable Use of Energy Resources in Asia and the Pacific”

The workshop invited project countries to share lessons learned with countries from the Pacific region. The workshop also introduced the NEXSTEP as a decision-making tool for SDG7 and NDC planning and invited private sector participants from China to share their experiences and expertise. The participants highlighted that evidence-based decision making in the Pacific remains a challenge due to lack of data availability, accessibility, standardized methodologies and legal frameworks. ESCAP was requested to explore additional avenues for supporting the Pacific region’s energy needs, especially regarding data-relevant capacities and energy access. In line with the theme of the Asia Pacific Business Forum, the workshop discussed the current status of private sector engagement in the energy sector. It was highlighted that the private sector has the most potential to engage in off-grid electrification and ESCAP can play an important role in connecting government with the private sector to boost energy infrastructure investment. Workshop participants expressed the importance of continuing such exchanges to share experiences, lessons learned and best practices in the energy sector.