Manila – At the end of August 2023, coinciding with the momentum of the regional meeting of civil society organizations for the Southeast Asian region on just energy transition, the Asia Network for People’s Energy (ANPE) was launched, a networking platform that aims to bring together civil society organizations (CSOs) from the Southeast Asian Region to address the gaps and challenges of just energy transition at the country level with a region-wide perspective and targeted actions, through three main pillars viz: network building, learning and campaigning, and resource mobilization.

These key pillars form the overarching basis of ANPE’s tasks and roles, particularly in terms of influencing ASEAN member states and regional institutions on Just Energy Transition (JET), controlling the narrative on energy transition towards social, economic, and ecological justice, Expanding civic space and the role of CSOs, particularly women’s rights and gender equality, youth, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities; Increase the capacity and knowledge of CSOs, communities, and other stakeholders on climate justice, renewable energy, and equitable energy transition; Pool resources to support campaigns and initiatives centered on grassroots movements towards a just energy transition.

On November 21-23, 2023, in Manila, Philippines, the “1st Asia Network For People’s Energy General Membership Meeting And Learning Review” was held, with Oxfam Philippines as the host, which generally aimed to discuss the lessons learned of JET initiatives that members have undertaken throughout the year, and develop a strategic plan and framework for 2024. Specifically, the forum, which was attended by CSO representatives from Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, and Timor Leste, aimed to welcome all members and the Steering Committee formally, review the network’s terms of reference, share JET advocacy experiences and lessons learned with Network members; and identify inputs to the advocacy strategy plan at the regional level.

The forum began with the presentation of the draft study “Regional Research on Just Energy Transition Impacts to Other Sectors Affected by the Transition” by Oxfam Philippines, followed by a JET Panel Discussion from various perspectives such as Feminist JET, Extractives, and Indigenous Communities, and governance aspects. Aryanto Nugroho, Coordinator of Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia and a member of the ANPE steering committee, specifically shared information related to governance aspects in the Just Energy Transition.

For approximately three days, this meeting discussed several agendas, including re-visiting and finalizing the ANPE ToC based on member input, identifying JET initiatives that will and are expected to be carried out in 2024, both at the national and regional levels, and identifying spaces for collaboration between members. PWYP Indonesia was also present in the closed meeting of the ANPE steering committee, which discussed the institutionalization of ANPE.

Author: Aryanto Nugroho