The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has launched the Energy Transition for Green Growth and Prosperity (ETGGP), a new regional initiative to support countries in South-East Asia deliver clean energy transitions while strengthening growth, jobs and social inclusion. This initiative aligns with ESCAP's mandate to support its member States on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including SDG 7 on sustainable energy.
The ETGGP is a three-year initiative commencing from 2026. It is supported with initial financial contributions pledged at over US$ 4 million from four philanthropic foundations: ClimateWorks Foundation, Sequoia Climate Foundation, Children's Investment Fund Foundation and Tara Climate Foundation. With an initial focus on South-East Asia, ETGGP provides country-specific support aligned with national priorities.
The launch comes at a critical time. Asia and the Pacific accounts for around 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 80% of global coal supply, while regional energy demand is projected to rise significantly by mid-century.
"Countries around the region are considering how to reduce emissions while safeguarding growth, jobs, economic resilience and social inclusion. Governments must navigate this transition under multiple constraints-legacy infrastructure, limited fiscal space, evolving regulatory environments, varying institutional capacity, and persistent financing gaps," said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP at the launch.
She added, "The Energy Transition for Green Growth and Prosperity initiative will address this for countries in South-East Asia by connecting policy analysis, institutional strengthening, regional cooperation and green finance."
The initiative is structured around three mutually reinforcing pillars. First, analytical work to strengthen the knowledge and evidence base for long-term planning at the intersection of energy, economy and industry. Second, support for regional power connectivity through green power corridors. Third, green finance mobilization to strengthen enabling conditions, build investable pipelines, and facilitate the flow of capital at a greater scale.
By combining ESCAP's intergovernmental platform, analytical capability and country-focused support, ETGGP will work with ministries of energy, finance, transport, environment and social development to create enhanced policies and capacity to integrate energy transition with green industrialization and job creation. The initiative will also convene development partners, financial institutions, knowledge organizations and regional experts to develop the evidence base and generate policy solutions.
Expected results include stronger policy coordination, better evidence for decisions, improved investment readiness, and greater access to public and private finance for clean energy and enabling infrastructure.
Lessons from participating countries will shape regional energy policy dialogue, supporting governments to accelerate energy transitions and strengthen cooperation on clean energy, grids and enabling finance across Asia and the Pacific.
