ASEAN moves towards a just transition

SDGS AROUND THE GLOBE

What is Energy Transition?

Energy transition aims to shift towards sustainable energy practices, decarbonize energy systems, increase renewable energy share, and enhance energy security. ASEAN has ambitious renewable energy targets: 23% share in Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) by 2025 and 35% in installed power capacity. Ten SDG indicators were selected, with seven showing improvement. Access to Electricity (SDG 7.1.1) showed the greatest progress and is near the 2030 target. However, Material Footprint (SDG 12.2.1) has significantly regressed. Despite solid gains, considerable improvement is needed to close the gap. Ensuring a just and inclusive energy transition, particularly for vulnerable populations, remains a significant challenge, requiring targeted policies, retraining, and local stakeholder engagement.

What is a just transition?

A just transition ensures that environmentally sustainable economies are promoted in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind. It aims to ensure that the transition to net-zero emissions and climate resilience is well-adjusted to communities, workers, and vulnerable groups in a people-oriented approach, especially within the ASEAN community, where diverse communities build prosperity and partnership together.

Roadmap to the just transition:
The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact guide the principles of a just transition. Building on the guiding principles of just transition established in the International Labour Organization’s Just Transition Guidelines, the UN Global Compact has developed guidance for businesses.

Written by Ms. Pakjira Numchaisombut

Source:

Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL). (2025, October). Just Transition Policy Brief: Exploring a Just Transition in Southeast Asia (APCEL-PP-2501). National University of Singapore. https://law.nus.edu.sg/apcel/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/APCEL-PP-2501-Just-Transition.pdf

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