The Inclusive Energy Solutions initiative is a cross-sectoral knowledge and engagement platform that supports a shift from fossil fuel-based systems to inclusive, sustainable, and renewable energy systems. Led by ADB across South Asia, the initiative convenes government agencies, utilities, civil society, and development partners to share operational strategies that promote socially responsive climate action.

Building on earlier engagements, the initiative has—since 2024—organized national and subregional workshops in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. These events have enabled peer learning and co-creation of approaches that integrate gender equality, social inclusion, skills development, and decentralized planning into energy sector policies and investments.

A regional conference jointly organized by ADB’s Energy Sector and Human and Social Development Sector Groups is planned for Indonesia in November 2025. This capstone event will expand knowledge exchange to Southeast Asia, deepen South–South cooperation, and identify inclusive, scalable pathways for energy transition across diverse regional contexts. It will further contribute to institutional capacity development, project design, and cross-sector collaboration across energy, transport, and urban development.

By aligning technical energy solutions with equity-based planning, the initiative advances ADB’s commitments under the enhanced Poverty and Social Analysis (PSA) framework, Just Transition agenda, energy policy, and broader goals of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.

Rationale

While climate action demands urgent and integrated responses, energy transitions pose complex social challenges. Without inclusive planning, transitions risk entrenching energy poverty and social exclusion. This initiative promotes a managed and just transition that empowers low-income, vulnerable, and marginalized communities, while enhancing opportunities for skills development, decent work, and affordable energy access.

Objectives

To foster the adoption of inclusive and integrated strategies for low-carbon energy transitions, while strengthening the capacities of energy sector institutions and stakeholders to design, implement, and monitor socially inclusive energy investments.

Target Participants

Officials from government energy agencies, ADB project implementing agencies, utilities, civil society organizations, and other energy sector stakeholders from South and Southeast Asia.