Civil society stakeholders offered grassroots perspectives on the realities faced by vulnerable communities. The emphasis was on actions that avoid perpetuating inequities and undermining efforts to build sustainable economies at the pace and scale necessary. 

ADB’s current Energy Policy 2021 aims to support universal energy access while promoting low carbon transition. Priyantha Wijayatunga, Senior Director of ADB’s Energy Sector Office, opened the session by outlining the bank’s current clean energy initiatives and outlook. Bertrand Furno, executive director representing several European and Middle Eastern countries at ADB, followed with reflections on regional priorities and the urgency of aligning with global climate commitments.  ADB representatives also updated the participants that the bank is launching a year-long review of its current energy policy and intends to consult extensively with CSOs.  

The panel of speakers from various CSOs presented their critiques on ADB’s strategies and actions towards clean energy, citing for example that the Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) is seen to continue supporting fossil fuels and is incompatible with the Paris Agreement. Another CSO panelist mentioned an ADB-financed project in Pakistan causing air pollution and demonstrated how low-cost air sensors and modeling are being used to document public health impacts and hold institutions accountable. They also raised concerns about the socio-environmental toll of mining for critical minerals, and the need to protect indigenous people’s rights, gender and social justice, and the environment in ADB-supported energy projects. ADB representatives acknowledged these concerns and underscored the importance of continuing stakeholder dialogue for operable clean energy solutions. Overall, CSOs delivered a clear call: ADB must commit to truly just, community-centered, and climate-aligned energy futures. 

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