Bangkok, 29 September – 3 October 2025
The 9th Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation (APAN) Forum is a regional-wide discussion platform for climate adaptation practitioners to meet, share their learning experiences, and move together to practical solutions needed to address the challenges of climate change. Held in Bangkok, 29 September-3 October 2025 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC), the forum aims to address the key message and recommendations made during the 8th APAN Adaptation Forum and advance discussions on transformational adaptation.
Photo 1. All Panellists and Participants of “Co-Creating Transformative and Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation in Asia”
In this opportunity, Aldilla Noor Rakhiemah, Project Manager of the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project (ACCEPT) was invited to several panels in the APAN Forum to share insights on ASEAN’s progress on climate adaptation, as well as existing frameworks that have been applied in the region. ACCEPT Project serves as the first integrated project between energy and climate nexus, emphasising significant contribution from the energy sector towards the increase of greenhouse gas emissions, which is leading to climate change. However, ACCEPT is not only addressing energy-climate nexus but also recognising the importance of social-economic value that could be delivered throughout the project on a regional level. Within ACCEPT framework, several topics are also explored including gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) in achieving a just and inclusive energy transition in ASEAN. On the first panel titled “Co-Creating Transformative and Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation in Asia”, Aldilla shared the progress, gaps, and barriers to climate change adaptation measures and national action plan implementation in ASEAN Region. From regional perspective, she started with how ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) can underpin stronger climate adaptation strategies through data availability and analysis. She added, “The Centre has long experience in building regional data platforms and integrating inclusivity into energy and climate cooperation. Beyond that, we are currently working on ASEAN Energy Database System (AEDS) where we are also incorporating data on energy-gender in regional level. Indeed, this is a significant milestone for us, as the database serves as the first energy-gender data platform in ASEAN”. In addition, the dialogue enabled discussion on gender-responsive, innovative climate financing, and understanding women and youth leadership in transformational adaptation. The session also highlighted the crucial role of data systems in relevant with climate adaptation in regional level. Aldilla also shared her perspective through another panel organised by UN Women, titled “Scaling Climate Justice: Gender and Inclusive Data of Transformational Adaptation” on the 3rd of October 2025. The session, which is co-organised by the UN Women, UNEP, ARROW, Baithak Challenging Taboos and The Pacific Community explored how science, assessments, and knowledge systems can enable inclusive and gender-responsive climate adaptation.
Photo 2. Aldilla Rakhiemah, Project Manager of ACCEPT presented at APAN Forum in UNCC Regional Office
In her presentation, Aldilla highlights strategies that have been applied by ACE to navigate and discuss gender integration on the energy sector. This includes gender consideration into energy planning, implementation, monitoring frameworks, and policy making area. In addition, she stressed the crucial role of regional planning document in shaping an equal opportunity for all. This is align with the new ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030 under the theme ‘Advancing Regional Cooperation in Ensuring Energy Security and Accelerating Decarbonisation for A Just and Inclusive Energy Transition’. Furthermore, Aldilla also shared gender initiatives on regional level, including activities that have been organised by ACE such as International Women’s Day Social Campaign, ASEAN Energy-Gender Booklet, workshops, and webinars. Prioritising on gender data study for inclusive policy and planning, several studies are also conducted throughout 2025, including ASEAN Energy Statistics Leaflet, Gender Data Baseline Study, and Gender Indicators Development. Moving forward, ACE is aiming to strengthen gender-sensitive energy data in ASEAN through continuous capacity buildings, research, and policy recommendations. (IP)
** Join our ASEAN Researchers Network on Climate Change (ARNECC) by registering yourself here. Become a part of our collaborative efforts to address pressing climate challenges and shape a sustainable future. Detailed information on ACCEPT II can be found at https://accept.aseanenergy.org/ Follow our social media to stay updated on ASEAN’s energy-climate nexus and ACCEPT activities.