Question: How can the global energy community foster cooperation to accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy?

From the perspective of the Philippines, a developing and archipelagic nation highly vulnerable to climate change, deeper global cooperation is not just desirable, It is an imperative.

Fostering global cooperation is critical to achieving a just, inclusive, and secure energy transition. The Philippines pathway to a low-carbon future is anchored on three pillars: 

• Access and affordability; 
• Addressing human rights, reliability and resiliency for economic development; and 
• Clean and sustainable energy for environmental protection. 

We call these the ARC framework.

First, countries like ours need access to financing to accelerate the shift to low-carbon energy. Partnerships with multilateral institutions, development partners, and private investors are vital to unlock capital for clean energy investments. 

Second, there is a strong need for technology transfer and capacity building or upskilling and reskilling of the workforce. As an archipelagic country with diverse energy needs, we see the immense potential of renewables, particularly offshore wind, as well as emerging technologies like hydrogen and nuclear. However, we need continued international cooperation to access advanced technologies, share best practices, and strengthen local technical capabilities.

Third, partnerships should go beyond funding. We believe that regional and global cooperation on energy connectivity is key.

The Philippines is an active participant in ASEAN’s energy initiatives such as the ASEAN power grid which can be a stepping stone toward a more integrated, efficient and resilient regional energy system and presents a strategic opportunity for the Philippines to export excess capacities from each country’s vast renewable energy potential through the ASEAN power grid.

Lastly, the transition must be just and inclusive. It should empower communities, protect jobs, and ensure that the shift to cleaner energy does not deepen existing inequalities. For the Philippines, the path to a low-carbon future is a shared journey, one that requires global solidarity, trust, and sustained cooperation to ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are felt by all. /END

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Watch it here – Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vokRhvHHBxY&t=28s

The 18th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2025, Asia’s premier energy platform, was held at the Marina Bay Sands from 27 to 31 October 2025. This year’s theme is “Envisioning Energy Tomorrow, Building Systems Today”. The event was attended by global energy ministers, heads of international organizations, and industry experts for in-depth discussions of energy transition strategies, innovations, and collaboration opportunities.