Press Release
The Second Asian and Pacific Energy Forum
The Ministerial Segment of the Second Asian and Pacific Energy Forum commenced in Bangkok today, 4 April. Member states from Asia and the Pacific as well as international organisations, Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations are participating in the Forum.
Hon. Mr. Barshaman Pun, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation is leading the Nepali delegation to the Forum. Other members of the Nepali delegation include H. E. Dr. Khaga Nath Adhikari, Ambassador of Nepal in Bangkok; Mr. Pravin Raj Aryal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and Mr. Janga Bahadur Gurung, DCM, Embassy of Nepal, Bangkok.
The Hon. Minister of Nepal addressed the Forum this afternoon. In his statement, he briefed the participants about the energy situation in Nepal; highlighted the commitment of the Government of Nepal to achieve SDG-7 (provide affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy services by 2030) to the Nepali people; and called upon the international community for its support for Nepal’s endeavours. “We have created enabling political environment including a new constitution, successful elections at federal, provincial and local levels. Overall economic development is now the foremost priority for us. Energy, being the key driver for economic development, has become the area of main focus of the Government”, the Hon. Minister stated. He underscored the focus of the Government on developing renewable energy including hydro, solar and wind energy.
The Forum will conclude tomorrow, 5 April with the issuance of Ministerial Declaration.
The Official Segment of the Forum began here yesterday, 3 April. Mr. Pravin Aryal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, is leading the Nepali delegation to the official segment.
The countries of Asia and the Pacific have established the Asian and Pacific Energy Forum at the ministerial level for promoting regional cooperation for enhanced energy security and the sustainable use of energy in Asia and the Pacific. The first Forum was held in Vladivostok in the Russian Federation in May 2013.
The Second Ministerial Forum will review the progress achieved in the Asia-Pacific region in addressing energy security challenges, assess the outlook based on scenarios and discuss the policy options for keeping the region on track towards SDG7.
Embassy of Nepal
Bangkok
4 April 2018