Banner-Closing

The Closing Session grappled with the issue of how Asia’s developing economies recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and move forward. The session included keynote talks, messages from key ADB partners, and a panel discussion on future directions for the energy sector.

Session Moderator: David Elzinga, Senior Energy Specialist, Asian Development Bank

Virtual ACEF 2020 Summary Video

    A short video highlighting the key messages and takeaways from discussions during ACEF week.

Keynote Speakers

  • Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP
  • Dr. Ilan Noy, Chair in the Economics of Disasters and Climate Change, Victoria University of Wellington

Looking Forward to COP 26 and USAID Announcement of Water and Energy for Food Ag-Energy Prize

  • Lord Callanan, Minister for Climate Change and Corporate Responsibility, UK Government (Recorded Message)
  • Juniper Neill, Deputy Mission Director, Regional Development Mission for Asia at USAID (Recorded message)

Panel Discussion: Future Directions for the Energy Sector

  • How are energy needs changing in ADB’s DMCs?
  • Does ADB need to change its approach to DMC energy lending?
  • What do we need to do now to head in the right direction?

Panel Moderator: Ashok Bhargava, Director Central Asia Energy Department and Chair of the Energy Sector Committee, ADB

  • Hongpeng Liu, Director, Energy Division United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
  • Dr. Ilan Noy, Chair in the Economics of Disasters and Climate Change, Victoria University of Wellington
  • Priyantha Wijayatunga, Energy Director, South Asia Regional Department, Asian Development Bank
  • Sujata Gupta, Director, Sustainable Infrastructure, East Asia Department, Asian Development Bank

Closing Remarks

  • Bambang Susantono, Vice-President, Knowledge Management, Asian Development Bank