From February 10-12, Fair Finance Asia (FFA) will conduct a series of workshops and sessions on just coal phaseout, advancing Indigenous Peoples and local communities’ rights in critical minerals investments, and youth campaigning at the 4th Southeast Asia Collaborative Convening of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Just Energy Transition (JET) co-organized by FFA, Oxfam’s Influencing Just Energy Transition Program, and the Asia Network for People’s Energy (ANPE) in Manila, Philippines.
In October 2025, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030 was endorsed by the ASEAN Ministers of Energy with a clear mandate on the “enhancement of cross-sectoral collaboration… to integrate emerging technologies, align policies with net zero targets, and mainstream gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) into energy planning”.
The 4th CSO JET Convening aims to explore opportunities in promoting the integration of Gender, Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into the Philippine ASEAN Chairship’s implementation of APAEC 2026-2030 and Member States’ energy planning. The convening will also serve as a platform for CSOs to co-create strategies for advancing JET across the region.
Workshop on Advancing a Just Coal Phase-out in the ASEAN
February 10 | 3:15-5:00 PM (Manila, GMT+8)
On February 10, FFA will hold a session to consult with stakeholders on its proposed coal phaseout strategy for financial institutions in Asia. Building on insights from COP30 in Belém, where voluntary initiatives and finance mechanisms emerged amid uneven adoption of binding commitments, the session will collect feedback on FFA’s draft approach. Participants will discuss how to align coal retirement plans with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target, validate elements for regional bodies and development finance institutions (DFIs), and explore ways to engage investors and financial institutions in leveraging COP30’s voluntary frameworks while addressing policy gaps and social safeguards.
Youth-led Campaigning on JET and Stronger Due Diligence in Asia’s Critical Minerals Supply Chains
February 11 | 9:15-10:45 AM (Manila, GMT+8)
On February 11, FFA with the Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP) will conduct a workshop to co-create a youth-led, actionable digital and social media campaign to advance Just Energy Transition (JET) financing and strengthen due diligence across Asia’s critical minerals supply chains. The session will also feature the launch of the Youth Podcast video produced during the 3rd Regional JET Convening.
Advancing Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in Asia’s Critical Minerals Sector through Investigative Journalism and Evidence-Based Advocacy
February 11 | 2:00-3:15 PM (Manila, GMT+8)
On February 11, Fair Finance Asia (FFA) will convene a session highlighting the critical role of civil society organizations (CSOs) and investigative journalists in exposing social and environmental harms linked to cross-border critical minerals financing in Asia. Drawing on FFA’s 2024 report and the Weda Bay Nickel mine investigation by Dagens Nyheter and Fair Finance Guide Sweden—which led to bank divestments and increased corporate engagement–the session will explore how joint investigative reporting and evidence-based advocacy can amplify the voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, inform financing and regulatory decisions, and strengthen transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in Asia’s critical minerals supply chains.
Overall, the CSO convening aims to discuss a collective regional agenda toward a Just, Inclusive, and Gender-Responsive Energy Transition in the ASEAN. This year’s sessions will focus on the following key areas:
- APAEC 2026–2030 Priorities, with emphasis on integrating GEDSI into regional and national energy planning.
- Advancing Multi-Stakeholder Solutions on Transition Minerals, addressing the risks and impacts of expanding transition minerals value chain in ASEAN.
- Co-Creating and Advancing Principles for Accelerating a Just Coal Phase-Out in the ASEAN, while redirecting financing towards clean and renewable energy alternatives.
Additional resources:
- View FFA’s transition minerals report.
- View FFA’s coal report.
- View FFA’s 2024 JET Convening sessions on transition minerals.