NEW DELHI, Jan 18:
Parliamentarians from across commonwealth Asia and the Pacific gathered here today to discuss impact of climate change on energy security and sustainability in the region.
The Parliamentarians are taking part in the Asian regional workshop on sustainability, energy and development which is being co-hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and British High Commission (BHC) from January 18-21.
“It will focus on regional issues affecting countries and territories in both Asia and the Pacific, notably the impact of climate change on energy security and sustainability,” a British High Commission statement said.
Along with the parliamentarians, who will share examples of success and best practices in parliamentary action, the workshop will also bring together high profile experts from international and non-governmental organisations, civil society and academia.
Apart from Jaco Cilliers, Head of UNDP India, and Namita Vikas of YES Bank, Kirit Somaiya MP and chair of the Standing Committee on Eenergy as well as Sanjay Jaiswal MP, Member of the Climate Parliament will address a session.
The statement said that these delegates are all uniquely positioned to influence the shape and content of their respective national energy and development agendas and implementation processes.
“This programme will explore how they can use this position to transform and diversify the energy sector through legislation, regulation and scrutiny, delivering sustainable energy access and development benefits for all,” it said.
Over the course of three and a half days, delegates will attend plenary sessions, participate in a mock committee hearing and take part in an interactive group session to highlight key lessons for their own parliaments.
They will also visit the green action project in Neemrana implemented by Humana People to People India (HPPI).
Through the project, 50 biogas units in ten villages in Behror and Neemrana in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have been setup.
HPPI is promoting biogas as a clean energy source in rural households and the Green Action project, which presently counts 700 biogas plants, is part of the organisation’s biogas programme. Workshop participants will witness the impact renewable energy projects have on improving the livelihoods of local communities, the statement added. (PTI)