SAAPE’S ENGAGEMENT IN THE GLOBAL CIVIL SOCIETY MOBILISATION DURING THE IMF–WORLD BANK ANNUAL MEETINGS
A joint forum of parliamentarians and civil society organisations was convened byParliamentarians for a Fossil-Free Future (ParlFossilFree) in Bangkok on 14 October 2026 to discuss how countries can move from climate and energy targets towards concrete policies and actions for a rapid, equitable and just transition away from fossil fuels. The forum brought together parliamentarians and civil society representatives from across Asia and provided a platform to exchange experiences on the legislative, fiscal and oversight roles of parliamentarians in advancing the energy transition.
The discussion highlighted the need for energy policies that are people-centred, protect communities and workers, expand access to renewable energy, and ensure that the costs of transition are not shifted onto vulnerable populations.
The main panel brought together parliamentarians from Pakistan, Nepal, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines and Thailand. The discussion explored how elected representatives can use their legislative mandates, fiscal and budgetary powers, and oversight and accountability functions to accelerate the energy transition in their respective countries.
From Nepal, Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki, Member of Parliament and founder of the South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE), and Ms. Tuka Bhadra Hamal, Member of Parliament and representative of SAAPE member organisation All Nepal Women’s Association (ANWA), participated in the forum and presented perspectives from Nepal. Their participation brought Nepal’s experience and concerns into the regional discussion on a just energy transition. The Nepal perspective underscored the importance of linking energy transition policies with the country’s development priorities, climate vulnerability, social justice and the needs of communities. The engagement also provided an opportunity to highlight the role of parliamentarians in strengthening policies and public accountability for a transition that is inclusive and responsive to people’s needs.
The forum also highlighted the important role of civil society organisations in ensuring that energy transition policies are grounded in the realities of communities. CSOs can contribute through public advocacy, community mobilisation, policy monitoring and engagement with decision-makers, while holding governments accountable for their commitments. The discussion recognised that a just transition requires meaningful participation of affected communities and social groups, particularly those facing poverty, inequality, energy insecurity and the impacts of climate change. Renewable energy development therefore needs to be accompanied by policies that address questions of affordability, access, livelihoods, ownership and democratic participation.
The forum provided an important space for parliamentarians and civil society organisations to strengthen collaboration around a common agenda for a fossil-free and just energy future. The exchange of experiences from across Asia demonstrated the value of connecting parliamentary action with community-based advocacy and regional civil society mobilisation. The forum concluded with an open discussion on the way forward, reinforcing the need to move beyond commitments and targets towards concrete legislation, public investment, accountability and transformative policies that can deliver a rapid and just energy transition.