Powering Peoples, Protecting Rights: Human Rights and Gender-Responsive Data for a Just Energy Transition

Organizers:
UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UN Women
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Co-organizers:
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS)
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Asia Pacific Network of Environmental Defenders (APNED)
Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples (REP)
Resource Justice Network

Date and Time: 26 February, 11:15 – 12:15 
Venue: Meeting Room H, UN Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand

Online participation:

Session summary: As Asia-Pacific countries accelerate energy transitions to meet climate goals and achieve SDGs 6, 7, and 9, it is essential that these efforts are inclusive, equitable, and grounded in human and labour rights. This session will examine the human rights risks associated with renewable energy development and critical mineral extraction, such as land dispossession, water scarcity, labour exploitation, and environmental degradation, particularly affecting Indigenous Peoples, women, vulnerable workers, and rural communities.

Drawing on regional case studies, the discussion will explore governance, accountability, and benefit-sharing mechanisms to prevent harm and avoid extractive models disguised as green development. The session will also highlight the critical role of gender-responsive and disaggregated data (SDG Indicator 17.18) in strengthening accountability, informing policy design, and supporting inclusive energy transitions. Practical, Voluntary National Review (VNR)-relevant examples from national and regional initiatives will be shared to support Member States in advancing rights-based and people-centred energy policies.