Bangkok, Asian countries, including India, must accelerate a just transition to renewable energy and take the lead in shaping the Global South's response to the climate crisis, according to a prominent global climate activist.
The Bangkok Climate Action Week 2026 has convened governments, climate experts, civil society organizations, and various stakeholders to deliberate on regional climate strategies and the shift toward cleaner power sources.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event on Friday, Harjeet Singh, global convenor of the Fill the Fund campaign and founding director of the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, emphasized that developed nations must likewise be held accountable for insufficient climate action and unmet financial promises.
Singh noted that discussions during the climate week underscore an undeniable reality: the global community is suffering severely under the burden of a fossil-fuel-driven economy. He added that rather than simply demanding action, the region must lead by example to establish a blueprint for a resilient and equitable future.
A specialized session during the climate week gathered governments, policymakers, and advocates from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific to explore methods for fast-tracking a just transition to clean energy.
Nithi Nesadurai, director and regional coordinator of Climate Action Network Southeast Asia, pointed out that while both South and Southeast Asia feature instances of moving toward renewable energy, enhanced regional coordination remains essential for exchanging experiences and successful practices.
These dialogues serve as key Asia-Pacific engagements leading up to the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in November. The talks also centered on formulating a just energy transition roadmap and bolstering regional collaboration.
Prior international events focusing on transitioning away from fossil fuels include a conference held in Santa Marta, Colombia, in April 2026, with a follow-up conference planned for Tuvalu in July 2027.