June 11, 2026 l Manila Bulletin
Twenty-twenty-six marks the diamond anniversary of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Manila-based institution that stands at the forefront of the Asia-Pacific’s transition toward a more sustainable and resilient future. Since its establishment in 1966, the ADB has evolved from a traditional development lender into a leading catalyst for climate action, clean energy investment, and sustainable infrastructure.
Through initiatives such as the Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) and its expanding green finance commitments, the ADB is helping countries address the dual challenges of energy security and decarbonization. Today, energy transition and climate finance remain central pillars of the bank’s long-term development mission.
Launched by the ADB in 2006, ACEF was created to bring together policymakers, development partners, utilities, investors, technology providers, and civil society organizations to exchange ideas and accelerate clean energy deployment across Asia and the Pacific. What began as a modest gathering of energy stakeholders has evolved into a premier annual event attracting thousands of participants from around the world.
Over the past two decades, ACEF has helped shape regional discussions on renewable energy (RE), energy efficiency, grid modernization, energy access, and climate resilience. The forum provides a venue for showcasing innovative technologies, sharing policy reforms, and fostering partnerships that translate into real-world investments and projects. Discussions initiated at ACEF have contributed to the expansion of solar and wind programs, the promotion of energy-efficiency standards, and the development of financing mechanisms that support low-carbon growth.
Since energy challenges have evolved, ACEF has expanded its focus to include energy storage, digitalization, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, and climate adaptation. In many respects, the forum mirrors the transformation of the global energy sector itself—shifting from a focus on power generation to a broader emphasis on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. It stands as one of the region’s most influential platforms for advancing sustainable energy development.
This year’s ACEF 2026 is centered on the theme, “Beyond Transition: Building Secure, Resilient, Inclusive, and Intelligent Energy Systems.” The four-day forum is taking place at the ADB headquarters in Mandaluyong City from June 8 to 11, featuring plenary sessions, thematic workshops, panel discussions, and networking events examining the critical issues shaping Asia’s energy future.
ACEF 2026 is organized by the ADB in partnership with international development organizations, research institutions, industry associations, and private-sector stakeholders. Supported by sponsors and knowledge partners representing the RE, finance, technology, and consulting sectors, the event brings together an impressive roster of speakers—including senior officials from energy ministries across the Asia-Pacific region who are sharing their insights alongside executives from leading power companies, technology firms, and investment organizations.
For the Philippines, ACEF carries special significance. As one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, the country faces the twin imperatives of ensuring energy security while pursuing a credible pathway toward decarbonization. The discussions involving more than 200 experts are directly relevant to the nation’s development agenda.
As the ADB celebrates six decades of development leadership, ACEF 2026 underscores the critical role of collaboration in achieving a sustainable energy future. By bringing together policymakers, investors, innovators, and industry leaders, the forum continues to drive solutions that advance energy security and inclusive economic growth across Asia and the Pacific.
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