20 June 2009: The first Asia Low Carbon Economy Forum convened from 19-20 June 2009, in Beijing, China. The Forum was jointly organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), in partnership with the National Development and Reform Commission of China and WWF, and brought together over 300 policy makers, experts and mayors.

Forum participants examined the trends and potential for low-carbon development in China. Shaoyi Li, Chief of the Energy Security Section at UNESCAP, noted the role low-carbon development can play in tackling “the seeming impasse between energy security and climate change,” adding that it could be the only way to “decouple economic growth and environmental degradation.”
Participants at the Forum considered the need for research on the low carbon economy concept, setting or amending targets to promote the development of renewable energy, and intensifying cooperation on energy savings and emissions reduction. Participants also suggested the establishment of an evaluation benchmark system for a low carbon economy.[UNESCAP Press Release][Meeting Website]