November 21-23, 2007

The 3^rd SEE Forum: Sustainable Energy and Environment Forum

On November 21 - 23, 2007, the 3^rd SEE (Sustainable Energy and Environment) Forum was held in Pattaya, Thailand. It was cosponsored by Kyoto University, the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JSSEE), ASEAN University Network (AUN), Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

The SEE Forum is an academic and S&T community network that advances dialogue on global issues of common concern within the Asia-Pacific region. Its function is to establish common goals, called "New Energy Initiatives," and to promote industry-university-government collaboration in working to achieve those goals.

Altogether, the Forum was attended by 180 people, including specialists in energy and environment from 21 universities in the 10-member countries of the ASEAN University Network (AUN), from the 10 ASEANs and Japan. Approximately 100 presentations were delivered by researchers from 15 countries. Country reports were also presented from 12 countries, and research proposals tabled by 20 universities or research institutes on new energy topics. The participants engaged each other in a lively exchange of views. Thus, the network was greatly expanded, and the participants were able to devise a roadmap for "New Energy Initiatives" among the ASEANs, Japan and India. It was proposed to create a network in the areas of biomass, solar energy and clean coal technology and the first steps were taken toward establishing this platform. Furthermore, by placing many young researchers on the executive committee, a mechanism was achieved for strengthening the network with JGSEE as its base.

Through their discussions the participants put together the scaffolding of a cooperative platform for research, education, networking and funding toward implementing the "New Energy Initiatives." They created the 3^rd SEE Forum action plan on "New Energy Initiatives 2008 (final draft)." Based on this action plan, participants of the 3^rd SEE Forum will prepare the program "ASEAN COST + 3: New Energy Forum for Sustainable Environment." Held in Kyoto, the next forum will be cosponsored by Kyoto University and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The 4^th SEE Forum is scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India, in December 2008.