The International Solar Alliance (ISA) will host its Seventh Regional Committee Meeting (RCM) for the Asia and Pacific Region from 15–17 July 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, marking a pivotal step toward accelerating the clean energy transition in one of the world’s most diverse and energy-hungry regions.
With the theme ‘Advancing Solar Cooperation Across a Region of Diversity and Opportunity’, the meeting will draw participation from government representatives, think tanks, technical institutions, private sector leaders, and development partners to push the regional solar agenda beyond rhetoric.
ISA Director General Ashish Khanna noted, “This meeting is about operationalising ideas—from aggregated solar platforms for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to regional energy interconnections and innovation in Green Hydrogen. Colombo will be the launchpad for scalable, investment-ready solar models in the region.”
🔧 Four Core Pillars to Power Progress
The RCM will align Asia-Pacific solar goals with ISA’s broader strategic framework:
- Catalytic Finance Hub: De-risking solar investments through blended finance based on models piloted in Africa.
- Global Capability Centre & Digitisation: Scaling up STAR Centres and the ‘Solar Silicon Valley’ model to drive regional innovation and digital learning.
- Regional Platforms: Aggregating solar demand through SIDS-focused e-procurement systems and shared marketplaces.
- Technology Roadmap & Policy Innovation: Embracing advanced solar technologies, Green Hydrogen ecosystems, and long-duration energy storage (LDES).
🌐 Driving Green Innovation and Connectivity
Key thematic sessions will explore:
- Operationalising SIDS Solar Platforms with regional governance models.
- Boosting Institutional Capacity via STAR Centres in Bhutan, Papua New Guinea, and Kiribati.
- Accelerating E-Mobility, Hydrogen, and Storage projects with a focus on LDCs and island nations.
- Fostering Cross-Border Solar Trade by leveraging shared grid infrastructure.
🤝 Strengthening Partnerships
The meeting will also witness the signing of Country Partnership Frameworks and collaboration agreements with regional and international bodies. New STAR Centres are expected to be announced to solidify technical capacity and long-term solar engagement across the region.
With 54 countries—28 Members, 30 Signatories, and 24 Prospective partners—the Asia-Pacific region forms the ISA’s largest constituency. The Colombo summit is poised to deepen this coalition and reinforce the region’s leadership in achieving net-zero goals through solar diplomacy and innovation-driven growth.
