UNDP lends backing to
Carbon Forum Asia

UNDP is lending its support to the Carbon Forum Asia Trade Fair and Conference by organizing a side event and using a UNDP booth to promote the MDG Carbon Facility. The forum, which takes place at the Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Singapore from November 6-7, 2007, will focus on regional platforms for carbon trading, future of carbon emissions trading in Asia, types of projects eligible for carbon trade, and the path forward for a clean air mechanism in Asia.

More than 1,000 participants, including 110 speakers, from 50 countries are expected to attend the forum to learn about the carbon market’s latest products and services in seven plenary and 12 workshop sessions as well as around 20 exhibitor side events. The UNDP side event – entitled Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) beyond the numbers – will be moderated by GEF climate change manager Marcel Alers. Participation in a second side event is under discussion. 

Carbon Forum Asia, organized by the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) and Koelnmesse, organizers of trade fairs and specialist exhibitions, provides a knowledge-sharing platform for leaders and decision-makers in the growing global and Asian greenhouse gas markets and provides opportunities for learning, exchange of best practices, networking and business-matching opportunities in the field of emissions trading, carbon abatement solutions and new technologies. Carbon Forum Asia is also an important run-up event for COP13, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali (December 3-14).

More than 120 leading companies and organizations will be presenting their services, products, GHG abatement technologies and solutions at the forum. Special discount rates (around US$ 270) have been negotiated to ensure the fullest possible participation by developing countries and NGOs and there has been a 20 percent increase in sponsors from last year’s event.

This year’s Carbon Forum Asia includes a keynote speech by UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer, and the participation of three regional ministers – Indonesia’s Minister of Environment Rachmat Witoelar, as well as Singapore’s Minister of Environment and Water Resources, Yaacob Ibrahim, and Minister of State for Trade and Industry, S. Iswaran.

For more information on Carbon Forum Asia Trade Fair and Conference visit the website at www.carbonforumasia.com