SOURCE:Shenzhen DailyPUBDATE:2026-09-05

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The Seminar on APEC Technologies Empower Low Carbon Action (TELCA): Roadmaps, Accessibility and Partnership was held in Longhua District from Sept. 2 to 4.
More than 40 policymakers, researchers, business representatives and international organizations representatives from 18 APEC member economies engaged in in-depth discussions on low-carbon technology innovation and applications, as well as practices for advancing the green transition.

Rhea Crisologo Hernando, an analyst with the Policy Support Unit of the APEC Secretariat, delivers a keynote speech at the seminar.
During the seminar, Rhea Crisologo Hernando, a Philippine analyst with the Policy Support Unit of the APEC Secretariat, delivered a keynote speech titled “Transitioning to a Sustainable Economy While Ensuring Inclusion” and sat down for an exclusive interview with Shenzhen Daily.
Hernando emphasized the importance of the seminar, which included discussions on gender equality and social inclusion in low-carbon development.
“Having such discussions opens our minds to the fact that some people are left behind when societies adopt new technologies. We therefore need to be mindful and ensure that no one — no economy, community or individual — is left behind,” she said.
She also said that regional cooperation inareas such as clean energy, energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies should be strengthened to ensurethat innovation and knowledge are widely shared and that the benefits extend not only to the wealthy and people with digital access, but also to underrepresented groups such as women, young people, and other vulnerable communities.

Rhea Crisologo Hernando speaks during an exclusive interview with Shenzhen Daily.
The attendees also held in-depth discussions on inclusive and flexible labor market policies that recognize the employment gaps faced by women, as well as their limited access to digital skills and literacy. Low-income groups are also affected by the green transition and need assistance. In addition, indigenous peoples, who contribute relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions,are directly affected by climate change’s impact on their land and livelihoods.
“APEC is a very important platform. Discussions across APEC economies not only inform policy but also encourageeconomies at different stages of technological, economic and financial development. They show that there is hope and a path toward sustainable and inclusive growth.”
Hernando also emphasized that APEC economies — and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole— should focus on long-term, practical cooperation; strengthen joint research, technological cooperation and technology sharing; and promote talent exchanges.
“Most importantly, economies should work toward a greener transition that is inclusive and leaves no one behind. This includes providing upskilling, reskilling and worker redeployment opportunities, as well as adjustment assistance, so that no worker or community is left behind,” she said.

Rhea Crisologo Hernando (R) listens to a discussion during the seminar.
Regarding Longhua’s green practices, Hernando said she was impressed by the district’s efforts to promote low-carbon innovation. A range of technological products and applications — including hydrogen-powered bicycles, 3D printing and rooftop solar systems— offered her a glimpse of how technology can make life more convenient while reducing carbon emissions.
“The approach is both practical and innovative, as various technologies are integrated into urban planning, industry and everyday life. It shows that innovation can lead to real improvements in sustainability, and Longhua’s experience could provide useful lessons for cities across the Asia-Pacific region.”
“I hope to share these experiences with my economy, the Philippines, which is highly vulnerable tonatural disasters and climate change. I believe Longhua’s experience could offer important lessons for other economies and cities,” she said.

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