Starting 12 January 2026, Indigenous practitioners from across Asia will gather for a 14-day regional Training of Trainers (ToT) focused on strengthening community-based renewable energy solutions. The program, held in Sabah, Malaysia is designed for those already working at the community level and seeking to expand their capacity to lead, train, and support others.

At its core, this initiative responds to a critical gap in the energy transition. While renewable energy is expanding rapidly, Indigenous communities are often excluded from decision-making, financing, and technical leadership. This training ensures that Indigenous Peoples are not only beneficiaries of renewable energy—but drivers of its design, implementation, and governance.

Led by TONIBUNG, a pioneer in community-based renewable energy with over 25 years of experience, the program builds on proven models that place communities at the center. Through partnerships with PACOS Trust and the Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples (REP), the training connects local practice with regional and global advocacy for energy justice, and funded by UN Women

Participants will engage in a structured, hands-on learning process covering renewable energy fundamentals, feasibility studies for solar and micro-hydro systems, community social baseline assessments, data processing, and proposal development. Field visits to communities with successful CBRE systems will enable peer-to-peer learning and practical knowledge exchange.

Beyond technical skills, the training emphasizes facilitation, community organizing, and knowledge sharing. Participants will be equipped to train others in their own communities and countries, reducing reliance on external experts and strengthening long-term sustainability.

By investing in Indigenous trainers today, this program helps build a future where renewable energy development across Asia is community-owned, rights-based, and just—supporting livelihoods, protecting territories, and advancing Indigenous leadership in the energy transition.