The regional workshop of the Global Forum on Sustainable Energy (GFSE) for countries that are members of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) was held from 24-26 November 2004, in Paro, Kingdom of Bhutan. The meeting considered the theme of "Access to Rural Energy for Sustainable Development and Policies for Rural Areas." The workshop emphasized increasing awareness among the countries of the Himalaya-Hindukush Region (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China (Tibet), India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan) and donor countries on rural energy supply for sustainable development as part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The workshop also aimed to facilitate regional solutions and help Bhutan's efforts to achieve "electricity for all by 2020." In particular, the workshop set out to stimulate discussion and networking possibilities on sustainable energy matters related to: sector improvement and policy development/changes; capacity building and sharing of best practices within the region; empowerment for sustainable energy solutions; implementation of existing national and regional recommendations and plans; and improvement of stakeholder communication, including donors.

The workshop also sought to promote and explain the concept of the EU-Energy Initiative (EUEI) for poverty eradication and sustainable development and to explore the need for specific projects and areas of financial co-operation. Aiming to take a regional rather than bilateral approach to problems and solutions, the workshop focused on rural access to energy, solutions for remote mountain areas, affordability, rural development, electrification, climate protection, renewable energy, poverty reduction, lifestyle and consumer protection, consumer-driven approaches and gender participation.

The workshop was convened by Georg Lennkh, Director General of the Austrian Development Cooperation. It was co-hosted by the Department of Energy, Ministry of Trade and Industry of Bhutan, GFSE, the Austrian Coordination Bureau (ACB), Mountain Partnership, and the EUEI. More.