Maximizing Impacts of Energy Access

Energy, as an enabler of development, is inextricably linked to virtually all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations in Agenda 2030. On 21 June 2022, as part of the European Development Days 2022, the WISIONS of Sustainability initiative of the Wuppertal Institute, together with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the international network on gender and sustainable energy ENERGIA and the wiki platform energypedia, hosts a Lab Debate from 13.40 to 14.25. The debate focuses on the question: "How can green and just energy transitions catalyse development opportunities?".

In principle, energy can (em)power practically any component of the livelihoods of people. However, achieving real and long-lasting results implies a big crucial challenge. Dr. Willington Ortiz, Researcher in the Research Unit International Energy Transitions and Project Coordinator of WISIONS, speaks with Bärbel Höhn, former Minister for Environment and Agriculture in North Rhine-Westphalia and Special Representative for Energy in Africa at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and Silvia Sartori, Senior Project at ENERGIA, about this task. So, which context-specific development challenges should be addressed in order to be successful, while at the same time the opportunities and motivations of individuals and their communities are recognized? How can we create positive and enduring interlinkages between energy and other sectors such as agriculture, water, education and economic development that can help to boost impacts on all levels? These and other questions will be addressed by the panellists.

To participate in the event, interested parties must register for the European Development Days in Brussels by 17 June. Further information can be found via the link below.