The Commonwealth recognises the critical importance of sustainable energy to economic development and the imperative to transition to clean forms of energy.
This aligns with commitments made by governments under the Paris Agreement on climate change, while acknowledging that an inclusive global economic recovery requires a renewed commitment to the sustainable use of natural resources.
Three pillars of action
The inaugural Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Forum was held in London in June 2019, from which three pillars for action emerged from delegates’ deliberations:
- Inclusive Transitions
- Technology and Innovation
- Enabling Frameworks
The second Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Forum will be held on 12-14 May 2021 to facilitate consensus building, knowledge sharing as well as raised ambitions amongst member countries. The aim is to encourage action to accelerate the transition to clean energy systems and achievement of the goals of SDG 7.
The event will feature three roundtable sessions, including panel discussions and presentations by governments, industry experts, and partners. Member countries will be encouraged to step forward as champions to drive initiatives under the three key pillars of the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition agenda.
Roundtables
The need to curb carbon emissions and to adopt new energy systems calls for a fundamental redesign of governance, economic and social systems. The panel will consider the design and implementation of enabling frameworks (policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks as well as an enabling market environment) for sustainable energy transitions across the Commonwealth.
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12 May: Roundtable 1 – Inclusive Energy Transitions
At the heart of the energy transition needs to be inclusivity. Commonwealth countries can achieve inclusive energy transition that leaves no-one behind. The panel will consider how to facilitate implementation of inclusive energy transition in the Commonwealth.
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13 May: Roundtable 2 – Technology & Innovation in Energy Transitions
Achieving SDG7 will require fundamental, rapid and large-scale shifts towards new technologies to achieve universal access to energy and transition to low-carbon energy resources, in particular renewables. The panel will consider the energy resources and low-carbon technologies required for sustainable energy transition.
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14 May: Roundtable 3 – Enabling Frameworks for Sustainable Energy Transition
The need to curb carbon emissions and to adopt new energy systems calls for a fundamental redesign of governance, economic and social systems. The panel will consider the design and implementation of enabling frameworks (policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks as well as an enabling market environment) for sustainable energy transitions across the Commonwealth.
Registration
The forum is open to participation from member governments.
For more information including registration for this event, please contact:
- Alache Fisho, Legal Adviser (Natural Resources), [email protected]
- Programme Assistant, Dilys Hartley, [email protected]
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