The African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure & Energy, H.E. Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, delivered the keynote speech to the International Forum for Energy Transition, held on 9 September 2021 under the theme “A pathway towards carbon neutrality and sustainable energy future”.
In her speech, Commissioner Abou-Zeid highlighted the growing impact of climate change at the global and continental levels in key areas and sectors including agriculture and food security, water supply, healthcare, energy and regional security, biodiversity, etc. while also calling for stepping up climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Noting the huge role of the energy sector in driving the global decarbonisation agenda, Dr. Abou Zeid called for the development of low carbon and climate-resilient pathways in the energy sector, which will help to mitigate carbon emissions and avoid lock-in of carbon into future developing while also reducing the costs of adaptation.
“Achieving carbon-neutrality in the future energy sector is a huge task but it is not impossible. What is needed as a first step is political leadership and commitment at the global level, driven by concrete actions and strategies as well as financial and technical resources for implementation. The post-COVID recovery process provides huge opportunities for global stakeholders to reset the energy agenda towards access to clean, low-carbon, climate-resilient and highly efficient energy systems.” said Dr Abou-Zeid, while calling on stakeholders to enhance collaborations and partnerships.
She further reiterated the commitment of the African Union Commission in addressing the barriers to sustainable energy development on the continent while also highlighting the efforts and commitments of the Member States.
Dr. Abou-Zeid also called for deepened collaborations and partnerships to address the gaps in financing, technology transfer and access, regulatory frameworks and capacity development in the energy sector.
In her closing remarks, Commissioner Abou-Zeid highlighted the important of engaging all stakeholders at the upcoming COP26 event to develop transparent and mutually beneficial targets, action plans and commitments aimed at transitioning towards clean and sustainable energy access for all.
The Forum was organised and hosted by the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the World Economic Forum (WEF). The event gathered an exclusive group of government officials, global energy leaders and experts to exchange views on energy transition and ways to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
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