Global South leaders pledge solidarity in energy transition
African, Asian, Latin American, Caribbean and Pacific leaders have recommitted to accelerate a just energy transition for small island states.
Ministers from 28 countries spoke of advancing climate resilience for populations in the Global South.
© Sustainable Energy for AllThe gathering was part of the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Forum, stressing the growing energy needs in developing countries while addressing climate vulnerability and resilience.
The Ministerial for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) representatives emphasised the need for urgent mobilisation of climate finance to support energy transition and climate resilience agendas.
They represented Antigua, Barbuda, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, the Grenadines and Tonga.
The Call to Action endorsed by the ministers highlighted the need for ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans, equitable distribution of climate finance allocations, enhanced local capacity and job opportunities, and accelerated deployment of innovative technological solutions across SIDS.
A communiqué was also released reiterating the commitments made by African Heads of state in the Dar es Salaam Declaration to implement Mission 300 – an initiative to provide electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
Ministers were hopeful for the impact the meeting had, with the Patron of the UN Association Fiji, Amena Yauvoli, stating, ‘The pledges made today will set the stage for impactful participation by small island states at COP30 in Brazil later in the year’.
