I usually set aside a block of time after I get up each morning to read about current events. This morning, I noted with pleasure a report Jim Kim posted on Linkedin. http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/energy/publication/sear
My first thoughts were about the families that I was able to help get their electricity turned on during my career with UNHCR. Hundreds of families that were living without electricity, in conflict prone countries and countries arising out of conflict, that had been working with local authorities unsuccessfully to get the power turned on. Often times, it simply took a letter from my office or a visit to the electric company office to re-establish power connections to the homes. Some times, actions required arranging a 'field trip to the village or town to facilitate and support local citizen engagements', (accompanied by other members of the international community, like UN peace-keepers, regional or state government officials and political leaders). But generally positive actions occurred once communication channels were firmly established.
It was gratifying to me to periodically be able to go back to these villages and towns, often very rural areas, where conflict had devastated the landscapes, but that after peace had been agreed upon, people struggled successfully to 'turn on the lights'. It was particularly important for the school aged children. The stories they told me about what having electrical power and lights in their homes meant to them was very powerful to me.
This report, is both timely and helpful, related to speeding up the pace of achieving successful Agenda 2030 outcomes. Very helpful to me was pointing out:
• Why is electricity access critical for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?
Discussion » State of Electricity Access Report and Agenda 2030
State of Electricity Access Report and Agenda 2030
I usually set aside a block of time after I get up each morning to read about current events. This morning, I noted with pleasure a report Jim Kim posted on Linkedin. http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/energy/publication/sear
My first thoughts were about the families that I was able to help get their electricity turned on during my career with UNHCR. Hundreds of families that were living without electricity, in conflict prone countries and countries arising out of conflict, that had been working with local authorities unsuccessfully to get the power turned on. Often times, it simply took a letter from my office or a visit to the electric company office to re-establish power connections to the homes. Some times, actions required arranging a 'field trip to the village or town to facilitate and support local citizen engagements', (accompanied by other members of the international community, like UN peace-keepers, regional or state government officials and political leaders). But generally positive actions occurred once communication channels were firmly established.
It was gratifying to me to periodically be able to go back to these villages and towns, often very rural areas, where conflict had devastated the landscapes, but that after peace had been agreed upon, people struggled successfully to 'turn on the lights'. It was particularly important for the school aged children. The stories they told me about what having electrical power and lights in their homes meant to them was very powerful to me.
This report, is both timely and helpful, related to speeding up the pace of achieving successful Agenda 2030 outcomes. Very helpful to me was pointing out:
• Why is electricity access critical for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?
Thank you for sharing it.
I agree and share your feelings <...about what having electrical power and lights in their homes meant to them was very powerful to me.>. That is also why, to me,
we ought to begin with what is most cost effective and practical, like solar lanterns (light + mobile charging) and locally improved cookstoves for basic access to clean energy, for a change.
Best regards.