By Environmental Reporter
Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator emphasisedUnited Nation’s commitment to the development of energy renewable in Zimbabwe at the Joint SDGs Fund Programme Renewable Energy Conference in Victoria Falls this week.
Kallon emphaised the central role renewable energy had to sustainable development and fulfilment of Zimbabwe’s development aspirations.
“Renewable energy plays a vital role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and combating climate change. In Zimbabwe, the importance of renewable energy cannot be overstated, as it addresses the country’s core development aspirations, including food security, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social development.” Edward Kallon said.
Renewable energy was also viewed as a potential remedy to not only the country’s energy shortage but also the gender imbalances that bared a brunt on women and children.
“Zimbabwe is currently facing energy shortages. This energy deficit has led to production losses in key economic sectors such as agriculture, mining, and tourism. Rural areas, as well as women and youth, bear a disproportionate impact from this energy shortage.” Kallon further emphasised.
UN commended the Zimbabwean government for the strides that had been taken to avail for renewable energy development despite some prevailing shortcomings.
“An enabling environment has been created to promote renewable energy, including measures such as electricity sector deregulation, favorable licensing regimes, and incentives for renewable energy projects. However, obstacles such as lack of local financing instruments, currency convertibility issues, and gender disparities in energy access continue to impede progress.” Kallon highlighted.
Kallon highlighted interventions they were engaged in to see to the improvement of renewable energy options for Zimbabwe.
“The UN in Zimbabwe has been actively supporting the government in addressing these challenges by promoting renewable energy adoption and enhancing climate resilience. The Zimbabwe Joint SDG Fund Programme, a partnership involving the government, private sector, and UN agencies (UNESCO, UNDP, UNCDF and UN Women with an oversight from my office), aims to leverage investments in renewable energy for achieving the SDGs.”
The conference which was coordinated by Alpha Media Holdings and the Ministry of Energy development was attended by Hoourble E Moyo Minister of Energy and Power Development, H.E. Adler Aristilde, Ambassador of Canadian to Zimbabwe, H.E. Jobst von Kirchman, EU Ambassador and Head of Delegatio Isiah Mashinya, Chief Operations Officer Old Mutual Zimbabwe among other dignitaries and industry opinion leaders