3rd Humanitarian Energy Conference (HEC)

A fond farewell to Nairobi and the 3rd Humanitarian Energy Conference (HEC). This is one of the few
events where you meet both global institutions (UN agencies, INGOs…) and grass roots
entrepreneurs (in this case many of whom were also displaced people or refugees who have started
up businesses to offer renewable energy). Given that Sustainable Development Goal 7 says we
should ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030, this is a
vital event, as it brings together those who are striving to ensure that this goal is met for everybody –
including the 117 million individuals who have been forcibly displaced!
Comparing this event to HEC 1, which I also facilitated back in January 2018, a couple of points stand
out:

• Back then, it was all about “what we should be doing but are not”. Now, it was all about
  “how we can do what we are doing much faster”.
• Back then, there were about 120 people in the room, many from richer Western countries.
  Now, it was well over 300, with a much greater diversity of folks.
• Back then the key was how we can coordinate between international organisations. Now the
  key is how to keep the dialogue going between the global actors and those making
  renewable energy happen on the ground

In any case a great thanks to the GPA Coordination Unit for having put so much effort into a great
agenda, and to my colleague and co-facilitator @Lindiwe Khumalo for her dynamism in keeping the
day going.
#HEC2024 #HumanitarianEnergy #SDG7 #EnergyAccess @EnergyGPA