Joining forces to fight back climate change

Solektra international teams at COP 21 in Paris to call attention on climate financing for developing countries and present Akon Lighting Africa as best-in-class case study

On November 30th, the 21^st Conference of Parties on Climate (COP 21) will open in Paris, with an objective to align all member countries on clear targets and policies to address climate change. The discussions will focus on three main issues: emissions reductions; adaptation, loss and damage mechanisms to climate change; and climate financing (including technology development and capacity building).

Climate financing is a critical point for Solektra International and its partners, who will convey a simple message: the fight against climate change is an opportunity to rethink our economies around green and clean technologies. The Akon Lighting Africa project is a project, which has proven this point. It has already positively impacted communities within 15 African countries and is rapidly evolving from a pure energy access program to a wider initiative. It is improving water access with solar-powered water pumps, it is enabling the set up of Smartschools in rural areas, and it is promoting capacity building with the launch of the Solektra Solar Academy in Mali. Also, we continue to expand geographically and are starting exploratory meetings in various other African countries and we have received positive interest in other developing countries in Asia, India and Latin America – everywhere were government leaders and people understand that beyond electricity and water, the model we promote is a sure path to economic growth.

One positive signal is the fact that two thirds of the 195 countries (covering 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions) have already submitted their pledges to reduce GHG emissions at the meeting this year in Paris – a solid foundation for success compared to previous years. The recent launch of a global solar alliance, to be led by India and France, also opens promising prospects.

Let us therefore hope for the best. We will share our experience and contribute to the key following debates :

December 1^st: High Level Event – With African Government Representatives

With Akon Lighting Africa, Solektra International has been able to bring renewable and affordable energy solutions primarily to rural and off-grid areas in 15 African countries. It gave us the opportunity to draw more attention on the Africa energy crisis and demonstrate that this issue could be easily solved, provided that there is a commitment from all players involved – suppliers, government leaders, financiers. We are invited to share this experience at a high level event and look forward to more commitments being made at COP 21 in favor of the development of renewables in Africa.

Le Bourget

December 2^nd: NAMA Fair

If you have never heard about NAMAs, then listen to Akon: https://www.facebook.com/namamarketplace/videos/vb.773055539416933/907841425938343/?type=2&theater

Developing countries are facing a difficult challenge: driving economic growth while contributing to reducing global warming. It is therefore very important to acknowledge and showcase their efforts and successes in fighting climate change through “Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions”.

We are honored to support this event, and be given the chance to echo this initiative through the NAMA video. If you want to see it all and learn more about the issue, please meet Akon, Samba Bathily and Thione Niang at the NAMA Fair in Le Bourget, a high level event chaired by French Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius.

Blue zone, Le Bourget

For more information, please visit:

http://unfccc.int/cooperation_support/nama/items/9287.php

https://www.facebook.com/namamarketplace/

December 6^th: RE-Energizing the future Conference

Akon is invited at this unique event organized by the International Renewable Agency (IRENA) in Paris, under the patronage of Dr. Adnan Amin.

Speakers, including experts from the renewable sector, artists, CEOs, representatives from multilaterals and government leaders, will share their visions for a future powered by renewable energy. Renewables can make a difference and this untapped potential deserves most attention.

For more information, please visit: http://re-energising.org/

There will be a live webcast of the conference (link to be provided later on)

Please stay tuned for updates, pictures and information at

https://twitter.com/akonlighting

https://www.facebook.com/AkonLightingAfrica

https://twitter.com/solektra_int