January 28, 2016 – African civil society organizations called on African governments and public and private financiers today to find socially and environmentally sustainable solutions to Africa’s energy needs. The statement, signed by groups from 10 countries, was issued to coincide with the 2nd Annual Powering Africa Summit taking place in Washington, D.C. January 27-29.
The groups urged participants at the Summit, especially African Ministers, the US government, and representatives of the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, African Development Bank, and BRICS New Development Bank, to “ensure that discussions around this meeting take into account poor and marginalized people’s access to clean energy, and critical issues of climate change and human rights, including the rights of indigenous peoples.”
“We, as African civil society organizations believe that any initiatives meant to help Africa reducing its energy and infrastructure gaps should be done through innovative solutions, but most importantly should be socially and environmentally sustainable.”
Read the Statement in English and French.
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