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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is joining global leaders and experts at the ENERGYNOW SDG7 Action Forum 2024, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York. This annual event, now on its third edition, will focus on the critical role of sustainable energy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the forum, FAO will lead discussions on how clean energy solutions can transform agrifood systems, enhance food security, and support climate resilience. FAO will also highlight the intersection between energy, water, agriculture, women empowerment and economic development.

"Energy is needed at every stage of the agrifood systems. About 30 percent of the world’s energy is used in agrifood systems which is therefore contributing to over a third of greenhouse gas emissions. It is imperative that we accelerate the transformation of how food is produced, processed, traded and consumed. Energy-smart agrifood systems can be a key solution to the food and climate crises,” said Dr. Maria Michela Morese, Energy Team Leader at FAO.

FAO will contribute to two important sessions during the forum:

• Sustainable Energy and Water: Supporting Women’s Empowerment and Economic Development, organized by the Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network (25 September 2024, 13:30 – 15:00, Room 2, 211 East 46th St., New York)

  As one of the panel speakers, Dr. Morese will discuss how sustainable energy access, especially for women, can drive economic development and foster greater resilience in the face of climate change.

• Energy for Sustainable Agrifood Systems and Clean Cooking, co-organized by FAO and the United Nations Development Programme (27 September 2024, 10:45 – 12:15, Room 1, 211 East 46th St., New York)

  This side event will delve into the vital intersection of sustainable energy, agrifood systems, and clean cooking. This session will showcase compelling evidence highlighting how clean cooking is essential for fostering sustainable food systems, combating climate change, and promoting environmental restoration.

  The session will also explore the role of clean cooking in building local resilience through climate-smart agriculture and productive uses of energy, protecting ecosystems crucial for sustainable food production, and enhancing livelihoods and food security among local communities. Through insights and experiences from Rwanda, Zambia, and Uganda, the session aims to elevate the dialogue on clean cooking as a cornerstone of a just energy transition.

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Join the FAO-UNDP side event online!

Be part of the discussions, engage with experts and learn about innovative clean cooking and sustainable energy solutions to build climate-resilient and energy-smart agrifood systems. Click here to join the discussions.

What’s on the agenda

10.45-10.55  |   Opening remarks/UNDP and FAO on joint action agenda

Chibulu Luo, Global Energy and Climate Change Advisor, UNDP

10.55-11.20  |   Sustainable agri-food systems and clean cooking nexus – global and regional overview to advancing SDG 7 progress

• Ed Brown, AFREC (Meeting the Clean Cooking Challenge in Africa)
• Raihan Elahi, Energy Access Lead, Energy Sector Management Assistance Program/World Bank (G20 Roadmap on clean cookstoves)

11:20-12.10  |   Moderated panel discussion on experiences at country level

Moderator: Dr. Maria Michela Morese, Energy Team Leader, FAO

Panelists:

• Prof. Semida Silveira, Cornell University

• Chris McKinney, Chief Commercial Officer, BURN Manufacturing

• Hanaan Marwah, Chief, Strategy ad Investment Officer, KOKO Networks

• Representative from Uganda

• Brian Mainza, Principal Energy Officer, Ministry of Energy of Zambia

12.10-12.15  |   Closing remarks

Dr. Maria Michela Morese, Energy Team Leader, FAO

For more information on the event and other sessions, please visit the ENERGYNOW SDG7 Action Forum 2024 webpage.