Beirut, 23 September 2019 (ESCWA)--Experts today gathered at a regional workshop organized by ESCWA on means to build equitable energy supply systems in Lebanon and the role of institutions and organizations in this transition.
 
The workshop entitled “Transitions to Renewable Energy and Sustainable Prosperity in Lebanon: The Role of Municipalities, Education and Future Scenarios for 2030” was held in collaboration with the University College London (UCL) Institute of Global Prosperity (IGP), the RELIEF Centre and Chatham House.
 
The Director of the ESCWA Sustainable Development Policies Division, Ms. Roula Majdalani, underlined that the workshop focused on clean energy at the local level in cities and rural areas, and on the needs of different social groups and the role of municipalities. “We really look forward to the exchange of information and experiences that will take place today. This collective brainstorming exercise will enable us to envisage scenarios for Lebanon’s energy supply,” she noted.
 
While the world is readying to meet in New York for the Climate Action Summit, the Deputy Director of IGP, Ms. Ala'a Shehabi, underscored that, despite the global nature of the climate crisis, solutions were local and should be contextualized along community needs, reaching even the sub-community level.
 
Participants discussed the different ways in which municipalities can contribute to the transition to renewable energy and sustainable prosperity in Lebanon, and how innovative education systems can be leveraged for that same purpose.
 
“Having renewable energy in Lebanon will be an opportunity for vulnerable communities living in rural areas,” said the Board President and Project Director at Akkar Network for Development, Ms. Nadine Saba. “It will increase opportunities for income-generating activities and provide more exposure for residents, provided this is coupled with capacity-building,” she added.
 
The meeting is a key component of the Sida-funded REGEND Project implemented in rural communities and municipalities in Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia.
 

 
For more information:
-Ms Rania Harb, Public Information Assistant, +961-70-008-879; email: harb1@un.org