The highly anticipated Global Citizen NOW summit is set to make its African debut in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 21. Coinciding with the G20 Leaders’ Summit, this event will gather influential figures in a landmark effort to enhance the continent’s renewable energy prospects. The summit signifies a pivotal moment as it marks the first time Global Citizen NOW will be held on African soil.
A Pivotal Move Towards Africa’s Renewable Energy Progress
Global Citizen NOW: Johannesburg serves as a key part of the Scaling Up Renewables in Africa initiative. Collaborating with leaders from government, private sectors, philanthropies, and local advocates, the summit aims to boost investments in renewable energy across the continent, presenting a significant opportunity before the G20 Summit.
The event will feature a distinguished roster of speakers, including Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa; Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; and Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, among others. “Africa’s moment is now,” declared President Cyril Ramaphosa, emphasizing the continent’s potential to lead in creating a sustainable, equitable future.
Notable Speakers and Key Participants
Hosting the summit will be Nomzamo Mbatha, an acclaimed actress and Global Citizen Ambassador, along with various influential speakers such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka, singer-songwriter and humanitarian, and Sherwin Charles, CEO and Co-Founder of Goodbye Malaria. The event promises a rich exchange of ideas and strategies aimed at fostering Africa’s development in clean energy.
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia emphasized the importance of renewable energy, stating, “Africa’s growth and resilience depend on building a diverse, sustainable energy mix.” His vision includes investing in solar, hydro, and wind power to propel the continent towards industrial growth and a cleaner future.
Collaboration as a Catalyst for Change
Harith General Partners, the presenting partner of the summit, highlights the crucial role of the private sector in expanding Africa’s renewable energy capabilities. “Partnering with Global Citizen for this summit strengthens our commitment to a sustainable energy future,” said Sipho Makhubela, CEO of Harith General Partners. The summit will urge governments and private entities to make financial commitments to quadruple Africa’s renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Global Citizen NOW: Johannesburg is an initiative co-hosted by Ursula von der Leyen and Cyril Ramaphosa, with support from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The campaign seeks to address the energy needs of 600 million Africans who currently lack electricity access, contributing to significant initiatives led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
Inspiring the Next Generation: The Reverse Power Panel
Preceding the main summit, the Reverse Power Panel on November 17 will spotlight African youth innovators in clean energy. The event will feature the Scaling Up Renewables in Africa Fellows alongside government officials to turn innovative ideas into actionable commitments.
Continental Expansion of a Global Movement
This inaugural African summit follows successful Global Citizen NOW events in cities like New York and Melbourne. As Johannesburg welcomes this event, it aims to foster collaboration and progress towards a sustainable energy future for Africa and the world. For further details, visit globalcitizen.org/en/now/johannesburg.
Original Story at www.globalcitizen.org