The International Energy Agency (IEA) is gearing up for its 9th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 21 to May 23, 2024. The conference, jointly organized by the IEA and the Government of Kenya, will mark a significant milestone as it becomes the first of its kind to be held in Africa.
Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, and Kenya’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Davis Chirchir, officially announced this exciting development, underlining their commitment to addressing the ongoing impacts of the global energy crisis.
The IEA’s Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency series is renowned for bringing together an array of high-profile participants, including ministers, CEOs, and senior leaders, to explore how international cooperation and accelerated ambition in energy efficiency can translate into tangible real-world progress.
The previous conference, held in Versailles, France, in June of this year, attracted over 600 delegates from 90 countries and led to the creation of the Versailles Statement. This statement involved a pledge from 46 governments to support the goal of doubling global energy efficiency progress by 2030.
The 9th Global Conference in Nairobi promises to facilitate crucial discussions among global leaders on the policies and measures required to combat the challenges posed by the ongoing global energy crisis. This event is expected to build on the momentum for greater energy efficiency action, aligning with the lead-up to the COP28 Climate Change Conference in Dubai.
Dr. Fatih Birol emphasized the significance of this upcoming event, stating, “I am delighted that the next IEA Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency will be hosted in Nairobi. Efficiency must be the first fuel to drive the energy transition. It will play a critical role in creating jobs, growing industries, improving energy security and delivering affordable, modern energy services to all in emerging and developing economies. Not least on the continent of Africa where we must urgently scale up investment to ensure we deliver a just and people-centred energy transition.”
Kenya’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Davis Chirchir, expressed “We are delighted to welcome the world to Nairobi, yet again, to continue our journey towards energy transition. Energy efficiency will go a long way in enhancing affordability, access and socio-economic development, more so in Developing Countries.”
In September, the Kenyan Government hosted the first Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, where Dr Birol advocated for a “New Energy Pact for Africa,” urging global support to address energy access challenges on the continent.
Prior to the main conference, the IEA will host its second Energy Efficiency Policy Training Week for Africa in Nairobi in March 2024. This training week aims to build capacity among the next generation of policymakers in the region, further advancing the cause of energy efficiency on the continent.
