(Commonwealth)_ The 4th Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition (CSET) Forum was launched at Marlborough House in London, bringing together policymakers, international agencies, sector specialists, and young representatives. The forum has a duration of four days and is focused on debating challenges and coming up with practical solutions for accessing affordable, reliable, and clean energy in the Commonwealth. The focus of this year revolves around building a resilient and inclusive energy transition to support sustainable development.
In launching the forum, Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted cooperation among member states and stakeholders to unlock the financial resources that will achieve energy security for all. He stressed that the energy transition is inclusive, especially for local communities, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth. He further emphasized the need for nations to invest in local industries that will support and sustain their energy transition.
Security of energy was the main topic of discussion, particularly when considering current world geopolitical events that are influencing energy supply and price. A British representative highlighted that today’s energy and economic world is different from that of yesterday. Countries rich in renewable energy today are not the same ones that once relied heavily on fossil fuels. Even developed countries like the UK identified higher energy prices as a common challenge.
Among the main issues brought up at the gathering was the little economic support flowing to the Commonwealth states for their energy revolution. While estimates across the globe are that more than US$3 trillion will be required to ensure an energy transition, most of the member states have been struggling to obtain meaningful funding. A Ghana representative questioned whether the forum would be more than an exercise of words and deliver concrete proposals for freeing up funds for emerging nations. He pointed out the asymmetry in which more-developed nations continue to use fossil fuels while expecting less-developed nations to make immediate changes.
Against the backdrop of the financing gap, it was suggested by a representative of the UN-supported organization Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) that the Commonwealth could pledge to pool resources and create a special fund. Pledging US$2 billion in contributions to the creation of a Commonwealth fund was mentioned as an option for the acceleration of clean energy projects and less reliance on international financial institutions. The representative presented instances of advancements in Ghana and Barbados, and reported ongoing efforts in Sierra Leone. Transport was identified as being among the greatest challenges, with countries like Barbados needing to experience a vast increase in electric vehicles by 2035 if they are to meet their goals. The representative suggested using public funds to establish electric vehicle charging stations as a mechanism to facilitate change.
Labor market implications were also high on the agenda on day one. A presentation by the International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasized that people who work in the renewable energy industry earn significantly less than those in the fossil fuel industry. The fossil fuel industry is typically better unionized and has improved working conditions. These differences emphasize the importance of fair labor practices as countries shift toward clean energy. The ILO stressed that labor ministries, as well as energy ministries, must be brought into planning policy to ensure the transition is socially fair and just.
The forum has sessions that are still ongoing; they continue to discuss how the Commonwealth can unite to implement inclusive and potent remedies. With financial constraints, labor issues, and the timeliness of climate change, the necessity for collective action and common sense is evident. The forum seeks to address this action by allowing for the convergence of the knowledge, experience, and voices of its diverse member states.
