Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the President of Sierra Leone, delivered a compelling keynote address at the first-ever Clean Cooking Summit, emphasizing his government’s commitment to improving access to clean cooking solutions. The summit, a landmark event in global energy and health advocacy, attracted key stakeholders from around the world to discuss the urgent need for clean cooking technologies in Africa.
In his speech, President Bio highlighted the significant health, environmental, and economic benefits of clean cooking initiatives. He stressed the vital role of clean cooking in enhancing community well-being and global environmental sustainability, particularly for women in Sierra Leone and across the African continent.
“Access to clean cooking is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental right that impacts health, economic opportunities, and the environment,” President Bio asserted. “In Sierra Leone, we are committed to implementing strategic initiatives that prioritize clean cooking solutions, recognizing their importance for our women, our communities, and our planet.”
President Bio outlined several strategic initiatives by his government, including increased investment in clean cooking technologies, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with international partners to scale up these efforts. He highlighted the integration of clean cooking solutions into national development plans, aiming for sustainable and inclusive progress.
The summit underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts between African governments and international partners. President Bio called for increased investment and technical support to expand clean cooking access across the continent, essential for achieving broader development goals.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, along with other key figures from over 60 nations, joined President Bio at the summit. Together, they pledged $4 billion to provide clean cooking access to 250 million African women by 2030. This initiative, led by prominent figures such as Dr. Akinwumi Adesina of the African Development Bank, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and IEA’s Executive Director Fatih Birol, aims to revolutionize clean cooking for nearly one billion Africans. It seeks to reduce pollution-related deaths of approximately half a million women and children each year.
President Bio highlighted the International Energy Agency (IEA) analysis, noting that 2.3 billion people worldwide still cook using traditional methods like open fires or basic stoves, with one in five residing in Africa. He stressed that clean cooking is often overlooked in energy access planning and electrification efforts. “The health and future of our women, our communities, and our planet depend on our actions today. Let us work together to ensure that access to clean cooking becomes a reality for all,” he concluded.
The Clean Cooking Summit in Paris marked a significant milestone in the global effort to address energy poverty and promote sustainable development. It provided a platform for discussing innovative solutions, sharing best practices, and forging new partnerships to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies. Attendees included government officials, representatives from international organizations, private sector leaders, and civil society groups.
President Bio’s address and the summit’s outcomes are expected to catalyze greater action and investment in clean cooking, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions of people in Africa and beyond.