Addressing the first International Solar Festival 2024 virtually, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that “the world must collectively address the imbalance in concentration of green energy investments in order to ensure an energy transition. Solar manufacturing and technology must be democratized to help developing countries. Empowering the least developed countries and small island developing states should be a top priority, and inclusion of marginalized communities, women and youth is crucial.”
The International Solar Festival 2024 is organized by the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
ISA is an inter-governmental organization of 119 member and signatory countries working to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable pathway to transition to a carbon-neutral future. India is one of the founders of ISA.
Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New and Renewable Energy and President of the ISA Assembly, said, “India, as a founding member of the ISA, is committed to supporting the global community, particularly the Global South, in advancing an inclusive and sustainable future, drawing on its proven success in clean energy initiatives. The International Solar Festival reflects India’s innovative spirit and commitment to a sustainable future, inspiring collective action toward an energy transition led by the government, youth, communities, and the private sector. This festival accelerates the global transition to equitable, accessible clean energy through shared knowledge and collective action.”
The International Solar Festival features four core themes – the role of youth, communities, women, and the private sector. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, it aims to strengthen support for innovative financing, technology deployment, capacity building, and technical assistance.
Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Alliance, said, “The International Solar Festival 2024 celebrates the world’s collective journey to a solar-powered future. Solar, growing at 20% annually, is empowering communities, uplifting economies, and driving global transformation. Solar investment is still concentrated in a few countries, but we are deeply committed to building momentum for universal clean energy access, making solar the cornerstone of global prosperity and a livable planet.”
Addressing the gathering virtually, Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, said, “Bhutan stands firmly with the ISA and the Government of India in advancing solar energy solutions. With ISA’s support, we have progressed in establishing regulatory frameworks, enhancing capacity, bringing solar electricity to remote villages and rural communities, and constructing large-scale solar projects. Our partnerships with the ISA exemplify the strength of collective action in driving the transition to a cleaner, greener future.”
In his video message, Pravind Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius, said, “The ISA’s programs are playing a key role in Mauritius, a Small Island Developing State at the frontlines of the climate change emergency, by helping solarize our primary healthcare centers, and meet 30% of our energy needs by 2030.”
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