About this Event
Amidst the chaos of conflict, energy access often fades into the background. However, the repercussions are felt deeply in shattered communities. The recent conflict in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact on energy, water, and health systems.However, discussions on maintaining and rebuilding energy infrastructure in these areas are scarce. Conflict can render power grids unusable and hinder essential fuel supplies, impacting local economies, healthcare, and quality of life. As a result, energy is typically shifted to the local sphere. For instance in Yemen and Gaza, persistent conflict has spurred bottom-up solar electrification and mini-grids. Still, issues persist, progress is limited, and gaps between relevant actors—from technology to policy to communities—remain wide.
The Energy Access and Development Programme (EADP) proudly presents an exclusive workshop series that tackles the overlooked challenge of sustainable energy access in conflict-affected regions. Together, we'll explore innovative strategies and solutions, examining the energy-conflict nexus from multiple angles - with a focus on local communities, off-grid solutions, and intersectoral collaboration.
We are aiming to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders
- Businesses
- Policymakers
- NGOs
- Development agencies
- Academics
- Local authorities
- Civil society
and examine how these various stakeholders can collaborate to devise innovative solutions and strategies for achieving sustainable energy access on the local level in conflict-affected areas. By participating in this series, you will have the opportunity to delve into the energy-conflict nexus, engage in discussions to co-create development policy recommendations, and collaborate on new cross-sectoral approaches with our esteemed participants. We believe that exchanging knowledge and expertise will empower each of us to develop tailored strategies for attaining SDG 7 on the local level and promoting sustainable development in these vulnerable regions.
Our approach encompasses an engaging series of three workshops, each uniquely designed with distinct goals and interactive formats:
1st workshop: Understanding energy access in crisis areas: Introduction, case studies, and co-benefits (Symposium)
Location: Haus der Kreislaufwirtschaft, Von-der-Heydt-Straße 2, 10785 Berlin - OR - virtual
Date: 7 June 2023, 2.30 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.
In this workshop, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to the challenges faced in ensuring sustainable energy access amidst crisis situations. Through engaging presentations and in-depth case studies, we will explore real-world examples and examine the co-benefits associated with addressing energy access in these regions.
2nd workshop: Comparing approaches to energy access in crisis areas: The perspective of different actors (Roundtable)
This workshop offers a unique platform to compare and contrast the perspectives, strategies, and experiences of different stakeholders involved in the quest for sustainable energy access in conflict areas. We will hear from representatives of public authorities, private companies, academics, and civil society about what tackling energy poverty in conflict regions means to them.
Location: Berlin (TBD) - OR - virtual
Date: 5 July 2023, 2.30 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.
3rd workshop: Innovative methods to energy access in crisis areas: Developing solutions and strategies (Facilitated workshop)
By embracing a participatory approach, participants from diverse backgrounds come together to collectively analyze and tackle the complex barriers associated with energy access in conflict-affected zones. Through the integration of different disciplines, innovative strategies and approaches are developed to overcome these challenges, ensuring the provision of sustainable energy solutions in crisis-affected areas.
Location: Berlin (TBD)
Date: 2 Sep 2023, 11.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
About the Energy Access and Development Programme
The Energy Access and Development Program (EADP) a is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that links international development to engineering, scientific research, networking, consulting, and advisory. As such, EADP is an interdisciplinary think tank that engages in the academic and political discourse but also a member of the international civil society that acts on the field and implements sustainable development projects.
EADP's mission is to support and shape sustainable development in the wider Middle East. We assist communities, organisations, and institutions in infrastructure issues, especially energy and water. Our work is independent, interdisciplinary, and focuses on innovative ideas.
Our activities include building clean water supply in rural communities, advancing solutions for off-grid systems, facilitating the exchange between different sectors, and contducting policy-relvant research at the energy-development-conflict nexus.
EADP shapes sustainable development where it is most needed - in conflict areas, rural communities, and vulnerable circumstances. Become part of our mission by supporting our impactful work.
Support our mission with a donation.Acknowledgements
The event recieves financial support from Engagement Global with funds from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and furhter organisational support from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). We are grateful for this support.
Organisers
Dr Dawud Ansari (EADP, SWP Berlin) - Linkedin / Twitter / GoogleScholar
Mr Wassim Brahim, M.Sc. (EADP, DIW Berlin) - Linkedin / Twitter
Mrs Helen Clarissa Schlüter, M.Sc. (EADP, United Nations) - Linkedin
Contact: wassim.brahim(at)eadp.eu
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Haus der Kreislaufwirtschaft (for Workshop 1), Von-der-Heydt-Straße 2, Berlin, Germany
USD 0.00