IPNEWS: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has called for concerted efforts to accelerate access to energy for poor communities. He made the call at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) Leadership Council meeting on the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York City.

The high-profile event, co-chaired by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, gathered global leaders to discuss accelerating efforts to ensure universal access to electricity and advancing a just energy transition in low- and middle-income countries, including Liberia.

The event opened with an engaging fireside discussion featuring World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and African Development Bank Group President Akin Adesina. The event was moderated by CNN International.

Both institutions announced their historic commitment to provide electricity to 300 million people across Africa by 2030, a major initiative that aligns with the Global Energy Alliance’s mission of dismantling barriers to scaling just energy transitions worldwide while keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees celsius.

In his address, President Boakai lauded the efforts of the GEAPP, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank for their bold, transformative commitments to electrifying Africa.

He referred to the gathering as a “meeting of hope,” emphasizing that, with collective effort, the ambitious goals of the GEAPP could indeed be achieved.

President Boakai asserted that energy access should be considered a fundamental human right and not a luxury, underscoring its critical importance for sustainable development and improving the quality of life for millions of Africans, including those in Liberia.

“Energy access must be seen as a human right,” said President Boakai, adding, “The success of the GEAPP’s initiative to electrify Africa is critical, not just for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, but for securing the future of our people and our planet.”

He assured that Liberia stands with all global partners in this effort, and urged the international community to remain steadfast in its commitment.

The Liberian Leader expressed his belief that his participation underscores Liberia’s deep commitment to advancing energy access and addressing global climate challenges in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He outlined Liberia’s vision for an inclusive energy transition that prioritizes renewable energy solutions and infrastructure development, with a focus on empowering local communities and fostering economic growth.

President Boakai also acknowledged the growing importance of international collaboration in realizing Africa’s energy transition goals.

By engaging with partners such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and global energy stakeholders, Liberia aims to leverage its natural resources while advancing sustainable and clean energy projects to benefit all citizens.

He reiterated that Liberia is fully committed to working with global partners to break down barriers and accelerate the path towards universal energy access.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa of Tanzania, another key attendee, joined leaders in commending the World Bank and African Development Bank for their decisive commitment to electrifying the continent.

The meeting, hailed as a turning point in the global effort to tackle energy poverty, also underscored the need for sustainable, climate-friendly solutions that align with Africa’s socio-economic development aspirations.

As the GEAPP Leadership Council continues to set the global agenda for a just and sustainable energy transition, this meeting serves as a testament to Liberia’s unwavering dedication to advancing energy access, fighting climate change, and promoting inclusive growth for its people.

The GEAPP is a coalition of philanthropic foundations, development banks, governments, and private sector organizations working together to support low- and middle-income countries in their efforts to transition to clean energy systems. GEAPP aims to accelerate universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity while driving equitable and inclusive economic growth.