SNV Niger in New York for UN-DESA Energy Grant Awards

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) and the China Energy Fund Committee have agreed to collaborate on a joint programme to promote success stories and best practices in sustainable energy.

The programme entitled 'Powering the Future We Want - Recognizing Innovative Practices in Energy for Sustainable Development', offers annual grants with the objective of funding future capacity development activities and innovative practices in energy for sustainable development, each year with a particular theme.

In 2016, the theme of the grant was “energy for sustainable transport” and UN-DESA received over 150 applications. SNV was selected as one of the eight finalists of the 2016 Grant Cycle and as such, Moustafa Sowou was invited to represent SNV during the ceremony in New York on 14 and 15 December. After remarks by H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, the winner of the competition was announced. SINTEF from Norway took home the trophy. Although SNV did not win, we were awarded an official certificate during the event and were definitely honoured to be part of the finalists.

On the day after the Award ceremony, a capacity development seminar was held. During this seminar, SNV was given the chance to present their submission. All the finalists, including SNV, will also be invited to a conference in 2017 to further discuss the topic with other stakeholders. The place and the period will be announced soon. More information can be found on the Powering the Future We Want website.