Cooking with the Sun: A New Clean Cooking Collaboration with the United Nations

5:42 AM on Nov 28, 2024

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Solar Cookers International (SCI) unveiled a new clean cooking collaboration at our press conference during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) on November 19, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The session, titled “Cooking with the Sun in the Central African Republic and Mali,” highlighted a joint initiative between SCI and the United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN).

SCI Partnerships Manager Keith Wingeard was joined by guest speakers Fred Onduri, Chair of the Advisory Board at CTCN, and Seydou Coulibaly, Director of Togo Tile, Mali, to discuss the transformative potential of solar cooking technologies in some of the world’s most underserved regions.

Fred Onduri highlighted the importance of community-led initiatives in addressing global challenges:

“Community-led technologies are effective because they are locally driven and tailored to meet the needs of the community. While they address local challenges, they can also lead to broader transformative impacts… These [renewable] technologies help communities adapt to and reduce the effect of climate change, improving resilience against these impacts.”

He emphasized the critical need for integrated approaches to climate challenges, stating:

“The water-food-energy nexus is our key focus which is included in our joint programme [with Solar Cookers International]. With the global population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, it is essential to approach water, energy, and food as interconnected systems in our climate strategies. Climate change is already worsening water scarcity, food insecurity, and energy challenges, especially for vulnerable groups like women and children.”

Expanding Access to Clean Cooking in CAR and Mali

In 2025, SCI, in collaboration with CTCN, will launch solar cooking pilot projects in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali. The initiative will introduce locally produced solar cooking technologies to four communities near Bangui in CAR and two communities in Mali.

The need for clean cooking solutions in these regions is urgent. According to the World Bank:

  • Less than 1% of CAR’s population has access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking.
  • Less than 1.5% of Mali’s population has access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking.

These pilot projects aim to address critical issues such as deforestation, respiratory health risks, and energy poverty, particularly affecting women and children.

Driving Local Solutions for Global Impact

By introducing solar cooking technologies tailored to local contexts, SCI and CTCN aim to empower communities to reduce their reliance on firewood and charcoal, mitigate climate impacts, and improve quality of life. This collaboration exemplifies the power of innovative, community-driven solutions to tackle global challenges.

SCI is dedicated to advancing clean cooking technologies and driving meaningful change for communities around the world. Thank you for being a vital part of this mission.