Samoa Successfully Conducted Sustainable Energy Awareness Programme on the theme “Energy Conservation – a country-wide motivation”

The Secretary of Samoa’s National Energy Coordination Committee and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance,  Leasiosiofaásisina Oscar Malielegaoi,  opened Samoa’s Sustainable Energy Awareness Programme at the TATTE Conference Room, Apia on 24th June 2021.

“It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Chairman of the National Energy Coordination Committee, to extend a warm welcome to all our Distinguished Guests, Participants, Partners, Speakers, and students from the various schools who have come to participate in this event, marking the Sustainable Energy Awareness program for Samoa, for 2021.

The issue of Energy, Innovation, and Sustainable Development are some of the most pressing concerns of our time. With the rapid pace of economic growth and development around the globe, including in small island states like Samoa, it is becoming increasingly difficult to strike a balance between our energy needs of today and our long term goals of protecting the environment for our future generations. 

Sustainable Energy Systems, and Energy Efficiency are critical to sustainable development. Our population is growing. From the last census conducted in October 2020, we have now, for the first time crossed the 200,000 mark. We now have a population of 215,000 people and still growing, which means the demand for energy will continue to increase. It is therefore important for us to improve energy efficiency to extend and expand access to electricity through sustainable means.

Against this backdrop, the Energy Sector is a key priority for Samoa, and is one of the Key Outcomes in the Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) with a focus on ensuring Sustainable and Affordable Energy Supply for All through the achievement of the 5 Long-Term Outcomes as outlined in the Samoa Energy Sector Plan 2017-2022. 

The commemoration of the Sustainable Energy Awareness 2021 today, with the theme “Energy Conservation – a country-wide motivation”, brings together key stakeholders, including Development Partners who have generously supported our sustainable and renewable energy roadmap.

The 2-day event will raise public awareness on the roles and responsibilities, and mandates of the different Agencies operating under the Energy Management Act 2020. Participants will have the chance to listen to a very diversified range of speakers and their presentations and ask questions. The Awareness Program will become an annual event for both Upolu (June) and Savaii (October).

Lastly, I am happy to announce a milestone, the identification of the Energy Sector through the Energy Logo. The logo is basically a SUMMARY of the ENERGY goals. It’s in fact a true demonstration of Sustainable Energy in Samoa.

• The Sun – illustrates the main source of energy.
• The House – depicts solar roofing and Energy Efficient housing.
• Chimney – represents wind turbine.  
• Road – an illustration of Energy Efficient Transportation. 
• Plug – representing all electrical appliances connected to the natural source, the sun.
• The tip of the leaf is a drop of water – depicting hydro power. 
• The green leaf – illustrates the Environment – all the work that we’re doing adds up a clean and green environment for all. 

I have been told, that there are copies of the Sector Plan Medium Term Review 2017/2019 available here today. So please do get a copy immediately after the formalities.

To all the participants, your presence at this workshop is a clear manifestation of the importance your respective Organizations attach to the agenda and objectives of this gathering.

I am confident that the 2-day workshop will provide a productive and insightful discussion for all participants. 

I wish you all the best in your deliberations.

GOD BLESS.”

Source: Samoa Global News

Original link: https://samoaglobalnews.com/speech-energy-innovation-and-sustainable-development/