Namibia, India and countries of the Global South joined hands last week on the theme of ‘Energy Security and development: Road map to Prosperity’ in the Energy Ministers’ session of the ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’ hosted by India virtually.
Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy of Namibia, called for just energy transition and laid out Namibia’s vision and strategy, encompassing traditional energy sources, renewables, and emerging technologies such as green hydrogen.
Hardeep Puri, India’s Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas briefly outlined measures taken by India to maintain energy security through diversification of supplies; increase of alternate energy sources like Bio-fuels and Ethanol; increasing Exploration and Production (E&P) footprint with focus on domestic production; and meeting energy targets through EVs & Hydrogen.
He also mentioned India’s proposal to create a Global Bio-fuel Alliance under G-20 to increase deployment of bio-fuels and its related technology. He offered to share experience and best practices to translate climate pledges into action together, and for sharing new innovations such as patented stationery, rechargeable and always kitchen-connected indoor solar cooking system. Honourable Energy Ministers from Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Libya, Syria, Vanuatu and Venezuela also participated in this important session.
The “Voice of Global South Summit” under the theme “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose” envisages bringing together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform. With eight ministerial sessions in key sectors and opening / concluding sessions at Head of State/ Head of Government level, it is also part of consultations for India’s on-going G20 Presidency with not just G20 partners, but also fellow-travellers in the Global South, whose voice often goes unheard.