On the third and final day of the Forum, the daily Wake-Up Call challenged panelists to consider universal energy access in the context of sustainability, suggesting achievement of the SDGs will force trade-offs in an uneven playing field. During the session on Marshalling the Evidence, panelists provided practical and inspirational examples that showcased the tangible benefits of energy, and H.R.H. Princess Abze Djigma, Founder and CEO of AbzeSola, and Ambassador of Burkina Faso for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, noted the importance of women’s empowerment in accelerating progress. In the session on putting Knowledge into Action, leaders highlighted how energy services help generate jobs, improve education and health, enable businesses to grow, and create new markets.

During the lunch-time Deep Dive sessions, leaders focused on: leveling the playing field by addressing issues of affordability; unlocking the opportunities at the bottom of the pyramid in low-income countries; and increasing productivity through decentralized solutions.

During the afternoon, the Partner Working Sessions showcased: the SHINE initiative – investing in energy access for all; integrating sustainable energy into humanitarian relief as an opportunity for local markets and SEforAll goals; developing partnerships to integrate energy resources and last-mile access for income generation; a People-centered Accelerator to advance gender equality, social inclusion and women’s empowerment in the sustainable energy sector; making the case for greater investment in health facility electrification; and the role of off-grid solar solutions in meeting the needs of underserved households.

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