The Big Shift: Adapting to a Changing World

Access to clean and safe energy is a major challenge for displaced communities around the world. In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, home to over a million Rohingya refugees, families rely on firewood and LPG for cooking. This not only harms their health and the environment but also poses safety risks.
But there’s hope! The Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme is working with humanitarian groups to test electric cooking solutions like solar-powered cookers, induction stoves, and infrared stoves. These technologies offer a cleaner, safer, and faster way to cook. I’ll share real-life stories and insights from cooking demonstrations and pilot projects in the camps.

Join us to discover how this pilot project is paving the way for a sustainable energy future for refugees and how these efforts could inspire similar solutions worldwide. Together, we can make a difference!

Switching to modern energy cooking services (MECS) offers incredible benefits-improving health, reducing social and economic inequalities, empowering women, and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7). But technology alone isn’t enough. Without addressing the social, cultural, and political dynamics that shape communities, the benefits of MECS may not reach everyone equally.

Too often, women and marginalized groups are left out of both the benefits and the decision-making processes. To ensure a just and inclusive transition, we must tackle these structural barriers and integrate a deep understanding of gender dynamics into the MECS sector. This talk will introduce you to the MECS Gender Framework, a tool designed to monitor progress on gender equality, equity, and women’s empowerment at both household and organizational levels. This framework helps ensure that the shift to modern energy cooking is fair, inclusive, and transformative for all.

Join us to explore how we can create a future where modern energy cooking not only improves lives but also breaks down barriers and empowers everyone to thrive.

In a time of rapid urbanization and climate challenges, how do we create cities that are both resilient and inclusive? This talk dives into the transformative power of collaboration in designing sustainable urban environments.

We’ll explore alternative materials and innovative construction methods rooted in the principles of the circular economy and community-led design. Through real-world case studies, we’ll uncover how these approaches can pave the way for cities that are not only sustainable but also equitable and inclusive.

Join us to discover how we can reimagine the future of urban living-one that prioritizes both people and the planet.