Johnathan Paoli
The 5th Brics Youth Energy Summit which brought together 200 young entrepreneurs, researchers and activists to discuss and shape the future of energy for Africa and the Brics countries, concluded in Modderfontein, Ekurhuleni.
The two-day event, hosted by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) in partnership with the Brics Youth Energy Agency (Brics YEA).
Deliberations focused on various key themes which include energy access and energy poverty; youth and girls in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI); international cooperation to achieve SDG7; critical minerals for the energy transition; and using energy as an enabler for a circular economy.
The Summit has been continually held since 2018 and has grown into an established annual event and international gathering to discuss matters of youth energy cooperation and development.
The department’s Director-General (DG), Jacob Mbele, in his keynote address, encouraged the youth gathered at the Summit to share innovative ideas and experiences with each other.
“Robust discussion and participation will lead to fruitful and implementable outcomes. It is my most sincere hope that owing to our relentless endeavors, this summit will help you take strong resolutions on how to move closer to attaining your goals,” Mbele said.
The National Youth Development Agency CEO, Waseem Carrim, in his welcoming remarks, highlighted the importance of countries around the world coming together to solve the climate crisis. He further noted the role of youth in the just energy transition.
A discussion panel consisting of researchers from Brazil, India and South Africa will start the last day off with discussions surrounding the aim of navigating the energy transition in a changing world, driven by the critical science vision of the younger generation, and highlighting youth-driven insights in shaping energy policies for emerging economies.
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