Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the first International Solar Festival 2024, organized by the International Solar Alliance (ISA). He emphasized the need for collective action to address the imbalance in green energy investments and democratize solar manufacturing and technology. He also highlighted India’s commitment to working towards a green, inclusive future.
“The world must collectively address the imbalance in concentration of green energy investments in order to ensure an energy transition. Solar manufacturing and technology must be democratized to help developing countries. Empowering the least developed countries and small island developing states should be a top priority, and inclusion of marginalized communities, women and youth is crucial.” said PM Modi.
Other dignitaries, including Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General of ISA, and Prime Ministers of Bhutan and Mauritius, also addressed the festival. They emphasized the importance of collective action, innovation, and international cooperation to achieve a solar-powered future.
Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay said, “For Bhutan, the International Solar Festival 2024 marks a pivotal milestone in our united journey towards a sustainable and low-carbon future. The festival is a call to action, providing a crucial platform for young people, businesses, policymakers, and communities to unite in our shared vision of promoting solar energy as a key solution to global energy needs. Bhutan stands firmly with the ISA and the Government of India in advancing solar energy solutions”
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a worldwide intergovernmental organization committed to promoting the adoption of solar power as a key strategy for achieving a carbon-neutral future, and ultimately, mitigating climate change.
In a video message Pravind Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius, said, “The International Solar Festival is testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose. The ISA’s programs are playing a key role in Mauritius, a Small Island Developing State at the frontlines of the climate change emergency, by helping solarize our primary healthcare centers, and meet 30% of our energy needs by 2030. I congratulate India’s commitment to drive the solar-led energy transition towards a prosperous and equitable world.”
The International Solar Festival has brought together global stakeholders around four key pillars: empowering youth, engaging communities, advancing women’s roles, and leveraging private sector expertise. This convening aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, drive innovation, and foster international collaboration towards a solar-powered future.
Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New and Renewable Energy and President of the ISA Assembly, said, “India, as a founding member of the ISA, is committed to supporting the global community, particularly the Global South, in advancing an inclusive and sustainable future, drawing on its proven success in clean energy initiatives.
The festival aims to bring together stakeholders from around the globe to share knowledge, foster innovation, and build partnerships towards a solar-powered future. It features keynote sessions, plenary and technical sessions, a CEO caucus roundtable, innovation showcase, exhibition booths, and cultural performances.