President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., of Liberia has called for increased efforts to provide energy access to impoverished communities. This appeal was made at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) Leadership Council meeting, held alongside the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
The event was co-chaired by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. It brought together global leaders to discuss ways to ensure universal access to electricity and promote a just energy transition in low- and middle-income countries, including Liberia.
The meeting featured a fireside discussion with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and African Development Bank Group President Akin Adesina, moderated by CNN International. Both institutions committed to providing electricity to 300 million people across Africa by 2030. This initiative aligns with the Global Energy Alliance’s mission of facilitating just energy transitions worldwide while keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
In his speech, President Boakai praised the GEAPP, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank for their significant commitments to electrifying Africa. He described the gathering as a “meeting of hope” and emphasized that collective effort could achieve the ambitious goals set by GEAPP.
“Energy access must be seen as a human right,” said President Boakai. “The success of the GEAPP’s initiative to electrify Africa is critical, not just for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals but for securing the future of our people and our planet.”
He assured that Liberia stands with all global partners in this effort and urged continued international commitment.
President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s commitment to advancing energy access and addressing global climate challenges in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He outlined a vision for an inclusive energy transition focusing on renewable energy solutions and infrastructure development aimed at empowering local communities and fostering economic growth.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa of Tanzania also attended the meeting and commended both banks for their decisive commitment to electrifying Africa.
The meeting emphasized sustainable, climate-friendly solutions that align with Africa’s socio-economic development goals. It marked a turning point in global efforts to address energy poverty.
The GEAPP is a coalition comprising philanthropic foundations, development banks, governments, and private sector organizations working together to support low- and middle-income countries in transitioning to clean energy systems. Its aim is to accelerate universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable electricity while promoting equitable economic growth.
