Renewable Energy Forum kicks off in Apia

Apia, 30 August 2014
The Ulu o Tokelau joined other leaders of the SIDS Conference at the Renewable Energy Forum (REF) today. The Forum was jointly organised by the Governments of Samoa, New Zealand and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). 

Tokelau was invited to speak at the REF and present its successful experience on renewable energy. In 2012, Tokelau completed the installation of its solar panels which provided almost 100% of its electricity. For this reason, Tokelau leads the world in renewable energy.

Students from St Mary's School in Apia led the devotion which delighted everyone in the meeting. 

The Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Fatialofa Malielegaoi opened REF stating that renewable energy is very much part of Samoa's sustainable development. He listed financing and infrastructure are important in ensuring a holistic and pragmatic approach in addressing renewable energy. This needs to be supported by institutional and capacity strengthening.
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The Ulu o Tokelau,  Aliki Faipule Kuresa Nasau and the Prime Minister of Tonga, Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō.
The PM was confident that the Forum brings together a wealth of ideas and goodwill for a successful meeting. The meeting should focus on 'bringing solutions to life'. This should be in line with the Samoa Pathway and other meetings that renewable energy holds the key to a sustainable future. This is not a matter just for development and prosperity.

The PM thanked all the stakeholders for organising the REF. The message from the PM were very much supported by the Secretary General of the SIDS Conference proper, which starts next week.