The Observatory of Just and Sustainable Transitions, a Pillar of the Energy Transition in Senegal
The initiative to set up the Observatory of Just and Sustainable Transitions was born in the dynamic of co-construction of the energy transition and particularly of the JETP (Just Energy Transition Partnership), being a financing agreement which aims to increase the share of renewable energies to 40% in 2030 in terms of installed power with a total amount of 2.5 billion euros. Presented during the Multi-stakeholder Forum on Just and Sustainable Transitions, this observatory marks a major turning point in Senegal's efforts in terms of access to energy services and contribution to sober and climate-resilient development.
The forum, organized by ENDA ENERGIE this Thursday, February 15, 2024, in partnership with the FORD Foundation, brought together a multitude of actors representing various sectors of Senegalese society. Representatives of institutions (sectoral ministries, national assembly, high community council), local elected officials, the private sector, civil society organizations, producer organizations, communications professionals, trade union organizations, the research sector have converged towards a common objective which is to better collectively monitor and guide the choices of transitional transformations and actions towards a greener and more equitable economy.
At the heart of the forum's discussions was the establishment of the Observatory of Just and Sustainable Transitions. This flagship initiative aims to contribute to and guide the various transitions underway in Senegal, particularly in the areas of energy, agriculture/agroecology, industry and infrastructure and transport. By highlighting the challenges and opportunities of these transitions, the observatory promises to be an essential tool to guide policies and programs for sustainable and climate-resilient development in Senegal while starting from the expectations and evidence of non-governmental actors. states.
The establishment of said observatory will be participatory through a process of Co-construction. Non-state actors were invited to contribute to the definition of the mission, objectives and functioning of the observatory, thus guaranteeing an inclusive and participatory approach. This approach reflects Senegal's commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard in the transition to a more sustainable future.
As Senegal prepares to become an oil and gas producer, the challenges of energy transition are more pressing than ever. The Observatory of Just and Sustainable Transitions offers a glimmer of hope in this complex landscape, providing a framework for the collaboration and innovation needed to overcome the challenges ahead and particularly in the implementation of Senegal's JETP and to contribute access to energy services in priority sectors, notably agriculture, industry and transport. Its implementation will be done gradually, both at the national and territorial level, offering each actor and entity the opportunity to actively contribute to its deployment and operation. The launch of the said observatory constitutes an opportunity to monitor the various transitions underway to ensure their consistency with Senegal's long-term vision (LTV) 2050 and to support the development of the long-term strategy (LTS), based on on the priority action plan (PAP3) of the Emerging Senegal Plan (PSE), the nationally determined contribution (CDN) and all relevant benchmarks of Senegal's development policy.
By launching the Observatory of Just and Sustainable Transitions, Senegal positions itself as a regional leader in the fight against climate change and the promotion of transformational development, thus affirming its commitment to meeting the challenges of the 21st century with resilience and determination . This observatory is much more than just a monitoring tool; it embodies the hope of a future where economic, social and environmental development combines for the benefit of all Senegalese, thus preserving the country's natural wealth for future generations.
