Brahma Kumaris address at Sustainable Energy for All Conference in Lisbon, Portugal

Brahma Kumaris (BK) represented by Golo, Sonja and Abhishek were invited to the Sustainable Energy for All FORUM 2018 as a partner of the SHINE campaign. SHINE’s main work is to secure safe, clean, and affordable energy in order to break the cycle of poverty.The 2-day conference and market place fostered new partnerships, ideas, investment and action towards securing clean, affordable energy for all. The main theme of the whole conference was “Leaving No One Behind”. The Forum discussed innovation and action in the global sustainable energy movement.
The Forum was located in a historical venue Convento do Beato, an old monastery from the 15th century.
The conference started with a video message from the UN Secretary General and powerful wake-up call by Rachel Kyte, Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL). She asked everyone to be careful with critical decisions that need to be taken in the near future. She emphasized said that she has a big hope to achieve energy access for all due to this gathering of 1000 people from all over the world.
Brahma Kumaris main engagement took place on the second day. The SHINE campaign had a 15-minute presentation in the main plenary where partners were invited to present their commitments to renewable energy. Lisa Jordan, Director of SHINE first introduced Mr. Per Heggenes from IKEA Foundation who explained why they support the SHINE campaign: the combination of faith, finance and philanthropic partners working with clean energy can ensure that their funds reach the poorest communities. Golo then introduced BK’s activities in the field of renewable energy, and our commitment to continue, expand and share our work with clean energy. He emphasized the spiritual principles underpinning the work in clean technology. The presentation ended with commitments from David ten Kroode, Oikocredit and Fletcher Harper, Green Faith.

Afterwards SHINE arranged for a press conference. Everyone shared their commitments in detail and answered questions from the press.
Press conference participants included Golo Pilz, Brahma Kumaris; Lisa Jordan, SHINE; Per Heggenes, IKEA Foundation, David ten Kroode, Oikocredit, Fletcher Harper, Green Faith.

Later Rev. Fletcher Harper of Green Faith hosted the SDG Live Interview called Faith and Finance. Sonja participated on behalf of BK sharing the story of Brahma Kumaris and renewable energies. She underlined the value of equality behind creating clean energy for all and the principles of sharing and serving used in running our organization.
 
During the Forum the BK team could meet individuals and organizations amongst them were Rachel Kyte, Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Upendra Tripathy, Director General, International Solar Alliance in India, Kenneth Amoateng, Abibimman Foundation in Ghana, “Love for Life” an NGO based in Berlin.

The Forum ended with a Workshop in the 15th century “Palacio Xabregas” arranged by the SHINE campaign. Golo participated in the “Champion Solutions” dialogue circle together with Lisa Jordan and others. Sonja participated in the “Building Human Capacity” dialogue.