Global Forum at COP29: A "Masterclass in Collaboration" on Sustainable Technology

UNFCCCCOP29CEMWomen in Nuclear
Written By WiRE Committee

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN—In a powerful display of global cooperation, the side event “Advancing Sustainable Technologies Globally” at COP29 brought together a diverse group of experts to address the urgent need for accelerated climate action. Co-organized by the International Youth Nuclear Congress in collaboration with Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) and Women in Nuclear, the event served as a "rallying cry for collective action," highlighting a shared understanding that no single technology or sector can solve the climate crisis alone.

The event, held on November 14, 2024, in Side Events Meeting Room 4, kicked off with opening remarks from Joanna Osawe, WiRE Founder, President & CEO. This set the stage for a keynote from Dr. Michael Goff, Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy. Dr. Goff outlined the USA's ambitious plans to triple its nuclear capacity, emphasizing the critical role of advanced technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). His most impactful message, however, focused on the human element, stating that achieving this goal is "impossible without achieving true gender equity."

A Fireside Chat on Global Climate Strategy

The first session, a dynamic fireside chat, brought together a constellation of brilliant minds to discuss the critical role of zero- and low-emission technologies. Moderated by Alice Cunha da Silva, Vice President of Knowledge Transfer and Management at the International Youth Nuclear Congress, the discussion was framed by the findings of the UNFCCC's First Global Stocktake, which highlighted the urgent need for action.

Alice Cunha da Silva, Wei Huang, Diana Urge-Vorsatz, Jean-Francois Gagne, Dr. Michael Goff, Joanna Osawe

The panel's speakers each provided a unique and authoritative perspective:

  • Diana Urge-Vorsatz, Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), spoke on how the organization incorporates the latest advancements in renewable energy, nuclear technology, and carbon capture into its climate assessment reports. She also addressed how the IPCC leverages its expertise to empower local communities and ensure sustainable development on the ground.

  • Jean-Francois Gagne, Head of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), explained how the CEM facilitates international collaboration on clean energy projects. He provided insights into how CEM works to ensure the equitable transfer of clean energy technologies, particularly between developed and developing nations, laying the groundwork for future climate conferences like COP30.

  • Wei Huang, Director of the Division of Planning, Information and Knowledge Management at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), shared innovative projects where the IAEA promotes sustainable nuclear energy alongside other clean sources. He also detailed how the IAEA is supporting nuclear technologies for climate adaptation, such as water desalination and agricultural improvements.

This immersive discussion underscored the need for a collaborative, multi-faceted approach to climate action. It was a clear consensus among the speakers that a successful clean energy transition demands that the global community work together to ensure all countries have access to the necessary tools and technologies. This included not only the financial and technological resources but also the knowledge and policy frameworks required for implementation. The conversation moved beyond theory and into actionable strategies, focusing on how international bodies can facilitate the equitable transfer of technologies, a crucial step to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations and lay a foundation for universal progress.

The Imperative of Inclusion and International Cooperation

The event's second session, a plenary moderated by Sicily Zheng, Program Lead at the Climate and Sustainability Task Force, IEEE Young Professionals, served as a "masterclass in collaboration." It featured a formidable lineup of experts, including:

Their contributions showcased how diverse perspectives are crucial for innovation and implementation. The conversation also highlighted the importance of international cooperation, particularly in ensuring the equitable transfer of clean energy technologies between developed and developing nations. The presence of young professionals and youth leaders in key roles demonstrated a clear commitment to including the next generation in shaping future policy and technological innovation.

A Catalyst for Change: Key Takeaways and a Path Forward

Dr. Michael Goff, Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy

Joanna Osawe, WiRE Founder, President & CEO

The "Advancing Sustainable Technologies Globally" side event was a resounding success, not just for the wealth of information shared, but for its ability to foster genuine, impactful dialogue. The primary takeaways underscored a collective sense of urgency and a clear path forward for the global energy transition.

The event was a "rallying cry for collective action," framed by the findings of the UNFCCC's First Global Stocktake, which identified a significant gap between current climate action and the goals of the Paris Agreement. The consensus was clear: the time to act is now. This requires a collaborative approach, as highlighted by the sessions, which demonstrated the necessity of working across different sectors and nations. It was a "masterclass in collaboration" that made it clear no single group or technology can solve the climate crisis alone.

Nuclear technology, in particular, was emphasized as a vital and evolving component of the climate solution. Dr. Goff's keynote on SMRs and the IAEA's discussion on climate adaptation applications solidified nuclear's expanding role beyond just electricity generation. This underscored the need for a diverse portfolio of clean energy sources to meet global climate targets.

Crucially, the human element was central to the discussions. Dr. Goff’s powerful message about gender equity, coupled with the prominent roles of leaders from WiRE and other female experts, reinforced that the transition to a sustainable future is not just a technological challenge but a human one, requiring a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Finally, the discussions, particularly with the Clean Energy Ministerial, emphasized the need for international bodies to facilitate the equitable transfer of clean energy technologies, ensuring all countries, especially developing nations, have the tools for a successful transition. The event served as a vital reminder that while the challenges are immense, the collective will and innovative spirit of the global community are more than capable of rising to the occasion, proving that the journey is well underway.



Written by: 

Andrew Osawe, 

Operations Director, 

Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE)

WiRE Committee
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