Dakar is this week hosting a pivotal gathering as the fourth edition of the Environment and Energy University kicks off, bringing together policymakers, researchers, civil society leaders, and technical partners to address Senegal’s ecological and energy future. The two-day event, running from May 19 to 20, serves as a critical platform for deepening national discussions on sustainable energy transition in the face of accelerating climate change and the complexities of oil and gas exploration.
The opening ceremony was led by Dr. Elhadji Ndiaye, representing the Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines. Key stakeholders such as the National Renewable Energy Agency (ANER), the Senegalese Rural Electrification Agency (ASER), academic institutions, and multiple NGOs actively participated in the discussions.
Dr. Ndiaye emphasized the growing importance of energy and environmental issues, describing them as no longer isolated sectoral concerns but central pillars of economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development. He highlighted the transformative role of energy in boosting productivity, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and enhancing living standards across communities.
Addressing the same assembly, Mamadou Barry, President of Action Solidarité Internationale and Coordinator of the Environment and Energy University, stressed the urgent need for a bold ecological and energy transition. He warned that delayed action would only worsen the effects of climate change, pointing to repeated flooding, coastal erosion, and agricultural losses as pressing realities in Senegal.
“This is not just about adjusting policies—it’s about reimagining our entire development model,” Barry stated. He called for a sovereign, resilient, and sustainable path forward—one that harmonizes hydrocarbon development with climate commitments. “Senegal is entering a new phase with oil and gas production, but this must not slow down our progress in renewable energy,” he cautioned.
Barry also urged greater inclusion of communities most affected by climate impacts in shaping environmental policies, emphasizing that local voices are essential to designing effective and equitable solutions.
