How can renewable energy and peacebuilding leverage innovation and technology for positive impact?

The lack of energy security, especially for women has become a hot topic across the international sphere, especially within this year's session of CSW. The unequal access to energy is both a cause and often an effect of violence. However, with this truth in mind, we must also acknowledge the fact, that thus, through the promotion of accessible energy, we are able to end conflict and achieve peace This is confirmed by the fact that energy security brings peace by increasing a nation's economic standing, and industrial output, and hence also improving living conditions.

In Iraq, a country rich of oil reserves, there is a distinctive link between peace and energy. Relying on fossil fuels, led to endless wars and conflicts, not only in Iraq, but in the MENA region as well. To ensure sustainable peace, renewable energy is a must. It helps mitigate climate change impacts from one hand, and conflicts from the other hand. Time to advocate for a greener future.

The intersection of renewable energy and peacebuilding presents an exciting opportunity to harness the power of innovation and technology for long-term, sustainable impact. At their core, both of these fields are about empowering communities, enhancing resilience, and forging a more equitable, peaceful future. Access to clean, affordable energy is a crucial precursor to stability and development in fragile contexts. Renewable sources can provide the electricity needed to power essential services like healthcare, education, and communications - all of which are vital foundations for human security and social cohesion. Integrating cutting-edge and contextually-appropriate technologies is key to optimizing this synergy.

The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been characterized by persistent turmoil since its attainment of independence in 1960. It is very interesting to note that the DRC possesses substantial and diverse energy potential, encompassing renewable energy sources that include hydroelectric, biomass, solar, and geothermal power. Nevertheless, the renewable energy sector has not been effectively utilized for the purposes of peacebuilding. It is my contention that if such measures could be implemented in the Eastern Province of Congo, the impact of external actors on the ongoing conflict could be mitigated, thereby significantly enhancing the prospects for peace.

When attempting to promote energy security across nations, the values and great fruits deriving from innovation and technology are vital. Technology and innovation allow populations to resolve their lack of energy security by investing in unique and diverse forms of Renewable Energy, employing innovation to create new energy technologies, and lastly, employing creativity and technology to diversify Energy Sources.

Some excellent examples of organizations, programs, and networks that employ the objective of increasing energy security for peace range from: I.) Environmental and Energy Study Institute EESI. II.) UN-Energy. III.) Advanced Energy United.

A few other examples include: The Powering Peace initiative by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) explores the connections between sustainable energy access and conflict resolution. The Renewable Energy for Refugee Settlements (RERS) project, led by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Renewable World, deploys innovative solar-powered systems to improve energy access in refugee camps. The PeaceTech Lab, an initiative of the USIP, focuses on how digital tools and data analytics can be harnessed for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Empowering Women in Renewable Energy and Agriculture (EWRA) program combines clean energy access with gender-transformative approaches to peacebuilding.