The EMERGE project recently participated in the LEAP-RE Stakeholder Forum 2024, held from October 8 to 11 at the Politecnico di Milano in Italy. This annual forum brings together stakeholders from Africa and Europe to discuss renewable energy, science-based policymaking, and sustainable development initiatives.

Nikola Matak, EMERGE Project Coordinator, from the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (UNIZAG FSB), contributed to the session on “Energy Systems and Modelling with Considerations to the Water-Energy-Food Nexus.” Discussions emphasized the importance of developing energy system modeling tools by local experts, supported by international collaboration, to ensure sustainable development across the African continent.

The forum underscored the necessity of integrating the Water-Energy-Food Nexus into energy planning, highlighting the interconnectedness of these sectors in achieving sustainable outcomes. Collaborative efforts between local stakeholders and international experts were identified as crucial for addressing these complex challenges effectively.

The LEAP-RE Stakeholder Forum serves as a platform to advance the role of science, education, and research in the Africa-EU partnership on science, technology, and innovation, with a focus on climate change and sustainable energy. The 2024 forum celebrated significant milestones, including the European Commission’s new communication and the African Union Year of Education 2024.

 Source: Leap RE