Remarks by UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania a.i., Mr. Mark Bryan Schreiner | UNCDF Clean Cooking Symposium | June 19th, 2024 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Habari za Asubuhi!

Distinguished Guests, this symposium marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and improving health outcomes in Tanzania.  The United Nations family is proud to join you this week.

• Honorable Judith Kapinga, Deputy Minister of Energy;
• Mr. Raniero Leto, Head of Section of the European Union Delegation;
• Mr. Peter Malika, Head of UNCDF, Tanzania;
• Ms Lorence Ansermet, OIC UNIDO, Tanzania
• Senior Government Officials;
• Development Partners;
• UN Colleagues;
• Members of the press;
• Clean Cooking SMEs and enterprises;
• Distinguished guests;

Habari za Asubuhi!

Distinguished Guests, this symposium marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and improving health outcomes in Tanzania.  The United Nations family is proud to join you this week.

We know clean cooking solutions are crucial for achieving several Sustainable Development Goals. These include SDG 7, focusing on Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 3, which emphasizes Good Health and Well-being; and SDG 13, dedicated to Climate Action. These solutions play a pivotal role in significantly reducing respiratory diseases and other health issues caused by indoor air pollution.

The government's commitment to addressing clean cooking is clearly demonstrated by recent significant initiatives. Her Excellency The President recently launched a $1.8 billion (4 trillion TZS) 10-year national clean cooking energy program, underscoring the scale and seriousness of our national efforts. Additionally, the H.E. President co-chaired the Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, held at UNESCO headquarters, where she called for increased funding to tackle this critical issue. These actions highlight the government's dedication to transforming the energy sector and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, or UNSDCF, guides the UN collective efforts in supporting Tanzania to achieve the SDGs in the context of its national development priorities, with clean cooking emerging as a key priority. The UNSDCF was launched by the Vice President in 2022 and within this framework, numerous different UN entities work together under the ‘Planet’ Outcome. 

The Planet Outcome includes UN agencies such as UNCDF, FAO, UNIDO, and UNEP who collaborate to support initiatives aimed at increasing access to clean energy solutions and improving environmental health outcomes. Their work under this outcome is geared towards promoting environmental sustainability and climate resilience which aligns perfectly with Tanzania’s goals in the clean cooking sector as exemplified by the President’s leadership on this important issue. We commend the Tanzanian government for its strong commitment to advancing clean cooking solutions as part of its broader energy and environmental strategy.

Key elements of the UN’s collective work in this area include robust policy frameworks, strategic investment plans, and active stakeholder engagement. Successful projects and programs in this sector demonstrate tangible benefits and valuable lessons learned, with public-private partnerships playing a critical role in scaling up clean cooking solutions.

The EU-funded Cookfund Programme, implemented by UNCDF, UNIDO, and FAO, is making significant strides here in Tanzania. The EU’s support is vital, contributing significantly to Tanzania’s national goals and the global SDGs. We acknowledge and thank the EU delegation for their support which has enabled us to make important strives in scaling up the uptake of clean cooking solutions.

Distinguished guests, clean cooking is not just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of life and dignity for millions of vulnerable people around the world. Every day, countless families rely on traditional cooking methods that expose them to harmful smoke and dangerous conditions. This is a silent crisis that claims lives and perpetuates poverty.

I urge all stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and civil society, to continue supporting clean cooking initiatives. We must advocate for clean cooking solutions and support policies that make clean energy accessible.

This Clean Cooking Symposium is very important. Increased investment and innovation in clean cooking technologies are essential for widespread adoption and long-term sustainability. Ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing are crucial to overcoming challenges and accelerating progress in the sector.

The United Nations remains fully committed to supporting Tanzania in achieving its clean cooking and broader sustainable development goals. Thank you to the organizers for hosting this vital symposium and for your dedication to advancing clean cooking solutions.

Asanteni sana!