Dhaka: Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has reached over 40 lakh people across Bangladesh with modern energy solutions through the Energising Development (EnDev) Bangladesh programme. The initiative has significantly improved energy access for rural, peri-urban, and underserved communities, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, according to a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the EnDev Bangladesh programme recently hosted a 'Knowledge Dissemination Workshop on EnDev's 16-Year Journey,' celebrating its advancements in energy access through sustainable solutions. The programme has collaborated with the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (MoPEMR) to provide modern energy solutions, reaching a substantial number of people.
The workshop gathered government officials, private sector representatives, development partners, NGOs, and academia to celebrate EnDev Bangladesh's contribution to expanding access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. Country Director of GIZ Bangladesh, Juergen Schilling, delivered the opening speech, while Ratan Kumar Ghosh, a Member of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), also spoke at the event.
German Ambassador to Dhaka, Dr. Rdiger Lotz, emphasized the transformative power of reliable energy access, noting its impact on businesses, education, and agriculture. He highlighted the importance of clean energy in transforming lives and urged continued efforts towards a clean, equitable, and inclusive energy transition in Bangladesh.
In closing remarks, Alexander Haack, Director of the EnDev Programme, stressed that lessons learned from EnDev Bangladesh's 16-year journey will guide future efforts to expand sustainable energy access and enhance collaboration among public and private sectors.
The EnDev initiative has supported long-term sustainability, improved livelihoods, and reduced carbon emissions by promoting decentralized renewable energy technologies. The event featured presentations on EnDev's knowledge products and sectoral insights, a panel discussion on advancing access to clean energy, and a recognition segment for EnDev's partners and beneficiaries contributing to positive change across Bangladesh.