The panel “What is the social role of wind energy in building the future we want”, by Brazil Windpower 2018, achieved a remarkable feat: bringing together five female leaders to debate the topic. Marina Grossi, president of CEBDS, Maristela Marques Baioni, from UNDP, Izabella Teixeira, co-president of the UN International Resource Panel, Elbia Gannoum, president of ABEEólica, addressed different views on sustainability and energy transition. The panel was moderated by Selma Bellini, Institutional Relations at ABEEólica.
CEBDS president Marina Grossi highlighted the need for engagement from the business sector to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The decentralization of wealth is one of the first steps to foster development. In this regard, wind energy offers people the alternative of staying in the countryside, through the sale of energy generated by small products,” he explained.
Data recently released by ABEEólica shows that, by 2020, wind energy will be the country's second largest energy source, behind only hydroelectric generation. For Elbia, president of the association, it is necessary to ensure support in the process of technological transformation and energy transition.
Highlighting the female predominance on the panel, Maristela Baioni reinforced the need for mechanisms to implement and finance the 2030 Agenda and the participation of the productive sector and governments to advance the implementation of the SDGs.
Co-chair of the UN International Resource Panel, Izabella Teixeira spoke about the role of wind energy as a driver of transformation in the country.
“Sustainable development must continue to generate employment and benefit society with its advances. Society must be involved in all spheres of discussion and be able to contribute to the debate,” he said.
