Suriname’s Energy Future: Collaboration and Sustainability
President Santokhi’s Vision
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber presents a copy of his book ‘A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix’. (Photo: Office of the President)
President Chandrikapersad Santokhi emphasized the importance of collaboration in transforming Suriname’s energy sector. Addressing the two-day Suriname Awareness Symposium 2025 (SAS), he noted that the country’s natural resources must contribute to a prosperous future for every Surinamese.
Transforming the Energy Sector
President Santokhi highlighted the need for collaboration, economic diversification, dialogue platforms, and a transformative mindset to achieve the transformation of the energy sector. He called for a diversification of the economy by developing new sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, technology, and renewable energy.
Transparency and Sustainability
The President stressed the importance of transparency in managing natural resources and the need for revenues from oil and gas to be reinvested in education, health care, and infrastructure.
Foreign Affairs Minister’s Perspective
Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation Minister Albert Ramdin emphasized the need for a just transition to renewable energy. He highlighted Suriname’s potential in hydropower, solar energy, and wind and called for a joint effort to transition to renewable energy.
African Energy Chamber’s Perspective
The Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk, emphasized the need for balance between sustainability and the needs of developing countries. He called on Suriname to learn from Africa’s achievements and mistakes.
Conclusion
The Suriname Awareness Symposium 2025 emphasized the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and transparency in transforming the country’s energy sector. The symposium highlighted the need for a just transition to renewable energy and the importance of investing in education and training to involve the local population in developing the renewable energy sector.
FAQs
Q: What is the goal of the Suriname Awareness Symposium 2025?
A: The symposium aims to discuss strategies for Suriname’s socio-economic development and transform the energy sector.
Q: What is the importance of transparency in managing natural resources?
A: Transparency is crucial in managing natural resources to ensure that revenues are reinvested in education, health care, and infrastructure.
Q: What is the need for a just transition to renewable energy?
A: A just transition to renewable energy is necessary to promote sustainability, encourage economic diversification, and involve the local population in developing the renewable energy sector.