Inclusive, small-scale renewable energy applications

The Regional Initiative to Promote Small–Scale Renewable Energy Applications in Rural Areas of the Arab Region (REGEND) works to improve the livelihoods, economic benefits, social inclusion and gender equality of Arab rural communities, particularly marginalized groups, by addressing energy poverty, water scarcity, vulnerability to climate change and other natural resource challenges, in line with a human-rights based approach to development.

Building on the successes of REGEND, which has been supported by the Swedish Government since 2017, this follow-up phase of the regional initiative aims to ensure its continued sustainability and its backing of inclusive, small-scale renewable energy applications. Lessons learned will be developed into guidance that can be used to disseminate approaches and experience applicable to other parts of the region and across the globe. The following activities are being implemented:

• Monitoring and supporting the sustainability of field projects
• Preparing and disseminating operational toolkits
• Building capacity for inclusive green jobs

As part of REGEND, ESCWA developed an online course to shed light on sustainable energy as an enabler for rural development, women empowerment, and sustainable agriculture and food production.

Information related to this pillar is available on the REGEND webpage at: https://www.unescwa.org/regend