The Rockefeller Foundation, one of America’s most influential philanthropies announced on March 15 that president Dr Rajiv J. Shah, along with leaders of the foundation and Asia regional office teams, will travel to India.
According to the announcement, the delegation will meet with senior government and private sector officials in New Delhi and Mumbai as part of the organisation’s efforts to help in the electrification of villages across the country.
The aim of the visit is to extend support for India’s renewable energy innovation efforts and leadership on international financial institutions reforms, which can deliver the much-needed investment into climate and sustainable development solutions in India and the world. The delegation witness in person the range of efforts being undertaken to build climate resilience around the country, said the foundation release.
“For more than 100 years, The Rockefeller Foundation has stood with the people of India as they sought to make opportunity universal and sustainable,” said Dr Shah. The foundation first invested in solar microgrids in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in 2009 to test, adapt, and ultimately, scale this renewable energy solution across India and the world.
In 2015, the foundation announced a USD 75 million commitment to support rural electrification. “Over the last decade, India has become a leader in large-scale solar projects that have in turn spurred growth and investment in local manufacturing and small businesses,” said Ashvin Dayal, senior vice president for power and climate at the Foundation.
“India’s renewable electrification initiatives are proof of what is possible by harnessing innovation in service of humanity,” said Dr Shah.
“As host of the G20 and a rising power global power, India is in a unique position to push for international action to address this era’s challenges. With India’s leadership, the world can ensure today’s international financial institutions are positioned to better serve the lives of the most vulnerable around the world tomorrow,” he added.
