Former second lady, Mrs Samira Bawumia, founder and chairperson for the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC), will officially open the “Powering Progress: How mini-grids, clean cooking, and energy planning can fast-track SDG7” session at the 2025 SEforALL Global Forum in Barbados.

The 2025 SEforALL Global Forum, co-hosted by the government of Barbados and the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) on the 12th and 13th of March 2025, is a landmark gathering aimed at driving investments, policies, and partnerships to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7)—ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy by 2030.

The conference is a significant platform for world leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to assess progress, showcase innovations, and accelerate the transition to clean energy.

This year’s theme, “Sustainable Energy for Equity, Security, and Prosperity,” will bring into focus, the urgency of improving energy access, climate goals, and sustainable development, especially for vulnerable populations.

In her opening address, Mrs Bawumia, who is a global champion for sustainable energy and climate action, is expected to highlight the critical role of clean cooking solutions in the broader energy transition.

She will emphasise the need for integrating mini-grids with clean cooking initiatives, reducing reliance on traditional fuels, and ensuring that energy policies prioritise health, gender equity, and environmental sustainability.

Her speech is also expected to stress the importance of global collaboration and financing mechanisms to scale up clean energy adoption in underserved communities.
A thought leader in energy and climate issues, Mrs Bawumia has been a relentless advocate for clean energy initiatives.

In 2019, she was named the first of seven honourees at the prestigious Seven for 7 Awards by SEforALL and Ashden, a London-based charity for her outstanding contributions to improving energy access.

She also serves as a Global Ambassador for the Clean Cooking Alliance and a Global Champion for the Clean Air Fund and World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Health and Energy Platform for Action, and several other causes aimed at improving the lives of women and children.

Mrs Bawumia’s participation at the SEforALL Forum 2025, yet again, reaffirms her dedication to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.