COP 30 Side Event | From Policy to Practice: Scalable clean cooking solutions for the SDGs

Universal access to clean cooking is pivotal for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—it protects health (SDG 3), empowers women and girls (SDG 5), advances affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), reduces inequalities (SDG 10), and supports climate action (SDG 13). Yet, billions of households still rely on polluting fuels.

Many countries have expanded clean cooking access through subsidized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), but these subsidies often benefit wealthier households more than the poor and rarely reach those most in need—especially in rural and low-income urban areas outside formal LPG distribution networks. At the same time, LPG subsidies strain public budgets and expose governments to volatile markets and import dependence.

Clean cooking solutions, such as electric cooking powered by renewable energy and biogas, offer transformative alternatives. They reduce household air pollution, lower long-term energy costs, strengthen energy security, and accelerate progress across the SDGs.

This side event, co-hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, National Research and Innovation Agency Indonesia, and Solar Cookers International, will showcase real-world, evidence-based, and inclusive clean cooking initiatives from India, Indonesia, and the Central African Republic. The discussion will highlight policies and partnerships needed to align national energy transitions with the SDG agenda—and to deliver universal, sustainable clean cooking for all.

Agenda

Opening Remarks

Anne Hammill, Vice President, International Institute for Sustainable Development

Panel Discussion

Polycarpe Mandayen, Central African Republic Ministry of Environment, Climate Technology Centre and Network Focal Point  

Shruti Sharma, Lead, India Program and Affordable Energy, International Institute for Sustainable Development

Caitlyn Hughes, Executive Director, Solar Cookers International

Maxensius Tri Sambodo, Senior Researcher, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia

Mariam Amoudou Sidi, Central African Republic Civil Service Gender and Climate Change Focal Point

Q&A