Erasmus+ LETSEMA and the EU delegation in Lesotho co-organized the project kick-off event at ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru on Thursday, 29 February 2024. Representatives of the government, the European Union, Finnish and Swedish embassies, educational institutions, NGOs and companies came together to discuss the renewable energy future of Lesotho.
More than 80 participants took part in the event, which featured welcoming words from Vice Chancellor Sola Fajana of the National University of Lesotho and formal launch of the project by Hon. Prof. Nqosa Mahao, Minister of Energy and Hon. Prof Ntoi Rapapa, Minister of Energy and Traning. In addition, the Team Europe remarks were delivered by H.E. Paola Amadei, European Union Ambassador to Lesotho, Martin Jörnrud, Trade and Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of Sweden and Iina Soiri, Education and Science Counsellor at the Embassy of Finland.
Presentations from the event:
- The story, impact, objectives and activities of the LETSEMA project
Osku Haapasaari, Finland Futures Research Centre - Accelerating quality, resilience and economic impact by education
Ivan Yaholnitsky, Bethel Business and Community Development Centre - Perspectives on Education: Energy and Management for Sustainable Development in Lesotho
Prof. Brijesh Mainali, Linnaeus University - Summary of the morning’s discussions
Mika Korkeakoski, Finland Futures Research Centre - Critical questions in national and regional energy development
Prof. Zak Thamae, National University of Lesotho