Solar Cookers International Inc

Solar Cookers International (SCI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to improve human health, economic well-being, womens empowerment, and the environment by promoting climate-friendly solar cooking solutions for vulnerable populations worldwide.Currently, around 2.1 billion people, or one in four, still rely mainly on burning polluting fuels for cooking. This practice has severe environmental repercussions and negatively affects human health. Women and girls bear the brunt of these impacts as they often undertake the majority of cooking duties in many regions. As environmental crises become more frequent and geopolitical conflicts exacerbate resource scarcity, the need for clean cooking solutions like solar cooking becomes increasingly urgent.SCI addresses the urgent need for clean cooking solutions using a three-pronged approach: advocacy, research, and strengthening the capacity of the global solar cooking movement. SCI uses data to inform and strengthen activities at all levels from local communities to international platforms. As a sector leader, SCI amplifies global voices by advocating for sustainable cooking solutions at the United Nations and other high-level forums.SCIs long-term strategy leverages its extensive experience in implementing best-practice, ground-level projects and its leadership position in the sector to focus on scaling up solar cooking initiatives. This approach aims to usher in policies, practices, and resources that significantly accelerate the impact of solar cooking solutions.ADVOCACY:SCI advocates with global leaders to ensure solar cooking is recognized as a viable and appropriate solution for achieving climate and health goals. Additionally, SCI cultivates collaborations to advance its mission of increasing awareness, recognition and use of solar cooking.SCI implemented the following advocacy activities in fiscal year 2023-24:Advocated for solar cooking at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai by engaging government leaders, and emphasizing the inclusion of solar cooking in their climate change mitigation and adaptation plans. SCI hosted three side events at the Cryosphere Pavilion, Women and Gender Pavilion, and with the Global Warming Mitigation Project. SCI was a principal participant in four partner events and held four press conferences. Additionally, SCI hosted an exhibit booth for three days, demonstrating how solar cookers work and making hundreds of new contacts. Participation in COP provided a platform to discuss ideas with key stakeholders, expand the solar cooking network, elevate voices globally, raise awareness, and establish connections that lead to future implementation opportunities.Hosted a virtual side event for the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), showcasing the benefits of solar cooking and its positive influence on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Featured voices from international bodies such as the Green Climate Fund and Sustainable Energy for All, as well as local implementing collaborator, Eco Impact Hub CBO (Community Based Organization), and educational institution, Institut Suprieur des Techniques Appliques (I.S.T.A.)." SCI also hosted an in-person exhibition throughout the 8-day forum.Hosted a virtual webinar for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) featuring guest speakers from Kenya, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic who illustrated the impact cooking with polluting fuels has on women and girls.Participated in Africa Climate Week in Nairobi, Kenya, a platform for policymakers, practitioners, businesses and civil society to focus on climate solutions, share lessons learned, and discuss barriers and opportunities. The regional focus and prioritization of clean cooking helped enable SCI to meet with various stakeholders to discuss collaboration opportunities and pipeline strategies.Participated in the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) Solar World Congress in India, organized a side event with two SCI Global Advisors as guest speakers, presented a poster about calculating solar cooker efficiency, and submitted a manuscript about solar cooking efficiency to the Journal: Solar Energy Advances (SEA).Contributed information, delivered presentations, or was referenced about solar cooking in high impact forums and communication pieces, including the Washington Post, REN 21 Renewable Energy and Sustainability Report, Solar Today, American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Solar Conference, the All India Womens Conference, ConSolFood, Federation of American Womens Clubs Overseas (FAWCO), and the NYC Green School Conference.Produced and published communication materials -including newsletters, presentations, and appeals- designed to inform and advocate for solar cooking worldwide. Notably, SCI collaborated with TEALEAVES to develop, film, and produce a short, professional video about solar cooking in Kakuma Refugee Camp.Attended the Summit for Clean Cooking in Africa, hosted by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the largest ever high-level event focused solely on clean cooking. Endorsed both the IEAs Clean Cooking Declaration and the Clean Cooking Alliances (CCA) Principles of Responsible Carbon Finance.STRENGTHENING CAPACITY:SCI seeks to maximize its impact by prioritizing high-impact strategies that bolster the overall sector. SCI collaborates with partners to develop programming models and implement projects with significant potential for scaling, integrating best practices such as data collection and needs assessments. Additionally, SCI developed and maintains a comprehensive catalog of educational resources, which SCI shares free of charge, while also providing platforms for others to share knowledge and network.SCI implemented the following capacity building activities in fiscal year 2023-24:Developed a new programming model by leveraging the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) pathway for technical assistance. By collaborating with CTCN to gain network membership and supporting National Designated Entities (NDEs),SCI has secured two pilot projects in Mali and the Central African Republic. These projects will be implemented in the year to come in partnership with both national governments and local organizations. The projects' objectives and deliverables have already been outlined and include conducting feasibility studies, gender assessments, market analyses, carbon credit evaluations, fostering youth champions, and creating scaling roadmaps. These initiatives not only pave the way for future CTCN opportunities in other countries but also represent a significant milestone in advancing solar cooking initiatives, offering evidence of impact and business potential to attract large-scale investments.Continued to collaborate with Kenyan implementer Eco Impact Hub CBO to construct and distribute solar box oven cookers and train Kakuma Refugee Camp residents. This flagship project employs best practices including a thorough needs assessment, local manufacturing, training, impact surveys, cultural accommodation, and empowering participants to become advocates. The 2023-2024 project cycle saw 106 participants receive cookers and training, bringing the recent total to 400 cookers and approximately 3,120 people empowered.Completed final phase of programming with the Foundation for Sustainable Technologies (FoST), extending access to solar cooking technology to as many as 466 people living in fragile communities in Nepal.Maintained and updated the Solar Cooking Wiki, www.solarcooking.org, the worlds largest online database of solar cooking information with over 1,700 pages of information from 142 countries around the globe and automatically translatable into over 35 different languages.Participated in relevant sector webinars, working groups, surveys, and other collaboration and information-sharing opportunities including the Interaction Climate Advocacy Working Group, REN21 Steering Committee meeting, Columbia University Sustainable Futures Survey, United Nations First Global Report on Climate and SDG Synergies, and the USAID Local Capacity Strengthening Forum.Consistently received the highest rating from charity rating organizations including Charity Navigator, GuideStar/Candid, and the Better Business Bureau.See continuation of program service accomplishments at Federal Supplemental Information.