Honourable Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu

Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu is a Ugandan politician currently serving as the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, a role she assumed on 8 June 2021. Despite her prominent government position, she lost her seat as the Woman Member of Parliament for Kiboga District in the January 2021 general elections. A native of Kiboga District in Central Uganda, Nankabirwa attended Bamusuuta Primary School and later Nabisunsa Girls’ Secondary School for both O-Level and A-Level. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and a Master of Arts in Conflict Studies from Makerere University. During her 2021 campaign, she stirred controversy by telling supporters, “If the cows vote, let them vote—I want to get 120%.” The comment gained attention but did not secure her re-election. Nankabirwa has held various high-ranking roles. From March 2015 to May 2021, she served as Chief Government Whip, following Justine Lumumba Kasule’s appointment as NRM Secretary General. Before that, she was State Minister for Fisheries (2011–2015), State Minister for Microfinance (2009–2011), and State Minister for Defense (2001–2009). Her Cabinet journey began in 1998 as Minister of State for the Luweero Triangle. She launched her political career as a delegate to the Constituent Assembly (1994–1995) and was elected Woman MP for Kiboga District in 1996, serving for 25 years until 2021.

Session Overview

Thursday, 6 November

All Sessions

14:00

Strategic Conference ICC Hall 14:00 - 15:00

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Increasing collaboration between the Global North and South for a successful transition

Solving climate change challenges and ensuring a successful energy transition will require increased collaboration between the Global North and the developing economies of the Global South, inclusive of financing, technology and clean energy skills. The energy transition will reshape the global industrial and competitive landscape. New centers of low-cost, low-carbon energy will emerge, and industries in which energy accounts for a sizable share of overall costs—for example, ammonia production, data centers, aluminum, pulp and paper, and steel manufacturing—could be leading candidates to relocate. Enhanced collaboration across these new value chains is essential, and governments and private sector across the North and South need to work together to ensure effective and sustainable integration. The Global North must take action to enable substantial de-risked investment across several critical fronts to ensure energy access and affordability in the Global South. How can governments and businesses catalyse socio-economic development, including integration of value chains, ensure access to technology and a skilled workforce, provide supportive international partnerships, create viable carbon markets and incentivise energy transition policies?

Attendee insights:

Gain insights into supporting mechanisms to increase collaboration between the Global North and the Global South to further tackle climate change challenges and what’s required for a just, orderly and equitable transition in the Global South.

10:40

Strategic Conference ICC Hall 10:40 - 11:30

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The new global leaders and the energy transition

The global energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with emerging economies playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping its future. Geopolitical events, technological advancements, and climate impacts and pressures have disrupted energy systems, driving nations to reassess their energy strategies, emphasising the need to accelerate the transition to a multifaceted new energy system. However, emerging markets have different economic structures, resources and capabilities, and transition starting points, and there is no universally applicable solution to address all circumstances. How can these countries leverage their distinct capabilities and unique starting positions to formulate their energy strategy and shape their future? How can they balance their energy demands, technological advancement, environmental stewardship, energy security, and economic prosperity?

Attendee insights:

Gain insights into energy strategies as well as the role of policy in shaping the energy transition and supporting access to a diversified clean energy mix.