At United Nations Forum, Nokero pledges to make a difference on Navajo Nation

Watch the Eagle & Elephant Energy video here.

Navajo leader Melton Martinez with a Nokero solar light bulb under the moon.

There aren’t many days as special as this one. Sure, the Colorado sunshine is bright and the autumn air crisp here in Denver, but it’s what’s happening today in New York City that makes this a moment to remember for all of us here at Nokero.

As I write, Steve Katsaros is walking into the United Nations Headquarters to represent Nokero at the Private Sector Forum on Sustainable Energy for All, where he will meet and speak with heads of state, CEOs, and leaders from around the world who are working to make 2012 the Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

Steve will share ideas on how the UN can help bring universal access to modern energy services, improve energy efficiency, and increase the share of energy generated from renewable resources.

If you read this in time, you can watch the live stream of the event here (on Channel 2): http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/index.html.

As a show of support for the goals of the UN and all the stakeholders throughout the industry, and in order to make real progress toward achieving the stated goals of the 2012 year of Sustainable Energy For All, Nokero will announce the following commitment at the event:

“Energy poverty is not often considered a problem affecting the developed world, yet in truth, tens of thousands of Americans live without access to electricity. In the Navajo Nation alone, 18,000 families live off-the-grid. Forward-thinking Navajo leaders have initiated a campaign to bring renewable energy to their community, though much work remains. In support of their efforts, and the UN Year of Sustainable Energy for All, Nokero International commits to working in partnership with Navajo tribal leaders and Eagle Energy, a sustainable energy non-profit, to provide universal access to solar energy in the Navajo Nation. Beginning today, and for as long as it takes, Nokero will direct its resources toward tackling this challenge – working with Eagle Energy and Navajo partners to build sustainable distribution systems which ensure that all people of the Navajo Nation have access to affordable, durable, high-quality solar-powered lights, mobile chargers, and other green technologies.”

Eagle Energy’s Doug Vilsack, as well as Eagle Energy Navajo organizer Melton Martinez, will help guide Nokero as we make a concerted effort to tackle energy poverty right here in the United States. We are thankful to them for their guidance, and we are already taking steps to take meaningful action on the Navajo Nation … where kerosene fuel is still a main option for cooking and lighting for the many thousands of families who live off-grid in the area.

For more on what’s happening in the energy scene on the Navajo Nation, visit www.coloradoindependent.com.

In the 15 months since Nokero launched, we have accomplished much, traveled to many places, and been a part of some wonderful events, and we look forward to tackling some of the challenges which remain in our industry. With hard work – and with your help – we can help end kerosene use here in the United States and abroad.

Take a look at the video in this blog (it’s a great clip and well worth watching) to learn more about Eagle Energy (aka Elephant Energy) and their efforts on the Navajo Nation.