On October 13, 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources in partnership with the UNDP Suriname organized a two-day stakeholder workshop to discuss ways for improving sustainable access to energy for the communities living in the interior of Suriname. The meeting brought together energy experts and decision makers from the Government, organizations representing Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (ITPs), private sector, NGOs, and international organizations involved in the energy sector of Suriname.

The participants discussed the current state of play with regards to energy access, existing policy framework, applicable models, ongoing programs, challenges and opportunities for increasing the accessibility to reliable and renewable sources of energy in the interior of Suriname. The meeting also looked at global best practice and models in facilitating off-grid energy solutions at the local level. The meeting concluded with a set of recommendation that would be used in formulating tailored policy solutions for a just energy transition. It was emphasized that energy standards need to be formulated, and that accessibility, reliability, and affordability of the energy system must be prioritized.

 

The Government highlighted the importance of a holistic approach for the interior and presented the BIO SWEET concept which bundles together the interventions on energy, water, and telecommunication to address social and economic challenges in the interior.

The event was organized within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Joint Fund Programme titled: “Development of Market-Ready, Bankable Pipelines for a Just Energy Transition in the Interior of Suriname” (JET JP). The project, co-implemented by UNDP and WFP in Suriname, aims to support national counterparts through technical assistance, analysis, and stakeholder engagement across 21 communities; in the Tapanahony area: Mpoesoe, Keementi, Saje, Karmel, Powi, and Tjong Tjong. In the Upper Suriname/Bataliba area: Bendikwai, Grantatai, Banafookondre, Baikutu en Pikinpada. In the Saramacca district: Tottikamp, Maho, and Kalebaskreek. In the Upper Coppename area: Witagron, Kaaimanston, Cornelis Kondre, and Donderskamp. In the Nickerie district: Tapoeripa. In West Suriname/the Tibiti area: Alfonsdorp and Jozefdorp.

This effort is framed within a rights-based social equity approach, aligned with Suriname’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goal of achieving 35% renewable energy by 2030, and the NDC 3.0 global goal of net-zero energy systems by 2050.