Urgent action is needed to achieve universal clean cooking by 2030, according to a new manifesto signed by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and over 65 other leaders and organizations.

The Africa-Europe Foundation’s Clean Cooking Manifesto highlights that more than 2.6 billion people around the world lack access to modern cooking solutions, and in sub-Saharan Africa only 17% of the population have clean cooking access. Those that do not must rely on cooking methods that are often unsafe and unsustainable. This puts their health and the health of other household members at risk, and the consequences extend far beyond the home. 

Madam Sirleaf, who is the Honorary President of the Africa-Europe Foundation, explained:

“All across Africa, women’s and children’s health, as well as landscapes’ vitality are damaged day after day due to reliance on wood fuel and charcoal… Delivering clean cooking solutions to millions of households in low- and middle-income countries in Africa is far from a menial, ‘housekeeping’ topic, and must become a shared priority.”

The Clean Cooking Manifesto urges governments, development actors, and the private sector to take a coordinated, decisive approach to accelerate action on clean cooking and to ensure that United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, “which commits to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all,” is achieved by 2030.

According to the manifesto:

“Changing the way families cook their food each day will slow climate change and deforestation, drive gender equality, reduce poverty, and provide enormous health benefits.”

In addition to Madam Sirleaf, other signatories to the manifesto include Amujae Leaders Clare Akamanzi and Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, OBE, Amujae Coaches Bineta Diop and Dr. Vera Songwe, and former EJS Center Board Member and Director-General of the World Trade Organization Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. 

Read more about the manifesto here.