Last week, Barrel proudly took part in the prestigious event “Powering Progress: the Energy-Food-Health Nexus for Sustainable Development”, held at the Italian Embassy to the Holy See. Organized in collaboration with Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Eni, AVSI Foundation, and hosted by the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, this impactful gathering united key stakeholders committed to building a more sustainable, equitable future through cross-sector collaboration.
The event brought together a diverse community of institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations aligned in their mission to achieve meaningful and measurable progress in areas critical to sustainable development. With the participation of health experts, energy innovators, development professionals, and diplomatic representatives, the day’s discussions explored the deep interdependence between energy access, food security, and public health—a triad now widely recognized as the “nexus” for sustainable development.
A Holistic Approach to Global Challenges
At the heart of the event was the recognition that complex global issues require integrated solutions. Energy poverty, for example, not only affects economic productivity but also has dire consequences for healthcare delivery and food systems. In regions where electricity is unreliable or entirely absent, health clinics struggle to refrigerate vaccines, operate critical equipment, or provide maternal care. Simultaneously, a lack of clean cooking technologies forces millions—especially women and children—to rely on polluting fuels that endanger both health and the environment.
Barrel’s work in designing and delivering decentralized solar energy solutions aligns directly with this integrated vision. We were proud to share insights from our field experiences and to emphasize how energy innovations—especially those tailored for off-grid communities—can act as a catalyst for systemic change across sectors. Our participation highlighted how renewable technologies can simultaneously address climate goals, improve healthcare outcomes, and promote economic resilience in underserved regions.
Clean Cooking: A Priority for Equity and Sustainability
One of the key themes of the event was the urgent need to scale up clean cooking solutions. Currently, more than 2.3 billion people around the world rely on traditional biomass—such as wood and charcoal—for cooking. This reliance not only contributes to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions but also exposes millions to dangerous indoor air pollution.
Discussions throughout the day reiterated that addressing the clean cooking crisis is not just an energy issue—it is a public health imperative and an environmental necessity. At Barrel, we are actively exploring innovative partnerships and product strategies to advance clean cooking initiatives that are accessible, efficient, and adaptable to local needs.
The Power of Partnerships
Barrel’s presence at Powering Progress reinforced one of our core beliefs: partnerships are the engine of sustainable change. No single organization can solve global development challenges alone. Through dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and joint action, we can unlock new pathways for progress and amplify our collective impact.
We were inspired by the stories of resilience and innovation shared by our fellow participants—especially those working directly with communities to co-create solutions that are both technically sound and culturally grounded. From CUAMM’s work in strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Africa to AVSI’s community development projects, the event underscored how powerful change can be when driven by empathy, expertise, and shared purpose.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this meaningful experience, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, our co-panelists, and the event organizers for the opportunity to be part of such a forward-thinking and inclusive dialogue.
Barrel remains deeply committed to advancing energy access and sustainability across the globe. Events like Powering Progress remind us that the path toward a healthier, cleaner, and more equitable future must be built together—through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to people and the planet.
We look forward to continuing this journey and to building new bridges that connect technology with impact.
Read more about the event (in Italian): Ministero degli Affari Esteri - Energia, salute e ambiente all’Ambasciata d’Italia presso la Santa Sede