On 3 July 2025, UNU, and the Government of Lesotho, through the Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Japan, will co-host the symposium “Empowering Lesotho: Unlocking Finance to Drive the Energy Transition in a Landlocked Developing Country”. This event will begin at 13:00 in U Thant International Conference Hall at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.
Lesotho is a small mountainous country surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. Approximately 50% of the population has no access to electricity. Nevertheless, Lesotho is committed to achieving a 100% electrification rate by 2030 along a sustainable pathway to also support a reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 10%.
At the same time, Lesotho is endowed with the potential to generate significant renewable energy — not only from variable renewables like solar and wind, but also from dispatchable hydropower and pumped storage (80% of its land is more than 1800 meters above sea level). This has the potential, if harnessed sustainably, to transform the country’s economy and contribute towards regional energy stability and security.
At COP29, Lesotho’s Monarch, King Letsie III, in collaboration with the Government of Lesotho, launched the “His Majesty King Letsie III Just Energy Transition Limited” (HMKLIII JET) with the aim to help build out new electricity generation capacity that will usher in an era of energy independence and export. As a privately led initiative supported by government, the HMKLIII JET initiative represents an innovative model to attract investment to Lesotho in support of climate and energy goals, as well as wider social development. When successful, the process will underscore the potential for emerging economies to leapfrog from energy poverty to clean energy abundance without passing through fossil fuels.
For this symposium, UNU will welcome His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, who will deliver a keynote address, followed by a panel discussion and opportunities for informal dialogue and networking.
Key issues to be explored include: the HMKLIII Just Energy Transition Limited and how it can partner with both public and private sources of finance; challenges to investment in Lesotho and how they can be addressed; and investment towards clean energy in Lesotho.
This event will be held in English and Japanese with simultaneous interpretation of each language. Advance registration (by 2 July at 15:00) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page.
Please plan to arrive early and be prepared to present identification at check-in.
UNU@50
This event is part of the UNU 50th anniversary celebration. To learn more, visit: https://unu.edu/unuat50
Agenda
13:00 — Opening remarks
- Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Representative of the Government of Japan (TBC)
- Call on His Majesty King Letsie III to give the keynote address, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho
13:12 — Keynote speech
- His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho
13:30 — Panel discussion
Moderator
- Mr. Thabang Lekhela, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho
Panellists
- Hon. Minister Mr. Mokhethi Shelile, Minister of Trade, Industry and Small Business of the Kingdom of Lesotho
- Representative of Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (TBC)
- Mr. Steve Phakisi (virtual), HMKLIII JET Fund Representative
- Representative of Marubeni Corporation (TBC)
- Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
14:00 — Interactive session
- Q&A session with audience
14:25 — Closing remarks
- H.E. Mr. Retšelisitsoe Theko, Ambassador of Lesotho to Japan
14:30 — Networking session
- Informal discussions and networking opportunities
