21 July 2010

Government ministers of 24 countries, and several corporate big guns gathered in Washington for the world's first ever Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM). This meet brings together countries responsible for 80 percent of the world's emissions, to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon future.

One of the key issues remains finding the funds to finance these operations in a time of long-term fiscal constraints. 

Nevertheless, eleven initiatives were launched at the ministerial, where India's Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia attended on the country's behalf. 

India, Italy and the US have agreed to work together to supply off-grid solar power to developing countries. Italy made the first contribution of USD 10 million to the International Finance Corporation.