On December 13, 2016, Panasonic Corporation donated 2,400 solar lanterns to 11 Humanitarian and Non-Governmental Organizations in Cambodia; its second initiative this year in continuation to its "100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project". The 4-year donation drive has seen a total reach of 11,314 solar lanterns in the country, presently. A donation ceremony was held at the Panasonic Showroom in Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Hidehiko Kondo, Chief Representative, Panasonic Asia Pacific Cambodia Branch Office, commented, "Today's donation marks the fourth of such efforts under the 100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project in Cambodia. In the past three years, we have received positive feedback from our partners. The solar lanterns have been used in the education and healthcare fields, and also improve the quality of life. Panasonic will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as part of its CSR efforts and one of which is through the provision of safe and stable lighting; a basic necessity that is lacking in this country."
Approximately 16%* (1.2 billion people) of the world's population live without access to electricity. Cambodia's national non-electrification rate is the second highest among the ASEAN countries at approximately 66%* With the lack of electricity, it means daily lives can be greatly affected.
The aim of the Panasonic global "100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project" is to improve such electrification needs, namely - access to education, healthcare and business opportunities through the use of the company's technology and product. Each donated solar lantern is attached to a solar panel. Through the use of renewable solar energy, the product not only mitigates social challenges, but also contributes to carbon dioxide emission reduction. Till date, the target remains at donating 100,000 units of the compact lighting devices to areas in emerging and developing countries with limited electricity access by 2018, the company's 100th year anniversary.
Panasonic hopes its solar lanterns will provide a better life, a better world for the people of Cambodia and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 11 Organizations that Received Solar Lanterns in Cambodia
(in alphabetical order):
*Source: "World Energy Outlook 2016," International Energy Agency
The ceremony for the solar lanterns donation in Cambodia
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