OREANDA-NEWS. Eni is the Official Partner of Expo Milano 2015 for Sustainability Initiatives in African Countries. Eni has been chosen as a partner due to its understanding of the fundamental value of sustainability, and its particular interest in the African continent where it is the leading international energy company in terms of hydrocarbon production. The partnership with Expo 2015 brings together a series of initiatives aimed at promoting the development and access to energy in the countries where Eni operates, with particular attention to the African continent.

The initiatives will be developed in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, which draws together scientific and technical expertise from academia, civil society and the private sector in support of sustainable development.

Eni is part of the Leadership Council, which is the SDSN's highest governance body and is responsible for strategic decision-making. Chief Executive Officer Paolo Scaroni was invited to become a member by the direct invitation of Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Network and of the Earth Institute, Columbia University.

Within the SDSN, in November 2012 Eni has been chosen as leader of the “Energy for All in Sub-Saharan Africa” initiative, which aims to find solutions to the issue of energy access in sub-Saharan Africa and proposing them to governments, international decision makers and companies.

With Eni's support and active participation, in 2013 the SDSN launched a study on the central issues for the initiative, as well as a feasibility study on an applied case whereby innovative technologies and business models have been providing access to energy in remote areas of Mozambique.

In Africa, Eni contributes to the reduction of energy poverty through the construction of modern electricity infrastructure.

The partnership between Eni and Expo 2015 includes a programme of activities up to event, thus promoting occasions for discussion of institutional themes involving experts, governments, media and journalists from across the globe. In addition, the SDSN holds a number of important cultural events where Eni communicates using accessible language and in an artistic, creative manner on the importance of energy in all its forms, and in particular, how it can engender development in Africa.