Liter of Light Showcases Innovation at Dubai EXPO 2020

It is the First Filipino Private Sector Representative to Take Part in ExpoLive Impact Innovation Program

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Metro.Style Team

March 9, 2020, 03:50 PM

Liter of Light, a global grassroots solar lighting movement, is the first Filipino private sector representative to be invited to the DUBAI EXPO 2020 as part of the EXPOLIVE Impact Innovation Grant Program.

With the main theme of "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", 120 changemakers were selected from over 7,000 applications to showcase how their solutions are paving the way for a cleaner, greener tomorrow. Each EXPO LIVE innovator was given US $100,000 and guidance and communications exposure to increase their visibility during DUBAI EXPO 2020, which runs from October 2020 to April 2021.

“EXPOLIVE is a chance for us to show that innovation can come from anyone, anywhere. It is a once-ina- generation opportunity to share how our Filipino innovation is lighting up the darkest corners of the world,” said Illac Diaz, Founder and Executive Director of Liter of Light.

Working in 32 countries with over 2,800 youth ambassadors, Liter of Light is one of the largest organizations that works with youth to engage companies in Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa to build simple and repairable solar lights, mobile charging systems, and street lights. Using locally-sourced materials and transferring knowledge and technology to these communities, the organization has empowered the lives of over one million people a year, while creating opportunities for green micro business. Each of Liter of Light’s hand-built solar lamps reduces carbon emissions by 1000kg.

Launching their community-based solar lighting training in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in late 2013, the Liter of Light has received numerous awards and recognition, including being named a global ambassador for UNESCO’s International Day of Light, the Zayed Future Energy Prize, and the Edison Prize. To raise awareness for their advocacy, they recently completed a 100-day campaign in partnership with Japan-based NGO Peace Boat to empower 19 communities around the Global South, starting new chapters and partnerships in Madagascar, South Africa, Namibia, Argentina, Easter Island, and Samoa.

Since receiving the EXPOLIVE grant, Liter of Light has impacted 20,000 Filipinos and trained 800 new solar engineers in communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

In the lead up to DUBAI EXPO 2020, Liter of Light will engage Filipinos from around the world in a global campaign, giving them a stake in creating a more sustainable future through training, workshops, and solar lighting installations designed to raise awareness and action about its work to combat energy poverty.