INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced he will lead an economic development trip to Egypt next week, where he will join global leaders at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
At the conference, Gov. Holcomb will deliver a keynote address about Indiana’s efforts to usher in clean energy infrastructure and innovation to the state’s mixture of energy sources. This is the first time a governor of Indiana has participated in a UN COP event, and Gov. Holcomb will be the only U.S. Midwest governor in attendance this year.
“I’m honored to represent Indiana once again on the world stage to share how our state is a national leader in the future of reliable, renewable, affordable energy production. As a home to thriving innovators on the cutting-edge of transportation technology, we seek to be a global hub where the welcome mat is rolled out to partners who want to create the future and collaborate to build it,” said Gov. Holcomb. “I look forward to highlighting the ongoing ways Hoosiers continue to pioneer the way forward, develop sustainable solutions, and lead productive global conversations.”
Gov. Holcomb joined by Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers will arrive in Egypt on Sunday, Nov. 6 to meet with business prospects, industry leaders and workforce development partners in Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh. At COP27, hosted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), the governor and secretary will join representatives of more than 200 countries as well as subnational leaders, business executives and academics to elevate Indiana’s global, future-focused economy and to advance investment and partnership opportunities that will further clean energy generation and technology.
“As a state, Indiana is squarely focused on building the economy of the future – one that is powering and is powered by sustainable solutions and clean energy,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers. “We are seeing unprecedented momentum, and Indiana has an incredible story to tell. I look forward to advancing future-focused conversations and partnerships at COP27 that will usher in new innovations and investments, fueling the global economy.”
On Nov. 10, Gov. Holcomb will deliver a keynote address, co-hosted by Georgetown University and the Climate Registry, discussing Indiana’s recent collaborative and public-private initiatives and policies to ensure energy security and stability, while also offering its top manufacturers and consumers access to clean, reliable and affordable energy sources. On Nov. 11, the governor will deliver a speech discussing Indiana’s role in building the future of electric vehicles.
Indiana, which now ranks No. 4 in the U.S. for new clean energy projects under development, is working with a Midwest coalition to pursue a regional hydrogen hub to fuel existing and future industrial processes; actively pursuing industry growth in energy transition-focused manufacturing, investing in companies that are building batteries, electric vehicles, solar panels and microelectronics; and developing a diversified energy strategy.
While at COP27 the governor will advance clean energy- and technology-focused discussions with businesses, universities, U.S. and foreign governments and organizations, including AES Corporation; Corteva Agriscience, which named Indianapolis its global headquarters earlier this year; and Indiana University. Gov. Holcomb will attend a corporate roundtable hosted by Climate Registry and a reception hosted in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Egypt.
Gov. Holcomb will return to Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 12, concluding his 14th international trip as governor and his first visit to Egypt. The costs of the state delegation, which also includes staff members of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Governor’s Office, are being paid through private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation.
Indiana is home to more than 1,050 foreign-owned business establishments, representing 40 countries and territories. In 2021, 47 foreign-owned businesses committed to locating or growing in Indiana. Together, these firms plan to invest $3.55 billion in Indiana, creating jobs with an average wage of $29.57 per hour and accounting for 14% of the total new jobs committed in 2021.
