The “International Year of Sustainable Energy for All” today kicked off at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Sustainable Energy for All initiative was launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the opening day of the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.
In December 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2012 the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, recognizing that access to modern affordable energy services in developing countries is essential for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and sustainable development.
The General Assembly’s Resolution 65/151 called on the Secretary-General, in consultation with the inter-agency group UN-Energy to organize and coordinate activities to be undertaken during the Year in order to increase awareness of the importance of addressing energy issues.
United Nations officials today called on governments, the private sector and civil society to help expand energy access, improve energy efficiency and sustainability of energy sources.
Accrding to UN, in global context, one person in five still lacks access to modern electricity and twice that number – three billion people – rely on wood, coal, charcoal, or animal waste for cooking and heating.
“We are here to build a new energy future… a future that harnesses the power of technology and innovation in the service of people and the planet.” – Mr. Ban
In his remarks at the opening of the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Mr. Ban said sustainable energy for all is within our reach.
The summit also serves as the global launch of 2012 as the International Year.
Mr. Ban stressed that energy is central to everything, from powering economies to achieving the anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), from combating climate change to underpinning global security.
“It is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity and preserving the environment.” -Mr. Ban
Over the course of 2012, the designation of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All will provide a vital platform for raising awareness of the challenge and for securing national commitments toward achieving the three objectives.
