Dear colleagues,
I would like to join the Co-Chairs in welcoming you all to our annual UN-Energy Principals meeting.
SDG 7 is key to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Yet, the review of SDG 7 at the HLPF in July clearly highlighted that we are currently not on track.
We have launched new UN-Energy policy briefs which present innovative ideas to re-shape energy transition pathways.
And we, once again, stepped up to support the review of SDG7 at the HLPF, ensuring well-informed intergovernmental discussions.
We must live up to the ambitions we have set for ourselves, as guided by the Secretary-General¡¯s Global Roadmap for Accelerated SDG7 Action.
I want to offer a few thoughts for us to step up to the plate.
First, the SDG Summit. Energy Compacts is one of twelve high impact initiatives that the UN system is mobilizing around to build momentum for the SDG Summit. With over 1 trillion dollars in commitments so far, the potential of Energy Compacts to transform energy access is telling. We, as UN-Energy, must seize this opportunity to accelerate partnerships.
Second, we need to strengthen our attention to climate action. As we take steps to accelerate access, we must facilitate just, inclusive, equitable green energy transitions, in line with the SG¡¯s Climate Action Acceleration Agenda.
Third, we need to look ahead to other upcoming high-level, development-focused, decision-making fora and ensure that energy access and energy transitions feature prominently, not only as a goal in itself, but as a pathway to progress across many fronts. COP 28 in November, next year¡¯s global stock-take of SDG7 implementation under the UN General Assembly, the Fourth SIDS Conference, and the Summit of the Future, will be critical platforms.
Colleagues,
Please rest assured that DESA, as UN-Energy Secretariat, remains committed to further strengthening our efforts.
I look forward to your perspectives and guidance as we together deliberate on the way forward.
Thank you.