12 July 2023 - A high-level launch event was held on 11 July to present the findings and recommendations of the 2023 editions of Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report and the SDG7 Policy Briefs, as a contribution to the in-depth review of SDG7 by Governments at this year's High-level Political Forum.
Mr. Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, welcomed participants, stating that the evidence in these two reports shows that, at the mid-point of the 2030 Agenda, we are way off-track for reaching our energy promises and commitments, but with rapid acceleration of global efforts, it is still possible to achieve SDG7 by the target year. He called for swift implementation of the outcomes of the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy, including the Global Roadmap for Accelerated SDG7 Action and the Energy Compacts, which have been selected as one of twelve High-Impact Initiatives to be featured in connection with the SDG Summit in September.
Special opening remarks were offered by Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. She noted that we are seeing backsliding on global ambition on climate and energy, and that it is simply unacceptable that despite progress, we are far off track on SDG7. We must provide electricity access to over 110 million people every year to meet our targets, and we must provide clean cooking solutions to one third of the world's people. Her specific calls for action included that countries in the global south must establish local supply chains for energy, and that the international financial architecture must change, since the countries that need support the most do not get it. She added that we must bring together all stakeholders to achieve SDG7, and that Energy Compacts represent the largest global multi-stakeholder platform to tackle SDG7 and net zero. In conclusion, she stated that we have the technology and the capacity, but now we must push for greater action.
Mr. Guangzhe Chen, Vice-President for Infrastructure, World Bank, stated that, given the lack of sufficient progress so far on SDG7, the situation required a fundamental shift, moving away from a piecemeal approach to energy. Financing is only part of the solution, he said; new technologies were required. While the Bank's financing on energy has increased in recent years, it is still not nearly enough, and more partners need to be involved.
On behalf of UNDP, Mr. Pradeep Kurukulasuriya stated that these reports are a reminder that we need to continue the fight, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable who are left behind. He said that UNDP has set a very bold target to work together with UN system partners to catalyse action to bring clean energy to 500 million people. They are focusing on rolling out their Africa mini-grid programme in 21 countries, but he said that working in silos is no longer an option and we will only succeed by working together.
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