Sustainable Energy ‘Golden Thread’ Connecting Economic Growth, Increased Social

Equity, Secretary-General Tells Ministerial Meeting

 

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting, taking place in Seoul from 12 to 13 May:

It is a pleasure to greet the participants in the fifth Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting.  I thank the Republic of Korea for hosting this important event.

The interrelated efforts to shape a post-2015 development agenda and adopt a new global agreement on climate change present an unprecedented opportunity to advance poverty eradication and sustainable development.

Sustainable energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity and an environment that allows the world to thrive.  Low-carbon growth can foster decent jobs, empower women, promote equality, provide access to sustainable energy, make cities more sustainable and enhance the health of both people and the planet.

The “Sustainable Energy for All” initiative brings together Governments, the private sector and civil society to address these issues.  The initiative has three objectives:  ensuring universal energy access, doubling the global rate of energy efficiency improvement and doubling the use of renewable energy in the global energy mix, all by 2030.  These ambitious but achievable goals will open a new world of opportunity for billions of people and lead to massive new investment opportunities.

But, we cannot meet these challenges without your support and engagement.  Your Governments, through the Clean Energy Ministerial, form a unique platform to unite and promote policies and programmes that advance clean energy technology.  As the theme of this meeting declares, the world needs to act together and think creatively.  I will count on your leadership — and I urge your Governments to bring your actions to the Climate Summit I will be convening in New York on 23 September, and the first Sustainable Energy for All Forum in June in New York.

Together, we can create a cleaner, safer, more prosperous world for all.

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For information media • not an official record