The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President acknowledged both advancements and shortcomings in achieving the objectives outlined within the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All, which concludes in 2024.
This assessment comes following the close of the first-ever UN Sustainability Week.
Key UNGA President’s address:
- Progress on renewable energy and global electricity access has been achieved, but the rate of advancement is insufficient, and benefits are not distributed equitably.
- Urgent action is necessary to address these sustainability challenges, particularly considering the millions in least-developed countries who remain without electricity.
- The ethical disparity between those lacking basic energy access and those with access to luxuries like space tourism requires rectification.
Proposed solutions to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (affordable and clean energy):
- Increased financial resources are needed to accelerate the energy transition and mitigate climate change impacts.
- Enhanced collaboration between governments, private sectors, and civil society is necessary to drive innovation and action.
- Continued international cooperation remains paramount for achieving these goals.
Sustainability Week discussions focused on:
- Integrating sustainability principles into critical sectors like tourism, transportation, and infrastructure.
Looking beyond the Decade:
The UNGA President called upon member states, private sectors, and all stakeholders to solidify their commitment to achieving these objectives through continued international cooperation even after the official conclusion of the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All.
This renewed push is essential to ensure that Sustainable Development Goal 7 is met by the 2030 target date.
