[Video Message]
Excellencies,
Distinguished Participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour to contribute to this International Meeting of Experts on Enhancing Energy Connectivity.
At the outset, I would like to acknowledge the leadership of the Government of Turkmenistan on the important issue of energy connectivity, which contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and net-zero emissions.
Last month, at the Summit of the Future, world leaders adopted a Pact for the Future, setting out a clear vision of a multilateral system that can deliver on its promises.
We have no time to lose. We must accelerate action and realise this vision.
With only six years left to the 2030 deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we have made insufficient progress. Only 17 per cent of SDG targets are on track, and progress on over one-third has stalled or even regressed.
Energy is critical to addressing this alarming situation.
Energy is a main factor in global efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. Without accelerated transitions to cleaner and renewable energy systems, the world will drift further away from keeping the goal of 1.5 degrees alive.
Achieving SDG 7 will reap particularly high co-benefits in other areas of sustainable development, such as health, education and economic growth.
However, the stark reality is that global energy access has reversed for the first time in a decade. In 2022, 685 million people remained without electricity, and 2.1 billion people continued to rely on harmful cooking fuels. This setback is a clear call for accelerated action to achieve universal energy access and accelerate clean energy transition.
Such action will require strengthened political will, increased levels of investment and scaled-up multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Interconnection of global energy infrastructure can significantly contribute to these efforts by accelerating the development of clean energy in countries worldwide, while reducing the costs of energy services.
This International Meeting of Experts on Enhancing Energy Connectivity presents an excellent opportunity to advance this cause by sharing knowledge and experiences, and forging partnerships.
In closing, I would like to emphasize once again that ensuring access to affordable and clean energy for all is essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the objectives of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Let us work together to harness the power of energy to create a future that is equitable, resilient, and inclusive for all.
Thank you!