Excellencies,
Distinguished participants,
It is an honour to address all of you at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum.
As we reach the midway point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we confront the stark reality of falling significantly short of our commitments.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has once again sounded the alarm, underscoring that without immediate action, we sail a perilous course toward climate catastrophe.
The recent SDG Summit and the Climate Ambition Summit gave us a clear mandate - we must take urgent, resolute action to correct our current course.
Energy stands as a linchpin in the realization of the 2030 Agenda and the goals set out in the Paris Agreement.
But we are currently off track in the pursuit of SDG 7.
We must all do more.
First, we must redouble our efforts to ensure universal access to electricity and clean cooking solutions for all by 2030.
Energy access is the foundation upon which many other facets of sustainable development rest.
Second, we must swiftly decarbonize our energy systems to achieve net zero emissions.
The UN Secretary-General has called for a tripling of investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, the phasing out of coal and fossil fuel subsidies, and the establishment of carbon pricing.
These energy transitions must be just, inclusive, and equitable, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Third, we must accelerate the momentum generated by the High-Impact Initiative on Energy Compacts, which has already seen over a trillion dollars in voluntary commitments—an inspiring step toward the realization of SDG 7.
I call upon all stakeholders to join this global cause by creating their own Energy Compacts.
Fourth, we must strengthen intergovernmental dialogues on energy.
The global stocktaking on SDG 7, mandated by the UN General Assembly next year, offers an excellent opportunity to enhance cooperation and partnerships.
Finally, we must pursue synergy between tackling climate change and accelerating SDGs.
Distinguished participants,
The discussions held at this Forum can build a foundation for strengthened commitments and actions.
UNFCCC COP28 and the forthcoming Summit of the Future in 2024 are significant opportunities for decisive actions.
UN-Energy brings together some 30 organizations that collectively cover all dimensions of energy and sustainable development and is positioned to dramatically scale up joint actions and Energy Compacts.
As the UN-Energy secretariat, DESA is fully committed to strengthening coordination and cooperation in support of SDG 7 and net zero emissions.
Together, we can shape the future we want for the generations that follow.
Thank you.