Excellencies,
Distinguished participants,
Good afternoon! On behalf of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) for organizing this side-event during the 2023 UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
I welcome your focus on advancing joint efforts to build a zero-carbon energy system to support the realization of the 2030 Agenda.
The impacts of the existing energy mix on our global goals are well known.
The global average temperature has already risen by 1.2°C compared to the pre-industrial level.
Greenhouse gas emissions are fueling a raging climate emergency that is compromising development efforts worldwide.
We need to transform our development pathways towards a more sustainable trajectory that can realize shared prosperity on a healthy planet. This is what we promised when we adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015.
This is why the Secretary-General has urged world leaders to attend the SDG Summit in September to deliver a Rescue Plan for People and Planet, including by fielding national and global commitments to SDG transformation. A zero-carbon energy system should be an integral part of this plan.
Sufficient, clean, and affordable energy supply is crucial for addressing climate change, mitigating environmental pollution, and promoting sustainable growth.
It is also essential for reducing poverty, ensuring food security, improving access to clean water, and enhancing health and well-being.
Colleagues,
The Global Energy Interconnection initiative has and will continue to boost the interconnection of global energy infrastructure.
It can significantly accelerate the development of clean energy in countries worldwide, especially in the global south, while reducing energy usage costs.
By joining forces with various stakeholders, it actively supports the energy sector development in underdeveloped regions, making significant contributions to accelerating global energy transition and driving sustainable development.
I look forward to learning more about GEIDCO’s latest research findings on aligning Global Energy Interconnection with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at this side-event.
I am confident these findings will provide fresh ideas and recommendations to accelerate global and regional clean energy transformation.
UN DESA looks forward to working with GEIDCO and all other partners to promote sustainable development.
I wish you a productive discussion!