H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, the President of the General Assembly,
Honourable Co-chairs of the Group of Friends for Sustainable Energy,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
I am honoured to address the Group of Friends for Sustainable Energy as we prepare together for the global stocktaking on SDG 7 as mandated by the General Assembly.
Humanity stands at a crossroads of history: we are facing challenges ranging from the worsening climate crisis to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. The imperative for determined action has never been more urgent.
The 2030 Agenda continues to stand as humanity's clearest blueprint for a sustainable future.
The achievement of SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy lies at the heart of this collective endeavour.
At the same time, we must capitalize on the momentum created by COP 28 in Dubai to ensure just, orderly and equitable energy transitions to achieve the 1.5-degree goal of the Paris Agreement.
The forthcoming global stocktaking on SDG 7, convened by the President of the General Assembly, on 19 April as part of the Sustainability Week, is an opportunity to take stock of the progress made during the UN Decade for Sustainable Energy for All 2014-2024, and plan a course towards greater ambition and accelerated action until 2030.
My department, together with UN-Energy, is supporting the preparations for the global stocktaking.
We have just shared with all Member States a roadmap describing a process of regional and thematic consultations.
This roadmap includes virtual regional and thematic meetings at a technical level to be held on 21 March, to engage and seek inputs from experts from Member States and other stakeholders.
The virtual meetings will be complemented by a call for written inputs.
In providing inputs to the global stocktaking, these consultations will help raise the ambitions for energy action, mobilise partnerships and commitments, and strengthen intergovernmental dialogue and cooperation on energy towards the achievement of SDG7 and the realization of sustainable energy for all.
To this end, we will focus on the following guiding questions throughout the consultation process:
First, how can we further increase ambition and accelerate implementation?
Second, how can we further scale up means of implementation and partnerships?
Third, what institutional arrangements need to be put in place to advance international cooperation on energy beyond the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All?
These questions will hopefully draw the type of input we need to drive the ‘Call for Action’ by the President of the General Assembly that will serves as the outcome of the global stocktaking.
Excellencies,
As we embark on this collective endeavour, let us draw inspiration from the shared vision articulated in the 2030 Agenda—a vision rooted in equity, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship.
Let us seize the opportunity afforded by the Global Stocktaking on SDG7 to drive humanity towards a future defined by resilience, prosperity, and shared opportunity.
Thank you.