This is the first article of the UNAI 'Food Security and Climate Change' series. Schools and departments which specialise in climate change and food security at UNAI member institutions were asked to submit articles highlighting research and work encompassing the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals and to showcase the importance of sustainable agriculture to mitigate the dangerous effects of climate change, whilst ensuring present and future food security. Please note that the articles are for discussion, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations.

We are still on the long road towards incorporating sustainable energy, but the global debate culminating in the approval of the SDGs framework in September 2015 has reached a monumental acceptance of energy as an essential tool within a sustainable development agenda. With this new mandate and with SDG 7 firmly supported by Member States and development partners around the world, it is now possible to integrate more sustainable energy systems that improve lives, promote inclusive and resilient societies, and provide sustainable development for the future we want.

Implementing renewable energy strategies in city environments is rapidly becoming energetically imperative. Making the transition involves not only switching the energy source, but making sure it is cost-effective, sustainable and beneficial for development.

Solar Sister is demonstrating the importance of women-led innovation in supporting the Sustainable Energy for All objectives related to universal energy access and renewable energy. Solar Sister has created a path for 2,000 women in Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria to become active and knowledgeable participants in a sustainable, market-based clean energy distribution network, bringing clean energy access to over a quarter of a million people.

I have chosen to highlight the United Nations role in women's issues because it is an area in which progress has been made, and I was privileged to play some part. The role of a female pioneer is not easy: your performance has to be much greater than that of your male counterparts, and you are painfully aware that it is not just your personal career that is at stake, but also the prospects of other women who would like to follow in your footsteps.

On this anniversary and on every single day, we must use our power and influence to do what is right and what is necessary to uphold the Charter. While we cannot prevent earthquakes and tsunamis, we can do much to address the disasters that arise from human folly and short-sightedness. This is a time of test but far more one of tremendous opportunity. As the distinctions between the national and the international continue to fall away, we can and must use the lessons of 70 years to come together as a single human family and chart a course towards a safer and more sustainable future for all.