UN chief launches sustainable energy initiative

January 16, 2012

The plan aims to ensure universal access to modern energy services

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United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has launched an initiative designating 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, with the aim of reaching its set goals by 2030.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon launched on Monday an initiative designating 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, with the aim of reaching its set goals by 2030.

He called on governments, the private sector and civil society to actively support his initiative, at the World Future in Abu Dhabi.

"This is the right time for this initiative," he said.

The plan has three goals -- ensuring universal access to modern energy services, doubling the rate of improvement in , and doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

The UN chief said he had appointed a "high-level group from business, finance, government and civil society to spearhead action on the initiative."

"It is neither just nor sustainable that one person in five still lacks access to modern electricity," he told participants.

"It is not acceptable that three billion people have to rely on wood, coal, charcoal or for cooking and heating," he added.

(c) 2012 AFP

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epsi00
Jan 16, 2012

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This is from the guy who supported the war on Libya, a country with the highest living standard in Africa before it was completely destroyed.
Jacob_Cameron
Jan 23, 2012

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Previous politics aside this is still great news for the industry. Let's hope this is followed up with clear actions. I help promote a jobs board for the industry, if anyone's interested check: energycareers.org
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