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Ban welcomes momentum behind "sustainable energy for all" initiative
28.11.2013 08:02 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
The United Nations and the World Bank announced on Wednesday a concerted effort by governments, international agencies, civil society and the private sector to scale up efforts to provide sustainable energy to all, UN Radio reports.
Launched two years ago, the initiative seeks to achieve three goals by 2030: universal access to modern energy, doubling energy efficiency, and doubling the share of renewable energy.
It mobilizes financing to deliver services such as lighting, clean cooking and mechanical power in developing countries.
Following a meeting of the Advisory Board of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative (SE4ALL) which he co-chairs, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the growing momentum in support of the cause.
«Brazil’s „Light for All» programme has reached 15 million people. Nearly all Brazilians now have access to electricity. Norway has committed to support renewable energy and energy efficiency activities with about NOK 2 billion in 2014. Bank of America announced that its Green Bond, the world’s first of its kind, has raised $500 million for three years, as part of Bank of America’s 10-year $50 billion environmental business commitment. The OPEC Fund for International Development announced a $1 billion fund to support an initiative for energy access. Now we need others to follow and build on these commitments," Mr. Ban admitted.
It’s time to follow and build on these commitments, said Mr. Ban as he called for «massive new investments» to help achieve the goals of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative.
Furthermore, he said the programme would help reduce poverty, increase opportunities to combat climate change and raise the foundation for the «future we want».
A High-Level Partners Meeting on Sustainable Energy for All is scheduled for June 2014.
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