Pakistan, Norway and Denmark push for international targets on Sustainable Energy for All.

New York (September 24, 2013): Recognizing that sustainable energy is central to eradicating poverty, increasing food production, providing clean water, improving public health, empowering women and addressing climate change, the Prime Ministers of Pakistan, H.E. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, H.E. Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, and the Minister for Development Co-operation of Denmark, H.E Christian Friis Bach have agreed to push for a goal on sustainable energy for all as part of the post-2015 development agenda. The three leaders, who are also co-chairing a 32 member country Group of Friends on Sustainable Energy for All met on the margins of the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly and were joined by Mr. Kandeh Yumkella, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Chief Executive for Sustainable Energy for All. Pledging their full support to the Secretary-General’s initiative on Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the leaders agreed that creating a viable framework for achieving sustainable energy for all will require active engagement and participation by all stakeholders, including governments, private sector, civil society, the UN System and the multilateral development banks, including the World Bank Group. Outlining the goals and targets that his government has established in promoting sustainable energy, Prime Minister Sharif noted that the Pakistan National framework was aimed at the (a) generation of cheap energy; (b) exploitation of immense renewable and sustainable energy potential and (c) a culture of energy conservation and responsibility. Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg of Norway stated that, “energy is a prerequisite for development. Therefore, we need more energy. At the same time, we have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hence we must increase the supply of renewable energy and increase energy efficiency.” Prime Minister Stoltenberg also applauded the leadership provided by the UN Secretary-General and reiterated Norway’s commitment and support to the Sustainable Energy for All initiative. Minister for Development Co-operation of Denmark, Mr. Christian Friis Bach added: “It is important that we use the SEforALL initiative as a key vehicle to further advance energy into the new development agenda. The SEforALL initiative and the targets on access, renewables and efficiency are key because they integrate the three dimensions of sustainability, promote efforts to tackle climate change and create strong energy partnerships.” For his part, Mr. Yumkella, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General & CEO, briefed the leaders on the progress of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative to date and, on behalf of the Secretary-General, expressed his strong desire to continue the fruitful cooperation with the Group of Friends on Sustainable Energy for All, and in particular with the governments of Pakistan, Norway and Denmark in their capacity as co-chairs. Underscoring the importance of the initiative in moving the world forward, the three leaders also agreed to continue their engagement with the Sustainable Energy for All initiative and the United Nations to ensure promotion and inclusion of a goal on sustainable energy for all through the inter-governmental process towards a post-2015 Development Agenda.