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“New normal” of sustainable energy transformation requires change in mindset and political will, urges Ministerial Conference

Transforming the energy system will require creative and innovative shifts in policy and regulation. In many countries, the current political, regulatory, and industrial infrastructure is not yet ready for a deep and accelerated transformation of aging infrastructure. Countries are not prepared to address the challenges that will emerge in the coming decade as new entrants and emerging business models destroy old paradigms and shift economic power.  The “new normal” in energy is the acceleration of the transformation.


These opportunities and challenges were the focus as Ministers and high-level officials from different countries gathered today at the Ministerial Conference of the Ninth International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development in Kyiv.


In her posted address, Ms. Olga Algayerova, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, emphasized that in the UNECE region, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 targets will not be reached if the current path persists. “This trend is repeated in the other regions of the world, though each region and each country has its specificities. Action is needed, and it is needed now,” said Ms. Algayerova. “I do believe the objectives of the 2030 Agenda can be met. The technologies needed exist today. The policy pathways to meet the challenges are clear.  The only thing missing to meet the challenges is collective will. The recipe for success is not complicated – it requires being bold.  It requires being innovative.  It requires mobilization at scale.”


The Ministerial Conference sent a strong message on the vital role that energy plays as an enabler for improving quality of life. Policy must integrate energy into other sectors such as water, climate, health, and agriculture. Without energy, attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is at risk.


Participants provided their perspectives about the necessary paradigm shift, specifically referring to fossil fuels. The Conference concluded that integration of new business models and technologies requires a change in mindset and political will to drive the transformation.


For further information, please see: http://www.unece.org/index.php?id=49144 and https://energyforum.org.ua/.

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