Energy is crucial for achieving almost all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from its role in the eradication of poverty through advancements in health, education, water supply and industrialization, to combating climate change.
A new publication, “Accelerating SDG 7 achievement: Policy briefs in support of the first SDG7 review at the UN High-Level Political Forum 2018” has been launched by the SDG7 Technical Advisory Group in partnership with UN DESA. Review the UN DESA News Story and IISD Story for more details. The publication includes 27 Policy Briefs by over 50 organisations including from governments, the UN System, international organizations, civil society entities, business associations and other stakeholders. It proposes a new Global Agenda for Accelerated SDG7 Action as a clear roadmap towards achieving universal energy access by 2030 and maximizing its positive impact on other SDGs. The Briefs explore SDG7and its interlinkages with other SDGs and call for urgent action on energy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. An accompanying presentation is available here.
Global SDG7 Conference
In February 2018 the Global SDG7 Conference was convened by UN DESA, UN ESCAP and the government of Thailand, in Bangkok, to prepare substantive input on review of SDG7 during the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) this July 2018. Together all stakeholders engaged in a dialogue that emphasized the integrated and cross-cutting nature of sustainable energy and its multiple roles in supporting the achievement of the SDGs. The Outcome Summary is available for review as well as photos from the Conference.
The 27 Policy Briefs serve as a direct outcome of the Global SDG7 Conference and will inform the discussions during the HLPF as well as in the preparation of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) by Member States. The Briefs and Conference were made possible with generous support from Norway, Germany, The Netherlands, the European Commission, ENERGIA, Hivos, Republic of Korea through the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development, and China through the United Nations sub-trust fund for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
Toward SDG7 Review at HLPF 2018
The HLPF is the main UN platform on sustainable development and plays a central role in the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the global level. In 2018, it will meet from Monday, 9 July, to Wednesday, 18 July at UN in New York; including the last three days at ministerial level. Under the theme of “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies” it will include the review of:
Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
The formal session to review SDG7 will take place on 10 July from 11:00 to 13:00. The 2018 HLPF programme overview is here.
Side Events sponsored by Member States, UN system and other intergovernmental organizations, Major Groups and other accredited stakeholders will be held in the margins of the HLPF 2018. The deadline for submission of requests for side events is 30 April 2018. Please review the Guidelines for Organizers of Side Events.
In the coming months several global energy events are taking place leading up to the HLPF. These include the Regional Forums on Sustainable Development, Sustainable Energy for All Forum, Vienna Energy Forum, the Clean Energy Ministerial, and European Development Days.
Register for the Partnership Exchange
The Partnership Exchange is the United Nations annual global gathering for reviewing multi-stakeholder partnerships and voluntary commitments in supporting the implementation of the SDGs, organized in the margins of the HLPF. It utilizes an online commitment platform for registering partnerships for SDGs. You are encouraged to register your initiatives that advance implementation of SDG7 and associated targets, reflecting inter-linkages between SDG7 and other SDGs. The most innovative initiatives will also have an opportunity to be featured at the Partnership Exchange.
More information about HLPF 2018 click here.
Source: UNDESA