Ban Ki-moon: Private Investment and Universal Energy Access

One in five people lacks access to modern electricity. Three billion people use wood, coal, charcoal or animal waste for cooking and heating. In an attempt to address this huge disparity, business leaders from around the world attended the World Economic Forum's conference on "Ending Energy Poverty" in Davos, Switzerland.

During this conference, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon underlined the necessity of private investment for the achievement of universal and sustainable energy access. Mr.Ban urged those attending to utilize their resources in order to support government and non-public sector relationships. He stressed that by working with global CEOs and investors, the international community can work to improve energy access and enhance efficiency.

Mr.Ban has proposed to the panel his Sustainable Energy for All Initiative. This initiative looks to cement universal access to modern energy services, double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency and increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030. By gaining access to modern energy, developing nations will be able to improve productivity, public health, and education. Mr.Ban said at the conference that,"By providing sustainable energy for all, we can revitalize economic growth, protect the planet, protect the environment and spread the benefits of development more equitably. This can be a triple win."

-Akshika Patel


SOURCE:UN News Centre