UN leader calls for global action on energy access
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Director General of UNIDO and Chair of UN-Energy was in London, England last night to present the keynote address at the Ashden Awards – the world’s leading green energy prize. And staff from the Greening the Blue team were there to hear him.
Recognised as a global crusader for increasing access to energy for the poor, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella urged governments around the world to increase their support for clean energy pioneers: “The Ashden 2012 winners are exposing the myth that poor countries cannot stimulate growth without degrading the environment. They are demonstrating that sustainable energy stimulates green growth and new jobs, lifts people out of poverty, improves health and opens up new educational opportunities.”
Dr. Yumkella went on to highlight the appalling conditions much of the developing world faces daily owing to the lack of basic energy provision. He emphasized the importance of the forthcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20) in presenting governments with a unique opportunity to agree a timetable and strategy for climate compatible economic growth which guarantees responsibly generated energy for all.
“The decisions that will be taken at Rio in June will carry consequences for generations to come. Governments around the world must act urgently to agree the right policies and investment incentives that nurture these and other sustainable energy champions, before it’s too late.”
Find out more about the Ashden Awards and the 2012 winners.
Photo: © Andrew Aitchison / Ashden Awards
