The future starts now,' Ban says at launch of UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All

Launching the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today hailed modern energy services as the source of profound and life-changing opportunities – for the poorest communities and the richest investors – and urged generating the innovative ideas and vital partnerships to wholly transform the global energy landscape.

"We are here because we understand that sustainable energy is central to the post-2015 sustainable development agenda," the UN chief told the first annual Sustainable Energy for All Forum, which opened yesterday in New York and wraps up tomorrow, aiming to generate momentum for Mr. Ban's eponymous 2011 initiative that brings together governments, civil society and business to make sustainable energy for all a reality by 2030.

"The Sustainable Energy for All initiative is maturing and bearing fruit – thanks to you," Mr. Ban told the Forum, noting that commitments worth many billions of dollars have been pledged and delivered. More than 80 developing countries have joined the initiative. From India to Brazil a growing number of people have light and power where there was none before.

Looking forward to the 23 September climate summit in New York, the Secretary-General said, "The more you bring in terms of concrete deliverables, the more we can achieve towards our objectives, and the better we can support global efforts to combat climate change and strengthen resilience. I count on all actors here today to deliver new and expanded commitments and partnerships that will transform the global energy landscape."

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