Energy in the United Nations: An Overview of UN-Energy Activities

Transcription

1 Energy in the United Nations: An Overview of UN-Energy Activities united nations UN-Energy

2 Table of Contents This second UN-Energy report compiles United Nations (UN) agency member profiles to highlight their activities across the energy spectrum. It provides information on UN-Energy, joint activities among members, and member energy programmes. Preface About UN-Energy Joint Activities within UN-Energy Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) World Health Organization (WHO) The World Bank Group (WBG) *The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are also members of UN-Energy. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Acronyms Energy and the Intergovernmental Process UN-Energy Membership

3 Preface The first publication by UN-Energy The Energy Challenge for Achieving the Millennium Development Goals highlighted the critical role of energy for human betterment. If anyone were in doubt, worldwide events have since prompted recognition of the linkages between energy and sustainable development across most aspects of life. Petroleum prices have surged, climate challenges are unrelenting, and progress on cooperation remains frustratingly slow. Today, energy is perhaps the topmost sector on the agenda of issues in need of global management, whether as a complement to the pursuit of national development objectives or as a response to global interdependence, the twin objectives of common concern. Nations own response to this is critical, but alliances and networks of concerted effort are needed in ways not yet making a breakthrough, involving governments, the private sector, civil society, and our own United Nations system. This publication, our second, showcases what each UN-Energy member is doing across the spectrum and why this work is important. It also highlights collaboration among us to enhance our individual capacities. We therefore place this collective mechanism in the realm of UN reform initiatives. UN-Energy was formed under the auspices of the UN Chief Executives Bureau (CEB) in direct response to the request by the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) for system-wide interagency coordination on sustainable development. UN-Energy is the principal collaborative mechanism to ensure that UN work on energy is undertaken in a coherent manner. Since there is no single UN entity that has primary responsibility for energy, UN-Energy is positioned to direct a focused collective UN engagement. With the diverse perspectives of the twenty members, the strength of this mechanism is the ability to offer synergies and new approaches in the design and implementation of programs, projects, and products across the field. UN-Energy also offers a platform for knowledge sharing. We believe this incipient global issues management facility can help us achieve the goals set out in Agenda 21 and the WSSD Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, within the framework of the Millennium Declaration and its follow-up reform and implementation processes. We are still at the beginning of a very long journey. In May 2006, the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) will hold its 14th session, with energy for sustainable development central to its cluster of themes. CSD-14, to be followed by its complementary policy-oriented CSD-15 in 2007, will bring together officials and the broader stakeholder community to focus attention on barriers and constraints, as well as potential and opportunities, to achieve sustainable development as it relates to energy, including energy s importance for economic growth, poverty reduction, and climate change. This report is intended to feature the diverse efforts of UN-Energy members, individually and collectively. We recognize that there is a long way to go to create a multilateral space for dialogue and common effort. We wish to highlight collaboration with non-un stakeholders, strengthen communications on energy, point to successful activities, and identify areas for future cooperation. This document was compiled by inputs from each agency and coordinated by a team from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). We offer it to CSD-14 and broad international dialogue, to inform on our work and ultimately, to achieve sustainable development results. Mats Karlsson Chair, UN-Energy April 2,

4 About UN-Energy 2 Energy is fundamental to achieving sustainable development goals. Its use enables socio-economic development but contributes to environmental degradation. Access to reliable and affordable energy services is essential for improving economic and social development and eliminating poverty. Today, across the world, 1.6 billion people lack access to electricity and 2.4 billion people rely on traditional biomass for their cooking and heating needs. Lack of energy services can negatively affect prospects for realizing sustainable development and achieving all of the Millennium Development Goals. At the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002, the linkages between energy and poverty reduction were clearly established, and there was an emphasis on changing unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. The Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI), launched at WSSD, underscored the need to work together at all levels to achieve sustainable development goals. For energy, this included a call to: Improve access to reliable and affordable energy. Develop and disseminate alternative energy technologies with the aim of giving a greater share of the energy mix to renewable energy technologies; improving energy efficiency; and increasing reliance on advanced energy technologies, including cleaner fossil fuel technologies. Increase access to reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy resources and services through innovative financing mechanisms. Remove market distortions, including tax restructuring, and phase out harmful subsidies. Integrate energy considerations, including energy efficiency, affordability, and accessibility, into socio-economic programmes. Decisions taken at the ninth meeting of the Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD- 9), the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, and Agenda 21 provide further support for this mandate. UN-Energy is the principal interagency mechanism in the field of energy that helps to (a) ensure coherence in the UN system s multidisciplinary response to the WSSD, and (b) promote the effective engagement of non-un stakeholders in implementing WSSD energy-related decisions. UN-Energy stems from the recognition that though a number of UN agencies maintain active energy portfolios, no single entity has lead responsibility in the field. UN-Energy focuses on substantive and collaborative actions in energy, from policy planning and development to on-the-ground project implementation. Currently comprised of 20 UN agencies, UN-Energy is open to all concerned organizations and entities. UN-Energy promotes coherence in the UN system s multi-disciplinary response to WSSD and other global initiatives by: Serving as a gateway for sharing information, knowledge, experiences, and good practices, as well as initiatives in all aspects for implementing the JPOI. Maintaining an overview of ongoing and planned work within the system and building and strengthening synergies among independent initiatives at the national, subregional, regional, and global levels. Promoting joint programming, harmonization, and cooperation in energy-related activities of UN organizations, including technical programmes.

5 Building on and extracting lessons from past experiences in inter-agency collaboration on energy. Employing dynamic and action-oriented approaches to coordination with extensive use of information and communication technologies. Currently, UN-Energy is chaired by Mr. Mats Karlsson, Ghana Country Director at the World Bank and Vice Chair of the UN High Level Committee on Programmes (HLCP). Mr. Gustavo Best, Senior Energy Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), serves as Vice Chairman. UN-Energy has a rotating chairmanship at a high policy level, and vice chair at the expert level. It is organized under the auspices of the Chief Executive Board Secretariat. Secretariat services are provided by DESA. 3

6 Joint Activities within UN-Energy 4 UN-Energy s first publication, The Energy Challenge for Achieving the Millennium Development Goals Although UN-Energy was only recently formed, many of the current member agencies have a long successful history working in energy. In other instances, agencies are just beginning collaboration in the energy arena. This second UN-Energy paper, Energy in the United Nations: An Overview of UN-Energy Activities highlights not only individual agency work but also collaborative efforts made in achieving sustainable development goals. Even though UN- Energy agencies had been working together before the group was formed, it was often on a project-by-project or ad-hoc basis. The creation of UN-Energy, and the emphasis it places on joint activities, focuses on a key mission of the JPOI enhanced international and regional collaboration. The UN-Energy Flagship Publication The first UN-Energy report, published in 2005, is entitled The Energy Challenge for Achieving the Millennium Development Goals. This document was drafted collectively by the United Nations agencies, programmes, and organizations working in the area of energy, and reflects their insights and expertise. It presents specific recommendations for linking production and access to energy services for poverty reduction programmes, and national MDG strategies and campaigns. The key messages coming out of the report include: Energy services such as lighting, heating, cooking, motive power, mechanical power, transport, and telecommunications are essential for socio-economic development, since they yield social benefits and support income and employment generation. The poor obtain energy services by gaining access to modern fuels, electricity, and mechanical power. This access is particularly important for women and girls since they are often the most affected by inadequate energy services. Reforms to the energy sector should protect the poor, especially the 1.1 billion people who live on less than US$1 per day, and take gender inequalities into account in recognizing that the majority of the poor are women. The environmental sustainability of energy supply and consumption should be enhanced to reduce environmental and health hazards. This requires measures that increase energy efficiency, introduce modern technologies for energy production and use, substitute cleaner fuels for polluting fuels, and introduce renewable energy. Large amounts of financial resources must be mobilized to expand energy investments and services in developing countries. Public sector resources will remain crucial for investing in energy service delivery for the poor due to the private sector s limited appetite for risk in emerging markets. The role of energy and the costs of energy services should be factored into overall national economic and social development strategies, including poverty reduction strategies and MDG campaigns, as well as donor programmes in order to reach development goals. Energy planning must be linked to goals and priorities in other sectors.

7 On-Going and Planned Joint Activities within UN-Energy A number of additional joint activities by UN member agencies are on-going and/or under development. These are outlined below. Energy Access, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) are facilitating UN-Energy Africa, which is undertaking and coordinating projects aimed at increasing energy access in Africa. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is leading UN-Energy efforts to coordinate activities in bio-energy, by facilitating the implementation of an International Bioenergy Platform across the member agencies. UN-Energy is a key mechanism to advance this cooperation. Contributors include UNEP, UNDP, UNIDO, DESA, the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Economic Commission on Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW). The initial topic to be tackled by UN-Energy over the period is the assessment of sustainable liquid biofuels for transport. In particular, the following topical areas will be addressed: land availability; food security implications; water, fertilizers, and other inputs; employment, gender, and other social implications; biodiversity and other environmental implications; and international biofuels trading. UN-Energy agencies are participating in mapping exercises on energy access and renewable energy to determine where there are synergies among agencies to facilitate cooperation. The UN-Energy secretariat is coordinating the energy access mapping and the UN-Energy secretariat and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are leading the renewable energy review. In both cases, information collected will be organized into a matrix format with supporting analytical text. The mapping efforts will also be translated into a Web-based tool. Policy Guidance, Capacity Building, and Awareness UNDP is developing a set of tools to assist countries in integrating energy into national poverty reduction strategies and other development planning activities at the nationallevel. The tools are being developed as part of UNDP s support to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to devise national strategies and investment plans for increasing access to energy services. The tools include energy needs assessments and costing. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is working with DESA, FAO, UNIDO and UNEP on a project Tools for Policy Integration at the National Level. This project is developing and applying models that will assist in analyzing policy options for increasing the use of renewable energy. The models are being applied and tested in two countries China and Ghana and efforts are coordinated with the UN country teams. A report entitled Assessing Policy Options for Increasing the Use of Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development: Modelling Energy Scenarios for Ghana, which describes the Ghana application, will be released and presented at the CSD-14. The regional commissions conduct on-going capacity building and awareness on energy issues, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and cleaner fossil fuels. 5

8 Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) 6 The Economic Commission for Africa is mandated to support the economic and social development of its 53 African member states, foster regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa s development. ECA, like other UN regional commissions, is not a funding agency, but helps to promote and disseminate its work through three broad means: policy analysis and advocacy, consensus building, and technical assistance. From this general mandate, as well as energy sector priorities established by the African member states, ECA formulated its energy agenda. In particular, the focus of ECA s work in the energy sector is based on priorities and commitments made in the framework of the WSSD, the New Partnership for Africa s Development (NEPAD) energy initiatives, and other energy priorities related to the achievement of globally established objectives such as the MDGs. Under this agenda, ECA is assisting member states to formulate policies and strategies aimed at lifting institutional barriers, promoting good practices, and accelerating the development of the African energy sector. Areas of intervention relate to improving energy accessibility, especially to the disadvantaged population; promoting energy policies and management; and developing energy from renewable sources. In implementing its mandate, ECA has made collaboration and partnership building its preferred strategic approach in order to optimize its resources, and increase the scope and therefore the beneficiaries of its actions. In addition to NEPAD, privileged relationships and partnerships are developed with the African Union (AU); Regional Economic Communities (RECs), particularly through ECA sub-regional offices; the African Energy Commission (AFREC); African power sector organizations, such the Power Pools; the African Development Bank (AfDB); and UN organizations active in UN-Energy/Africa. Highlighted Energy Activities in ECA: Coordination of UN Actions for Energy in Africa Each year, ECA convenes the Africa Regional Consultations to ensure effective coordination of UN programmes in Africa and, importantly, to provide coherent support to NEPAD. Infrastructure is one of the seven clusters around which these consultations are organized. UN-Energy/ Africa serves as the sub-cluster on energy in support of NEPAD. Considered a hallmark of ECA s efforts, UN- Energy/Africa is an inter-agency coordination mechanism that provides a framework for all stakeholders to discuss, identify, and implement joint activities aimed at achieving the objectives of NEPAD s energy agenda. UN-Energy/Africa provides a mechanism for coordinating activities of the UN and selected non-un agencies such as the African Union, the AfDB, and the NEPAD Secretariat. Improvement of Africa s Energy Sector Management and Policies ECA has worked to improve Africa s energy sector management and policies through the following three actions: Providing technical assistance in the formulation of energy policy: In 2005, ECA provided technical assistance to the Government of Sierra Leone for the formulation of a national energy policy. The proposed energy policy gives due consideration to improving access to reliable and affordable modern energy services and to mitigating negative environmental impacts of energy production and consumption. Strengthening human resources and capacity building: During the biennium, ECA will contribute to strengthening human resources development and build-

9 ing capacity in the area of energy for sustainable development by conducting two training workshops on Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) for Electricity. It is anticipated that this activity will be carried out in partnership with other UN Agencies, such as the IAEA. Improving power sector reforms for the provision of sustainable energy: ECA, in partnership with UNEP (within the framework of UN-Energy/Africa), carried out an in-depth analysis of the economic, social, and environmental impacts of power sector reforms in Africa. The study, entitled Making Africa s Power Sector Sustainable, maps the way forward for improving the sustainability of Africa s power sector. Scheduled to be published in early 2006, this study covers 14 countries in various depths of analysis. In addition, a high-level policy dialogue forum was organized in December 2005, in partnership with UNEP and DESA, to validate the conclusions of the study and build consensus on strategies to improve power sector reforms in the African region. Promoting Regional Integration in Energy ECA is assisting member states and the RECs in promoting regional energy cooperation and integration through the establishment of sub-regional power pools. These power pools help address the challenges of uneven energy resource distribution and the small size of energy systems and markets in Africa. ECA commissioned a study on hydropower development and interconnection of electricity grids in West Africa, which resulted in an indicative regional power master plan within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This master plan served as the basis for the establishment of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), launched at the meeting of East African Energy Ministers hosted by ECA. Development of Renewable Energy To further develop renewable energy in Africa, ECA commissioned the following studies: Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) for Poverty Alleviation: focused on the potential contribution of renewable energy for reducing poverty. It was presented and discussed at the third meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-3), October Sustainable Energy: A Framework for New and Renewable Energy in Southern Africa: reviewed the national sustainable energy policies of eight countries in Southern Africa. This study, sponsored by the ECA sub-regional Office for Southern Africa, is scheduled to be published in February Improving Energy Accessibility ECA s project Unleashing Energy Access in Africa: Fostering Rural Energy for Sustainable Development promotes best practices in rural energy development in Africa. The project also assesses the feasibility of an African Rural Energy Development Facility (AREDF) as a key institutional, capacity development, and investment tool for improved energy services for poverty reduction, especially in rural areas. For Further Information on ECA, Contact: Jacques Moulot, PhD. Energy/Energy and Climate Specialist, Sustainable Development Division, UNECA P.O. Box 3005 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Phone: +(251) (11) FAX: +(251) (11) jmoulot@uneca.org Website: 7

10 Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) 8 The sub-programme on Sustainable Energy of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe promotes publicprivate sector cooperation between governments, energy industries, and civil society to foster sustainable energy development in UNECE member states. It assists member countries to integrate their energy economies and infrastructure more fully within the ECE region and the world economy. The responsibility for this sub-programme is vested in the UNECE Division for Sustainable Energy. Through promoting cleaner energy production, the UNECE sub-programme helps improve energy conservation and efficiency while encouraging greater use of natural gas as an interim- or medium-term option in the transition to a more sustainable energy future. In addition, UNECE provides assistance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions for transition economies through selffinancing mechanisms in carbon emissions and coalmine methane trading. The sub-programme promotes energy security and diversification of energy supply sources. It works to accelerate the development and introduction of advanced fossil fuel energy, e.g., coal, petroleum, and natural gas combustion technologies, as well as renewable energy. This subprogramme also seeks to enhance the performance of energy industries and contribute to the long-term supply of energy services through the convergence of practices, norms, standards, and guidelines. UNECE has a total staff of 220 (including 195 regular staff, plus regional and project staff). The Sustainable Energy Division employs 16 staff members. UNECE s total budget in was US$54 million. Highlighted Energy Activities in UNECE through the Subprogramme on Sustainable Energy: The sub-programme on Sustainable Energy is devoted to achieving sustainable development in the energy sector at a regional level through the following activities and projects: Energy Security The UNECE Committee on Sustainable Energy is promoting a dialogue within the Energy Security Forum among senior executives from major oil and natural gas companies, energy producers, and leading financial institutions. The aim is to review energy security risks, financial market reactions, and potential energy policy responses. The UNECE hosted an Energy Security Forum in June 2005, in which participants reviewed the diversification of energy supply sources for energy importing member states. A high-level meeting on energy security and the Caspian Sea region conducted during the Forum concluded with an agreement between Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, and Turkey to increase exports from the Caspian Sea region. Recognizing its important work, the Energy Security Forum was invited by a high-level Russian official to contribute its conclusions and recommendations on global energy security issues at the next meeting of the Group of Eight (G8) that will focus on energy security and will be hosted by the Russian Federation. Energy Efficiency 21 Project Since 1991, the Energy Efficiency 21 Project (EE21) has been devoted to achieving sustainable development in the energy sector at a regional level. EE21 s main objectives are to assist South-eastern European, Eastern European, and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries to enhance their energy

11 efficiency, diminish fuel poverty, and meet international environmental treaty obligations under the UNFCCC and the UNECE. EE21 focuses on developing the skills of private and public sector experts at the local level for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. Since 2000, investment projects to reduce carbon emissions have been developed under EE21 with local counterparts in Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, and Ukraine. While approximately US$60 million of proposals have been prepared, investment projects of US$14.9 million have been financed to date, amounting to an estimated 136,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide avoided per year. A new project, Financing Energy Efficiency Investments for Climate Change Mitigation, will provide for the establishment of a public-private partnership dedicated fund to finance energy efficiency investments in UNECE transition economies. This new phase of the EE21 Project is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Foundation (UNF), and the Fonds Français pour l Environnement Mondial (FFEM) with an approved amount of US$7.5 million. An expert review mission in the Russian Federation was held in February 2006 under the new technical assistance project, Development of Coal Mine Methane Projects in Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS, with extrabudgetary support from the US Environmental Protection Agency. 9 Other Projects and Programmes The need in global energy markets for an internationally comparable evaluation of energy reserves has led the Ad Hoc Group of Experts on Harmonization of Fossil Energy and Mineral Resources Terminology to expand its scope from the classification of solid fuels to include oil, natural gas, and uranium reserves. With the support of 26 gas companies throughout the UNECE region, the UNECE Gas Centre s Task Force on Company and Market Structure held meetings in 2004 and 2005 to look at gas markets and industries in all UNECE countries in Europe, as well as their implications for countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The Gas Centre currently has Task Forces focusing on Gas Infrastructure, Implementation of European Union Gas Directives, and Gas Transportation and Tariffs. For Further Information on UNECE, Contact: Gianluca Sambucini Energy Efficiency 21 (EE21) Division for Sustainable Energy United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Palais des Nations, Bureau 348 CH Geneva 10, Switzerland Phone: +(41) (22) FAX: +(41) (22) gianluca.sambucini@unece.org Website:

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13 Two expert groups have been held to discuss diagnostics of the oil industry in Central America and an Energy Sustainable Strategy for the Central American countries. Four statistical reports have been prepared two on electricity, and two on oil. Seven events have been organized, including seminars, conferences, and workshops. Fifty-nine international events have been attended by ECLAC staff members who have engaged as chairpersons, speakers, and/or panellists. Six training activities have been executed in seven countries. Several cooperation projects have been fully implemented, such as: (1) Energy and Sustainable Development, with Geselleschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ); (2) Organizations for the Promotion of Energy Technologies (OPET) Mercosur with the European Commission; (3) Energy Efficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean with the European Commission; (4) Externality Evaluation of the Industry in Costa Rica with GTZ; and (5) Use of Ethanol to Promote Sustainability in Central America, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy (first year of the project). In , ECLAC s Energy Group will focus on the following: Expert-level meetings and studies on topics such as the sustainable management of energy resources in relation to the MDGs, carbon emission markets, incorporating renewable energy into the energy supply, promoting and regulating energy efficiency, and integrating Latin American and Caribbean energy markets. Advisory services, on request, to the Energy and Mines Commissions of the Latin American governments; special support will be given to the Energy and Mines Commission of the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO) on subjects relevant to the work of the Commission. Regional courses for public and private officials on managing natural resources with a special focus on energy and on the design of wholesale electricity markets. Implementation of five technical cooperation projects focusing on renewable energy, sustainable energy policies, and oil refinery issues. For Further Information on ECLAC, Contact: Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Natural Resources and Infrastructure Division Av. Dag Hammarskjold 3477 Vitacura, Santiago, Chile Phone: +(56) (2) /2219 FAX: +(56) (2) /1946 Website: Manlio Coviello Economic Affair Officer manlio.coviello@cepal.org Hugo Altomonte Chief Natural Resources and Energy Unit hugo.altomonte@cepal.org 11

14 Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) 12 The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific has a unique mandate to convene high-level meetings in order to further the implementation of regional and global energy action plans through policy dialogue in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP focuses on integrating economic, social, and environmental considerations into energy policies and planning in order to: (1) increase efficiency of government policies and programmes for enhancing energy resources management: and (2) improve national capacity for decision-making and participation in multilateral environmental and sustainable development agreements and trans-boundary cooperation. The central clients of ESCAP are government officials. Other stakeholders, including academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and civil society, are involved to contribute expertise and provide inputs to policy formulation. Organizations working at sub-regional levels are also among its clients, with activities focusing on applying ESCAP policy guidelines and employing training concepts and analyses on sustainable development. To facilitate constructive dialogue between and among countries, partnerships are established and expanded with numerous collaborating centres and research institutions, other United Nations organizations (UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, and FAO), and sub-regional organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC). The Energy Resources Section of ESCAP is placed within the Environment and Sustainable Development Division. The Energy Resources Section has five professional and two general services staff, supported within the regular budget of the UN, and one staff member supported through technical cooperation projects. Funds for project implementation come as voluntary contributions from governments and partner institutions. Highlighted Energy Activities of ESCAP: ESCAP s energy-related assistance in the implementation of the JPOI includes bridging the wide gap between those with access to electricity and the 1.2 billion people in Asia and the Pacific without access. Over the past 25 years, electricity supplies in the region have been extended to more than 1.3 billion people, yet electrification levels in South and Southeast Asia still range from only 30 to 50 percent in rural areas and from 68 to 90 percent in urban areas. One successful approach to providing policy advocacy and advice in support of energy for sustainable development is the consultative production of regional guidelines for application at the national level. Recent examples include the Guidelines on Strategic Planning and Management of the Energy Sector, and the Guidelines on the Integration of Energy and Rural Development Policies and Programmes. A recent ESCAP project on Pro-Poor Public- Private Partnerships has demonstrated alternative solutions for providing the poor with access to natural resources and basic services in both eco-efficient and participatory manners. A microhydro plant built in the rural settlement of Cinta Mekar, outside the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, now generates electricity to service households in the community, with profits from electricity sales shared equally between the community and the private sector. The community uses its share of the profits as seed money to support income-generating activities for poor households. This project serves as a useful model for increasing energy access for poverty reduction in an environmentally sustainable manner, and plans are underway for its replication through policy advocacy. In response to the call by the WSSD for integrated approaches, ESCAP is working with governments to enhance the integration of energy considerations in rural development policies and programmes. Multi-stakeholder teams in seven

15 A recent ESCAP project in Indonesia built a micro-hydro plant. The community was actively involved in the project planning. Courtesy of ESCAP. countries have developed strategies to address institutional arrangements, policy formulation, and programme development to enhance the essential provision of energy services for rural development. The Asia-Pacific Regional Implementation Meeting, held in Bangkok, Thailand in January 2006, recognized the challenges faced by the region in implementing the outcomes of the WSSD, and agreed that the current pattern of economic growth poses major threats to environmental sustainability in the region. Government ministers highlighted access to energy services as essential to support economic growth for poverty eradication. They noted that a key challenge of increasing energy access is how to support economic growth and poverty eradication without jeopardizing long-term prosperity and environmental sustainability. ESCAP is also facilitating enhanced energy cooperation in Northeast Asia, where governments in 2005 issued the Ulaanbaatar Statement. This Statement reaffirms commitments of participating countries towards the promotion of energy cooperation in Northeast Asia. These governments also adopted the Inter-Governmental Collaborative Mechanism for Energy Cooperation and established the Working Group on Energy Planning and Policy to develop the potential for successful trans-boundary energy trading in the area. This emerging collaboration is an encouraging example of how the globalization process offers significant opportunity for galvanizing differences in resource endowments for improved environmental sustainability and security. For Further Information on UNESCAP, Contact: Rikke Munk Hansen Energy Resources Section Environment and Sustainable Development Division The United Nations Building, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue Bangkok Thailand Phone: +(66) (2) FAX: +(66) (2) escap-esdd-oc@un.org Website: 13

16 Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) 14 The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia is a regional commission for 13 member countries in western Asia. It promotes economic and social development through regional and sub-regional cooperation. ESCWA formulates and promotes development assistance activities and projects commensurate with the needs and priorities of the region and acts as an executing agency for relevant operational projects. ESCWA provides a wide spectrum of services to its member countries in the energy field. These services include: technical studies and publications on energy issues; technical assistance in the formulation of energy strategies, policies and measures for sustainable development; training and capacity building programmes; expert group meetings and workshops on prevailing energy issues in the region; and promotion of regional integration through establishing and managing appropriate coordination mechanisms. ESCWA s work programme is carried out through seven divisions. The Sustainable Development and Productivity Division (SDPD) promotes regional integration and cooperation through an intensive approach to integrated sustainable management of water and energy and the production sectors. SDPD strives to increase awareness on critical energy issues. It provides member countries with advice, support, and training on the integration of the social aspects of energy management into their plans and policies. The Sustainable Energy Issues Team (SEIT) of SDPD carries out the energy activities. The main focus for SEIT is four-fold: energy efficiency and conservation; promotion of renewable energy applications; energy and the environment; and energy sector integration and reforms. The focus areas are identified by the Committee on Energy, which was established in The Committee s mandate includes identifying priority issues in the region and following up on the progress achieved. The Committee on Energy also promotes collaboration among member countries for implementing energy actions and, in particular, for developing and utilizing domestic renewable resources for the protection of the environment. The Energy team is composed of three professionals and three full-time staff with resources up to US$168,000 in addition to some funds for field projects. The main partners are the League of Arab States and other UN Agencies. Highlighted Energy Activities of the ESCWA: Regional Mechanism on the Development of Energy Uses for Sustainable Development ESCWA established the Regional Mechanism on the Development of Energy Uses for Sustainable Development in 2000, in recognition of the vital role that a secure and reliable supply of energy can play in achieving sustainable socio-economic development. This Mechanism established a network of concerned regional authorities that work together to accelerate the diffusion and field applications of renewable energy, energy conservation, and efficiency technologies for economic and social development. The Regional Mechanism on the Development of Energy Uses became the first of its kind in the Arab region to promote regional cooperation in the field of energy for sustainable development. All member countries approved the mechanism and ESCWA is organizing annual meetings to follow up on priority issues. To date, several regional capacity building workshops on renewable energy and energy conservation have been implemented through this mechanism. Disseminating Renewable Energy for Poverty Alleviation in ESCWA Member Countries Due to limited energy accessibility in rural areas of western Asia, rural populations still suffer from inadequate health care, education services, and water supplies. If barriers facing widespread utilization of renewable energy were removed, the region

17 of western Asia could tap into its abundant resources for rural areas. However, there is a lack of awareness on possible applications for and community impacts of renewable energy, as well as limited interest on the part of private developers. A project was initiated to emphasize the need for increased energy accessibility and renewable energy use in rural areas of western Asia. The main activities of the project include performing renewable energy assessment studies to evaluate application potential and market opportunities, developing an awareness campaign for rural areas, developing means for removing barriers facing renewable energy applications, conducting capacity building seminars and workshops on relevant fields, and implementing pilot projects for demonstrating renewable energy rural electrification systems in Yemeni villages. ESCWA has allocated funds from the Trust Fund, the UNESCO Cairo Office, and the OPEC Fund for International Development. Hands-on training workshop on photovoltaic rural electrification systems, Yemen, November Courtesy of ESCWA. 15 Studies Conducted Energy Efficiency and Cleaner Fossil Fuels Uses in Selected Sectors in Selected ESCWA Countries: The contribution of fossil fuels in sustainable development requires several measures, including energy conservation and minimizing environmental impacts of energy utilization. This ESCWA study was conducted in two volumes: (I) an analysis of energy efficiency in selected energy-intensive industries in the region, such as cement, iron, fertilizers, and glass; and (II) an analysis of the prospects for producing and consuming cleaner fossil fuels in ESCWA Member Countries. Regional Progress Achieved on Energy for Sustainable Development: This study highlighted the cooperative activities in the region, as well as the achievements of each member country in developing policies and programmes for sustainable energy use. For Further Information on UNESCWA, Contact: Mr. Mohamad Kordab Team Leader, Sustainable Energy Issues Team Sustainable Development and Productivity Division Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia P.O. Box , Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon Phone: +(961) (1) FAX: +(961) (1) kordab@un.org Website:

18 The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 16 2 As outlined by the JPOI, UN-Energy, the International Energy Agency (IEA), Shell, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Access to clean and affordable energy is a key requirement to increase agricultural productivity, achieve food security, and improve rural livelihoods. The Food and Agriculture Organization s energy work focuses on bioenergy, agro-energy, wood energy, and climate change. By providing multiple energy services for cooking and heating, power for electricity and industry, and transportation, bioenergy (and other renewable energies such as solar, wind, and geothermal) can contribute significantly to increased labour productivity and diversification of economic activities in rural areas. Bioenergy has been an integral part of FAO s work on energy, environment, and development for the last three decades. Recently, the FAO Council recommended that the organization expand efforts on bioenergy as a response to the JPOI and to assess its comparative advantage in contributing to the achievement of the MDGs. FAO works to ensure the delivery of sustainable, equitable, and accessible bioenergy sources and services, irrespective of gender, wealth, location or culture, for economic development, energy security, and climate change mitigation. FAO s bioenergy program covers Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, and employs two senior officers and one associate officer. The field programme budget is US$2.5 million; the normative programme is US$3 million. The rationale for FAO s bioenergy focus is as follows: The 2.4 billion poorest people on the planet who use fuelwood and residues as their main sources of energy have limited access to other critical energy services from sustainable sources. Biomass for energy is expected to play a significant role in future global energy provision. 2 There is little understanding of the social, economic, and environmental implications of the bioenergy sector and its links to food security. To date, no comprehensive attempt has been made to address these complex technical, policy, and institutional arrangements. There is a need for the information and tools necessary to ensure that bioenergy sector expansion will provide new energy sources, and at the same time capture its potential to contribute to achieving the MDGs. Highlighted Energy Activities of the FAO: FAO s work in bioenergy has four main areas of action: 1. Generation and dissemination of information on bioenergy production, trade, and utilization: FAO has worked to improve management models aimed at increasing the competitiveness of rural agro-industries by adopting bioenergy and has created renewable energy manuals for training of agricultural and forestry extension workers. In addition, FAO produced: the Interactive Wood Energy Statistics (i-westat) database on national production, trade, and consumption of fuelwood, charcoal, and black liquor, covering approximately 200 countries; a Unified Wood Energy Terminology (UWET) system for woodfuel terms (and other biofuels); a Guide for Woodfuel Surveys to assist in the implementation of national and local surveys of fuelwood and charcoal production, trade, and consumption; and Woodfuel Integrated Supply-Demand Overview Mapping (WISDOM), a geo-statistical strategic planning method for the formulation of national and regional wood energy policies. FAO also conducted a study of energy requirements for agriculture in selected African countries.

19 Summary of Population with Malnutrition Symptoms Living in Woodfuel Deficit Areas Overlap of Malnutrition and Woodfuel Deficit (% of total pop.) Overlap of Critical Malnutrition and Critical Deficit (% of total pop.) Cambodia Laos Malaysia 6.8 Myanmar Thailand 9.1 Viet Nam Yunnan (China) 9.5 Aggregated mean Figures 1 and 2: An illustration of the full coverage the WISDOM tool offers in a mapping project. Courtesy of FAO. 2. Technical assistance to member countries: FAO formulated projects and provided advisory services to countries for the design and implementation of bioenergy policies, strategies, programmes, and projects Assessment of carbon finance for bioenergy development: FAO has submitted proposals to the UNFCCC Secretariat for improving the eligibility of agricultural and bioenergy activities under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol. FAO also published three reports analyzing the carbon market. 4. Cooperation with national, regional and international partners: FAO partners with many intergovernmental organizations, such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), IEA Bioenergy, the World Bank, the Latin American Energy Organization, AfDB, the World Energy Council (WEC), IDB, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Economic Commissions for Africa, Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean. Collaboration with research and development centres include Fachagentur Figure 2. Combination of poverty indicators (malnutrition or vulnerability) and supply/ demand balance. Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (FNR) in Germany, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria, the Imperial College in the United Kingdom, Itajuba in Brazil, Joanneum Research in Austria, Shenyang in China, San Carlos in the Philippines, Universi-

20 The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) dad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico, Utrecht University in the Netherlands, and WIP (Germany). Collaboration has also been established with UN organizations such as UNCTAD, DESA, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNFCCC, UNIDO and others. 18 The strength of FAO has always been good interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaboration. Strategies, concepts, and projects have been most successful when stakeholders were closely involved at early planning stages and when longterm incentives were identified and addressed. Failures were mostly associated with single project activities that did not have the commitment from all key sectors and stakeholders and were not tied to long-term development strategies of the respective project area or host country. A recent example of collaboration is the interdepartmental Forestry-Sustainable Development wood energy and poverty-mapping project on Southeast Asia. The work shows the application of the WISDOM geo-statistical method to produce highly relevant products to guide policymaking and project development down to the sub-national level. (Figures 1 and 2 on previous page.) Other examples of projects that characterize FAO s work include assistance to the Government of Niger in the formulation of a National Plan of Action for Renewable Energies, and collaboration with Mexican institutions in the formulation of the first national bioenergy assessment. For Further Information on FAO, Contact: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Viale delle Terme di Caracalla Rome Italy Gustavo Best, Senior Energy Coordinator Phone: +(39) (06) FAX: +(39) (06) Gustavo.Best@fao.org Website: Miguel Trossero, Senior Wood Energy Officer Phone: +(39) (06) FAX: +(39) (06) Miguel.Trossero@fao.org Ingmar Juergens, Renewable Energy/ Climate Change Officer Phone: +(39) (06) FAX: +(39) (06) Ingmar.Juergens@fao.org Website: mitigation.htm

21 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) The International Atomic Energy Agency s objective is to accelerate and broaden the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health, and prosperity throughout the world. The IAEA s Major Programme 1 on Nuclear Power, Fuel Cycle, and Nuclear Science provides three major services: (1) to support nuclear power programmes, from uranium mining through waste disposal, and to cover applications from electricity generation to seawater desalination and basic science; (2) to catalyze innovation; and (3) to conduct energy analysis and build planning capabilities in interested Member States, principally in developing countries. The IAEA is the sole UN agency building national capabilities in overall energy planning. The IAEA has 139 Member States. Nuclear power supplies 16% of the world s electricity. There are 443 reactors operating in 30 countries and another 26 under construction. The centre of expansion is in Asia, which accounts for 16 of the 26 new plants now under construction, and 24 of the last 34 new reactors to come on line. Nuclear power has very low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the potential to expand substantially to help meet growing global energy needs. IAEA assistance to Member States covers all stages of the fuel cycle, including uranium exploration, mining, fuel design and fabrication, reactor design and operations, life cycle management, waste management, and decommissioning. The Nuclear Power, Fuel Cycle, and Nuclear Science programme has a staff of approximately 200, a 2006 regular budget of 26.7 million euros, additional extra-budgetary funds from Member States of 2.5 million euros, and a further 12.7 million euros from the IAEA s Technical Cooperation Fund. In the energy area, this Fund provides 99 national and regional technical assistance projects to eligible Member States, principally to developing countries. Partners funded through the Technical Cooperation Fund include 12 developing countries in Africa, 15 in Asia, 8 in Latin America, and 13 countries in transition in Europe. Highlighted Energy Activities of the IAEA: Development and Transfer of Energy Planning Models The IAEA develops and transfers energy planning models tailored particularly to developing country needs. It transfers the latest data on technologies, resources, and economics; trains local experts; and jointly analyzes national options and interprets results to help establish the expertise necessary to chart national paths for sustainable development. By the end of 2005, 109 countries were involved in the use and development of IAEA models; shown in Figure 3 on page 20. The number of people trained annually in the use of the models has risen steadily; shown in Figure 4. The IAEA s energy models cover all dimensions of energy system analysis and planning. Energy models developed and utilized by the IAEA include: A model of energy demand that converts medium- to long-term scenarios of socioeconomic, technological, and demographic development given various policy options into detailed quantitative projections of future energy demand growth. An electricity system-planning model, which determines the optimal (least-cost) long-term expansion plan for a power generating An IAEA training session on energy models. Courtesy of IAEA. 19

22 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 20 Figure 3. Worldwide dissemination of IAEA energy models in gray. Courtesy of IAEA Figure 4. Number of people trained annually in the use of the IAEA energy models. system. It takes into account applicable constraints on fuel availability, pollution emissions, system reliability requirements, and other factors. A financial analysis model that takes into account different financial sources (e.g., export credits, commercial loans, bonds, equity, and modern instruments like swaps) and calculates projected cash flows, balance sheet, financial ratios, and other financial indicators. A model called MESSAGE to formulate and evaluate alternative overall energy supply strategies given specified constraints on new investment limits, market penetration rates for new technologies, fuel availability and trade, environmental emissions, and other factors. MESSAGE is an extremely flexible model and can also be used to analyze energy and electricity markets, and climate change issues.

23 A user-friendly, simplified model known as SIMPACTS for estimating the environmental impacts and external costs of different electricity generation chains. Designed for use in developing countries, SIMPACTS requires much less data, but produces comparable results relative to more sophisticated dataintensive models. The IAEA has a WSSD partnership with DESA, Brazilian organizations, South Africa, Cuba, and Romania. For example, in Brazil, the partnership is completing a sustainable energy development country profile. In South Africa, the IAEA is working on energy development for sustainable development goals; activities include energy sector modelling and statistical and policy analysis. Publications In addition to providing energy models, the IAEA publishes a full range of technical documents that distil much of the world s accumulated expertise on all dimensions of nuclear power. These publications include guidance on planning, human resource development, regulation, construction, safe and efficient performance, full life-cycle planning, decommissioning, and spent fuel and waste management. The IAEA works within its partnerships to produce publications such as Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies (May 2005), the result of a second IAEA-led WSSD partnership, with DESA, OECD/IEA, Eurostat, and the European Environment Agency. The IAEA also coordinates joint research and information exchange on improved technologies and developments covering the full nuclear fuel cycle, improved utilization and management of existing nuclear power plants, the development of innovative nuclear reactor systems and applications, and the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. Country-Specific Projects Examples of ongoing country-specific projects include assistance to Egypt, Pakistan, and China on uranium exploration; Mexico and Ukraine on preventative maintenance, personnel training, and plant lifetime management; Bulgaria on infrastructure strengthening; Argentina on technology development; Iran on quality assurance and management systems; Hungary on license renewal; and China on planning for aging power plants and radioactive waste management. For Further Information on the IAEA, Contact: Hans-Holger Rogner Head, Planning and Economic Studies Section International Atomic Energy Agency PO Box 100, Wagramer Strasse 5 A-1400 Vienna, Austria Phone: +(43) (1) FAX: +(43) (1) h.h.rogner@iaea.org Web: ST/NE/Pess/index.shtml 21

24 United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT) 22 As part of its normative work in energy, the overall goal of the United Nations Human Settlements Program is to develop standards and management toolkits to assist stakeholders in the energy and transport sectors to improve management and planning capabilities, particularly as applied in the context of informal settlements. UN-HABITAT s primary energy focus is on urban energy and urban transport. To support energy-related activities, UN- HABITAT works to: Promote issues through outreach to media, advocacy campaigns, and the active involvement of a broad range of actors. Serve as a clearinghouse for information exchange and lessons learned, and support initiatives for capacity building in energy. Promote policy coherence at all levels in line with various UN mandates and identify specific areas where there is a need or an opportunity for further policy development. Encourage and facilitate cooperation among relevant actors, in order to avoid duplication and ensure optimal utilization of resources. Serve as a link between global, regional, and national-level energy and transport activities. UN-HABITAT s total energy-related budget is about US$1.5 million. Major partners include UNDP; UNEP; The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP); Practical Action East Africa Office located in Nairobi, Kenya; Department for International Development (DFID); and the Sustainable Transport Action Network for Africa (SUSTRAN-Africa). Highlighted Energy Activities in UN-HABITAT: UN-HABITAT is piloting demonstration projects in the areas of Sustainable Energy Production and Use for Urban Households; Capturing Energy from Urban Waste; and Mitigating Measures for GHG Emissions Reductions in the Transport Sector. These demonstration projects highlight steps needed to find a sustainable balance between exploiting natural resources for energy production and consumption in human settlements, and ensuring environmental quality. Urban Energy Programme Energy plays an important role in UN-HABITAT s efforts to improve the lives of 100 million slum dwellers. Slums face a number of challenges related to the lack of infrastructure availability and thus have unsustainable uses of energy. For example, without the infrastructure for gas lines, charcoal and/or other biomass become the primary source of cooking fuel, further propagating deforestation. Moreover, the lack of public lighting in dense slums contributes to high levels of crime. A strong case can be made for introducing effective solar power use into slums. The Urban Energy Programme conducts field studies and expert group meetings to develop a range of policy options and management tools in the field of access to urban energy services. The Programme s work includes operational research and field demonstration projects on urban electricity cooperatives, energy efficiency, and the promotion of affordable renewable energy technologies as tools for poverty alleviation. Urban Transport Programme Rapid motorization and insufficient investments in urban transport planning, traffic management, and infrastructure in cities of developing countries are leading to increased road accidents and injury, health risks, and air pollution. The main challenge for UN-HABITAT in the transport sector is how to promote urban productivity and improved living

25 and working conditions for the urban population by appropriately meeting mobility needs in an economically efficient, environmentally sound, and socially sustainable manner. To improve the sustainable use of energy in urban transport, UN-HABITAT works to promote human settlement development strategies that better integrate land use planning, environmental quality, and transport. These strategies include: increasing the availability and quality of public transport/non-motorized transport; increasing overall existing transportation efficiencies through improved planning and management; promoting affordable transport plans, programs, and technologies for the urban poor; and decentralizing urban transport infrastructure investment decision-making, planning, and management. The Programme conducts field studies and expert group meetings to develop a range of policy options and management tools in the field of urban transport. These consist of research and field demonstration projects in the area of transport demand management and promotion of non-motorized urban transport as a tool for poverty alleviation. For example, UN-HABITAT is working with its partner organizations to implement SUSTRAN- Africa, which will encourage the adoption of appropriate sustainable transport options in African urban centres. SUSTRAN-Africa will be a regional networking initiative, maintained and housed by an existing local organization in collaboration with other local and regionally-based institutions. For Further Information on UN-HABITAT, Contact: Brian Williams Human Settlements Officer and Transport/Energy Focal Point Water, Sanitation and Infrastructure Branch Global Division United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT) P.O. Box 30030, Nairobi, Kenya Phone: +(254) (20) FAX: +(254) (20) brian.williams@unhabitat.org Website: 23

26 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 24 The United Nations Development Programme is the main development branch of the United Nations. As the UN s global development coordinator, UNDP advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP s efforts in energy are focused on supporting the achievement of the MDGs, especially the target of reducing by half the proportion of people living in poverty by the year Increasing access to sustainable energy services is one of six priority areas in UNDP s Energy and Environment practice and one of 30 service lines in UNDP s development portfolio worldwide. UNDP supports energy activities to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development objectives at the local, national, and global levels. Specifically, UNDP aims to: (1) strengthen national policy frameworks to support energy for poverty reduction and sustainable development; (2) increase access to energy services to support growth and equity; (3) promote clean energy technologies for sustainable development; and (4) increase access to investment financing for sustainable energy. Activities in these areas complement and help to integrate GEF programmes in the field of climate change. UNDP s energy portfolio is the largest among the UN agencies. Since 2001, UNDP s total energy programme portfolio has amounted to over US$1.5 billion, with nearly 500 full-scale energyrelated projects in 159 countries representing over 95% of country operations. UNDP funds its energy activities through core resources, its role as an implementing agency of the GEF, and the Thematic Trust Fund on Energy and Environment for Sustainable Development. The GEF and its co-financing account for the bulk of UNDP s energy portfolio including medium- and largescale climate change mitigation projects, as well as some 1,000 small-scale energy projects in over 60 countries undertaken via UNDP s GEF- Small Grants Programme. Together with our field offices, sub-regional service centres, and headquarters, UNDP s energy programme is supported by over 300 staff. Recognizing the need to engage a broad range of actors in achieving sustainable development, UNDP has made significant progress in building partnerships. UNDP is actively engaged in several new partnerships which were launched at WSSD, such as the Global Village Energy Partnership (GVEP) and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). UNDP is also a partner in the Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development (GNESD). Highlighted Energy Activities of UNDP: Strengthening National Policy Frameworks UNDP works to incorporate sustainable energy issues into policy dialogues on macro-economic reform, energy sector reform, and sustainable development planning. Appreciating the importance of linking micro-level efforts to macrodevelopment strategies, UNDP has been increasingly involved in developing national energy plans and legislation for rural energy delivery. Such efforts include supporting the integration of energy considerations into national development tools such as Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs), national MDG campaigns, and National Sustainable Development Strategies in order to link energy inputs to development outcomes in other sectors. For example, over the past few years UNDP has been providing technical and financial support to ECOWAS, in an effort to help mainstream energy considerations in the region s development frameworks. With the help of UNDP, ECOWAS has committed to an ambitious regional energy policy, setting itself the target of increasing access to modern energy services fourfold within rural and urban areas by The regional policy aims to mobilize financial resources at the level of US$50 billion over the next 10 years for energy-related interventions.

27 Promoting Rural Energy Services to Support Growth and Equity UNDP s activities to promote access to rural energy services focus on meeting people s cooking and heating needs and providing electricity and mechanical power for household and productive uses. This is accomplished through promotion of energy efficient options, conventional energy sources, and renewable energy. UNDP pays particular attention to the critical role energy services play in supporting income-generating activities in rural areas, and to the distinct needs of women, who are disproportionately impacted by lack of access to modern energy services. This experience has shown that the energy needs and concerns of rural and disadvantaged communities are not always considered a priority in local and national development planning. As such, UNDP has worked to raise the profile of energy development in these areas through a variety of surveys, audits, workshops, and pilot projects, in close collaboration with local, municipal, and national authorities. The Nepal Rural Energy Development Programme (REDP), supported by UNDP, provides a workable example for extending sustainable energy services in remote areas by promoting micro-hydro schemes, solar power, and improved cooking stoves. REDP applied a holistic approach to rural development, emphasising community mobilization and empowerment. As of 2004, REDP had helped develop over 130 micro-hydro schemes in rural Nepal. Promoting Clean Energy Technologies UNDP supports the introduction and adaptation of low emission technologies to promote economic growth and social development while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This includes a range of energy efficiency measures, renewable energies, and clean fossil fuel technologies for sustainable development. Experience has shown that promoting energy efficiency and clean energy technologies can yield multiple sustainable development benefits, such as income generation, improved health, and environmental benefits. In Bulgaria, UNDP-GEF is supporting an energy conservation initiative organized by EnEffect, to show municipalities how to reduce their electricity and heating requirements. As a result of this project, the city of Gabrovo now has an Energy Efficiency Office which identifies opportunities to save energy through measures such as reducing the number of street lights, replacing mercury lamps with high-pressure sodium lamps, metering energy consumption in buildings, and upgrading district heating systems. The project will result in reductions in carbon dioxide emissions of about 83,000 tons over a period of 10 years. Increasing Access to Investment Financing for Sustainable Energy UNDP focuses on enhancing the ability of developing countries to attract investment financing for sustainable energy options beyond traditional official development assistance. With increasing attention being paid to climate change issues and the recent entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol, new energy financing opportunities from both public and private sectors are rapidly emerging. UNDP has supported the efforts of developing countries to learn about and participate in the implementation of these new energy financing mechanisms, including CDM. More recently, in December 2005, UNDP announced its new MDG Carbon Facility, which provides a unique product in the carbon offsets market through creation of project pool from which investors can buy carbon credits with tangible, broad-based MDG benefits not usually available through other offset products. From 1999 to 2003, UNDP led an interagency group project to engage the private sector in potential CDM activities, in partnership with UNIDO, UNCTAD, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). This group aimed to engage private sector investment in the CDM through learning by doing. In Brazil, the group was successful in developing a biomass cogeneration project and a rural solar energy project as pilot CDM proj- 25

28 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ects. In South Africa, the initiative led to a landfill gas capture project and a biomass pulp and paper waste project. 26 Global Advocacy and Analysis on Energy for Sustainable Development In addition to its work in the afore-mentioned areas, UNDP also supports country-level energy initiatives through global and regional advocacy, and analysis of energy trends and strategies. As part of this work, UNDP maintains a number of advocacy materials including its most recently published brochure entitled Energizing the Millennium Development Goals: A Guide to Energy s Role in Reducing Poverty. UNDP has also worked closely with the UN Millennium Project and the World Bank in developing technical reports. These and other publications are accessible through UNDP s Website. For Further Information on UNDP, Contact: United Nations Development Programme Bureau for Development Policy Energy and Environment Group 304 East 45th Street New York, NY USA Olav Kjørven, Director Energy and Environment Group Phone: (212) FAX: (212) olav.kjorven@undp.org Website: andenvironment Frank Pinto, Executive Coordinator UNDP-GEF Phone: (212) FAX: (212) frank.pinto@undp.org Website:

29 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization initiates international cooperation towards longrange scientific and technological solutions to energy problems, especially through renewable energy sources. UNESCO has a long-standing involvement with energy issues. UNESCO s energy activities were highlighted in the early 1970s when the world community faced the energy crisis, which contributed to the slowdown of social and economic development in many developing countries. Twenty years later, in 1993, UNESCO organized a High-Level Expert Meeting in order to explore the potential for further renewable energy applications. UNESCO initiated a process leading to a World Solar Summit in 1996 that defined a World Solar Programme (WSP) and fostered a global mobilization for use and applications of renewable energy technologies. As the initiator of the WSP, UNESCO has provided the world community with an instrument for the promotion of renewable energy resources. UNESCO activities in renewable energy are implemented as a Main Line of Action Renewable Energy Sources for Development. The Programme is coordinated by the Natural Sciences Sector at UNESCO Headquarters and involves 37 programme specialists in both headquarters and field offices. Through the support of all 52 UNESCO Cluster and National Field Offices, these activities have the potential to cover 191 member states and six associate UNESCO members. Considering the enormous need as well as the international support for the development and application of renewable energy, UNESCO s US$1.7 million contribution and the complementary extra-budgetary resources from Member States and Technical Cooperation are modest. However this funding, coupled with associated technical support, enables UNESCO to catalyze activities that have a multiplier effect and can potentially mobilize complementary resources. UNESCO s main strengths as a United Nations specialized agency are the ability to develop national and human capacity for renewable energy, and disseminate relevant scientific knowledge. With regard to renewable energy promotion, UNESCO works to: Build necessary scientific capacity as a foundation for various technologies and their adaptation to different contexts and fields of application. Focus government attention on legislative action needed to remove of barriers to the increased use of renewable energy and to set up structures necessary for development and dissemination of the relevant technologies. Promote capacity building, in terms of skilled manpower (human resources) and in the manufacturing and maintenance of renewable energy systems and equipment (infrastructure). Give high priority to establishing policies and implementing programmes for the provision of basic energy services to rural and/or isolated communities through the increased utilization of renewable energy technologies. Strengthen research and development in renewable energy, emphasizing communitygenerated practical applications and appropriate technology for the social and cultural context. Encourage active participation of NGOs and local groups, working closely with governments and the private sector, in the development and implementation of national sustainable energy plans. 27

30 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 28 Highlighted Energy Activities of UNESCO: Technical Assistance and Support to Pilot Initiatives In its contribution to the development of national competencies, UNESCO provides technical assistance directly to countries and/or through agreements with regional entities in areas such as energy policy, energy planning, and the definition and implementation of national priority projects. In Africa, UNESCO is providing support to the NEPAD initiative and is engaged in partnerships with regional entities such as the Community of Sahelo-Saharan States (CEN-SAD). Within this framework, an integrated Renewable Energy Programme was presented by UNESCO to the Energy Ministers as well as to the Conference of Leaders and Heads of States in Similar activities are underway in other regions. UNESCO also supports pilot projects stimulating the use of renewable energy to improve living conditions in rural areas. For example, in 2005, UNESCO helped the Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali to install solar electricity in public facilities (e.g., rural schools, pumping stations, health care centres, maternity hospitals, etc.) in remote villages. Solar electricity has a direct impact on the success rate of students in rural schools by extending studies into the evening hours. Similarly, in maternity hospitals, solar water heating contributes to improving hygiene and protecting mothers and infants. Through the UNESCO Chairs Programme twelve chairs on Renewable Energy are established in different countries (Bahrain, Belarus, Malawi, Niger, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, South Africa, Togo, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). These chairs aim to develop local competencies, provide technical assistance, and facilitate networking and information exchange. They also contribute to improving the integration of renewable energy into national energy plans. Applying the conceptual training platform on renewable energy developed by UNESCO as a tool to conduct weeklong seminars and training activities that cover solar photovoltaics, mini-hydro, and mini-grids. Courtesy of UNESCO. Strengthening National Capacities and Training Programmes UNESCO s main area of focus is institution building, including capacity building, training, advocacy, and public information. Activities in these areas are implemented under the Global Renewable Energy Education and Training (GREET) Programme, launched as a strategic initiative with a universal scope. The Programme has a two-fold objective to: (1) improve the use and maintenance of renewable energy projects; and (2) to strengthen national competencies through knowledge and experience exchange. GREET covers the following areas: Organization of training programmes at different levels, including continuing training for professionals, decision and policy makers,

31 researchers, engineers, university teachers, and technicians. Design and field implementation of training tools and teaching materials. Establish of standards at local and regional levels. UNESCO s training activities, teaching materials, and textbooks implemented within the GREET Programme have proven to be useful complements to national contributions for local renewable energy project development. During , UNESCO training programmes on renewable energy benefited 27 countries and approximately 460 persons. 29 For Further Information on UNESCO, Contact: Osman Benchikh Coordinator Energy and Renewable Energy, Division of Basic and Engineering Sciences UNESCO 1, Rue Miollis Paris Cedex 15, France Phone: +(33) (1) FAX: +(33) (1) o.benchikh@unesco.org Website:

32 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 30 International development in the 21st century means more than building power stations, roads, and factories. Achieving sustainable development requires careful consideration of the various environmental, economic, and social impacts of all decisions. At the base of the development pyramid is the need for reliable, modern, and sustainable energy services. Realising such a goal calls for new thinking, new policies, and new ways to do business, acknowledging that each effort must not only be tailored to the individual circumstances, but must also be flexible. At the same time, it is critical to not re-invent each idea, but rather to duplicate to the extent possible successful programmes, policies, and approaches. UNEP s Energy Programme focuses on building human and institutional capacity the technical skills, institutions, and markets necessary to create sustainable development that avoids the huge environmental burdens of past development approaches. Underpinning all UNEP Energy activities is the integration of environmental and social factors in energy-related decisions, bringing a longer term, more comprehensive approach to the energy sector. The ultimate objective of the Programme is to help create a global shift to energy systems that are less disruptive to the environment, do not harm human health, and support sustainable development in its broadest sense. The Energy Programme works in the context of the MDGs to eradicate extreme poverty, promote gender equality, reduce child mortality, and ensure environmental sustainability, doing so from the perspective that energy is a critical input to development yet too often harms the environment. The strength of the UNEP Energy Programme is its ability to develop new and innovative ideas and approaches, and to help others replicate those that are successful. The Programme has been able to reach into difficult development areas and issues as a result of its strong and diverse working partnerships with a range of organizations, including the Basel Agency for Sustainable Energy (BASE and the UNEP Risø Centre on Energy, Climate, and Sustainable Development (URC URC s international group of scientists, engineers, and economists provide technical and analytical assistance to UNEP and partners in developing countries, while BASE provides UNEP with an essential link to the finance sector, particularly through UNEP s Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative ( These and other partnerships have facilitated a number of important networks, including the Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development ( which brings together centres of excellence from all regions of the world (supported, among others, by UNDP, DESA, the World Bank and FAO) and the Renewable Energy Network for the 21st Century (REN21 a global policy network and forum for international leadership on renewable energy. In addition, UNEP will be working with FAO on its bioenergy platform, and with the UNCTAD Biofuels Initiative. Together with its Collaborating Centres, UNEP s Energy Programme comprises over 50 staff with educational and professional expertise in energy and environment planning, energy management, economics, finance, business development, climate change mitigation analysis, development planning, and public policy. UNEP s Energy Programme has an annual budget of US$12 million. The nucleus of UNEP s energy work is the Energy Branch in the Division of Technology, Industry and Economics, but coordinated activities are also undertaken by other UNEP Divisions and regional offices.

33 Highlighted Energy Activities in UNEP: Successful innovative approaches tested by UNEP are designed from the outset to be replicated, as demonstrated by both the Rural Energy Enterprise Development (REED) initiatives and the bank partnership programmes highlighted below. Although both examples involve renewable energy, the UNEP Energy Programme is technology neutral in that it does not favour or disfavour particular energy technologies. Instead, UNEP promotes robust technical and economic analysis of different technology options so that decision makers can make wise policy and investment decisions. Projects and activities take into consideration the country-specific characteristics of problems or issues and the capabilities of partners. Most energy programme activities have a strong demonstration value and show how new approaches and partnerships can bring results. UNEP is not a bank, but works to support the banking sector and other financial actors in creating new clean energy finance markets. A number of programmes target two commercial financing gaps in the sustainable energy sectors, the first at the early seed capital stage of project or enterprise development, and the second at the market expansion stage, when lack of enduser financing can constrain the growth of clean energy markets. Rural Energy Enterprise Development Programme The Rural Energy Enterprise Development programmes work in five African countries (AREED in Brazil (B-REED and in China (C-REED to provide early stage seed financing (a developmental form of risk capital) and technical support that entrepreneurs need to create and commercialize new clean energy products and services. The African programme is the most advanced of the three. Working through local NGO partners, AREED has made investments in 35 clean energy enterprises that provide rural and peri-urban customers with energy equipment and services such as solar crop drying, efficient cook stoves, solar thermal systems, wind-powered irrigation, bio-fuels and other clean energy technologies. REED has been successful in part due to its innovative partnership involving the clean energy investor E+Co ( and in-country partners who provide on-the-ground support to new entrepreneurs and their enterprises. Bank Partnership Lending Programmes For small-scale clean energy markets that are already commercialized on a cash and carry basis but where growth is constrained by a lack of end-user financing, UNEP s credit enhancement efforts help local banks to devise dedicated loan programmes that support consumer purchases. For example, a 2003 partnership with two of India s largest banking groups Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank has helped these banks provide consumer financing for solar home systems at preferential interest rates. Loans are currently offered through over 2,000 bank branches and seven regional Grameen banking networks. Over 16,000 solar home sys- Solar pumps in Africa increase agricultural productivity and access to water. Courtesy of UNEP. 31

34 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 32 tems have been financed, with the credit market now growing quickly even as the interest rate subsidy is being phased-out. A similar loan support effort was started in 2005 for domestic solar water heaters in Tunisia and brings together the National Energy Management Agency (ANME), the national utility, local banks, and equipment vendors. An interesting aspect of the Tunisian effort is that loan repayments are made through customer utility bills, which lowers the credit risk for the banks and therefore the cost of system financing. Over 9,500 water heaters were installed in the first nine months of the programme. Such efforts typically cost UNEP about US$1.5 million to implement and if successful can result in 10,000 to 20,000 loans, four to seven times leverage from the partner banks and, most importantly, commercially sustainable credit markets for clean energy, even after the UNEP assistance ends. For Further Information on UNEP, Contact: Mark Radka Chief, Energy Branch UNEP Energy Division of Technology, Industry and Economics Tour Mirabeau, quai André Citroen Paris, France Phone: +(33) (1) FAX: +(33) (1) mark.radka@unep.fr Website:

35 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) The Climate Change Secretariat in Bonn, Germany is the secretariat to both the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. To date, 189 parties have ratified the UNFCCC and 161 parties have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. The Framework Convention entered into force in 1994 and the Protocol in The ultimate objective of both the Convention and the Protocol is the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a level should be achieved within a timeframe sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, ensure that food production is not threatened, and enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. The Convention recognizes that in promoting sustainable development, energy consumption will increase, taking into account the possibilities for achieving greater energy efficiency and for controlling greenhouse gas emissions. The Protocol goes one step further by requiring implementation of programmes containing measures to mitigate climate change in relevant sectors, including energy. Highlighted Energy Activities of UNFCCC: The energy sector is central to efforts to mitigate climate change. The Delhi Ministerial Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, adopted in 2002 shortly after WSSD, put energy firmly on the agenda of the Convention in terms of developing both renewable energy and cleaner fossil fuel energy. Annex I countries (i.e., industrialized countries that are listed in Annex I of the Convention) submit annual inventories of their GHG emissions to the Secretariat. The energy sector accounts for about 84% of total GHG emissions of Annex I countries. Developing countries report on their emissions less frequently, but according to the last available inventory, energy accounted for about 60% of their total GHG emissions. Parties to the Convention regularly submit reports on their national climate change policies (in so-called national communications). Annex I countries do this more frequently (the fourth policy reports were due 1 January 2006). These reports are reviewed and synthesized to provide an overview of national climate policies; these policies have strong links with energy policy. Key policy objectives in the energy sector include safeguarding the environment, promoting economically efficient energy supply and energy use, and enhancing the security of energy supply. Climate change has increased in importance as a policy objective in almost all countries. Climate-related policies primarily target carbon dioxide emissions, but also tend to reduce other energy-related gases. Almost all countries now use new mandatory policies, including taxes on energy and carbon dioxide, negotiated agreements linked to environmental permits, emission trading schemes, energy efficiency standards and portfolio standards, and generation quotas for renewables or combined heat and power, as well as new policies that provide financial incentives for emission reductions. However, some sectors have not yet instituted a strong focus on The UNFCCC s recent publication on Greenhouse Gas Data from Courtesy of UNFCCC. 33

36 34 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) emission reductions. Although transport is among the largest emission sources and/or fastest-growing sectors for most countries, few policies and measures have been implemented that deliver noticeable reduction gains. Within the Convention process, governments have stressed the importance of promoting (1) international cooperation in developing and disseminating innovative technologies in the energy sector and (2) investment, including through the private sector, market-oriented approaches, and supportive public policies. Since cooperation in the areas of technology development, deployment, and knowledge exchange is an integral part of the Convention, a special technology transfer framework has been developed. This technology transfer covers all sectors including energy efficiency and energy supply. An expert group has been established to provide advice in this area to policy makers. The project-based mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol (CDM and JI) allow emission reductions from projects to be quantified and used by Annex I countries to achieve compliance with their emission reduction commitments. More than half of the 93 projects registered by the middle of February 2006 were in the energy sector. For Further Information on the UNFCCC Secretariat, Contact: The UNFCCC Secretariat Haus Carstanjen Martin-Luther-King-Strasse Bonn, Germany Phone: (49) (228) FAX: (49) (228) secretariat@unfccc.int Website:

37 United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Energy has been a central theme of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization s work for over 30 years. Its programmes address both supply-side issues that deal with the provision of energy for industrial applications and the use of renewable energy resources, and demand-side issues to include improvements in industrial energy end-use efficiency. UNIDO targets assistance to developing countries and countries in transition, where it has implemented some 200 energy-related projects over the past two decades. UNIDO focuses on (1) decoupling the intensity of energy use from economic growth, and (2) reducing the energy-related environmental damage that can occur. These two objectives are met through three core energy programmes: industrial energy efficiency; rural energy, with particular emphasis on renewable energy; and climate change, to include the Kyoto Protocol. These programmes are implemented through technical cooperation projects and global forum activities on key sectoral issues, including the preparation of studies and the organization of international conferences. UNIDO chooses as local partners either institutions that come from the private sector or local communities. UNIDO s strategic partners in all its projects are key ministries, such as the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Environment. Currently, approximately 20 UNIDO professional staff work on energy projects with a cumulative budget of over US$80 million. Highlighted Energy Activities of UNIDO: Micro-Hydro Programmes UNIDO worked with the Mankulam Village Community (population 15,000) in rural India to implement a micro-hydro power project through UNIDO s Regional Centre for Small Hydro Power. This Regional Centre was established in Trivandrum, Kerala, and modelled after UNIDO s International Centre for Small Hydro Power in Huangzho, China. The Mankulam villagers longheld dream of electrifying the village became a reality in October In addition to supplying power, UNIDO established a Community Development Centre, which ensured that the power generated led not only to employment and income generation, but also to the promotion of entertainment and leisure activities. The Centre includes a computer laboratory, which has trained dozens of youth; a community TV; a flourmill; a community wet grinding station; and a virtual satellite Internet connection, which enables the villagers to be connected to information sources outside their community. Based on the lessons learned from UNIDO s experience in implementing Chinese micro-hydro projects, the Mankulam project became one of the first to involve a Village Panchayat (community) that owns, operates, and maintains the micro-hydro system. UNIDO s micro-hydro programmes in Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Mali, and Ghana are all modelled after the Mankulam project. Improving Energy Efficiency and Transforming Energy Efficiency Markets in China Globally, industrial motor-driven systems consume more than 2,194 billion kwh annually and offer one of the largest opportunities for industrial energy savings. To date, the energy savings from these systems (as well as other industrial UNIDO s Micro Hydro Power changes life in Mankulam, a remote village in Kerala, India. Courtesy of UNIDO. 35

38 United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Courtesy of UNIDO. System/Facility Total Cost ($US) Energy savings Payback Period Air /Forge Plant 18, , years Compressed Air /Machinery Plant 32, , years Compressed Air /Tobacco Industry 23, , years Pump system /Hospital 18,600 77, years Pump system /Pharmaceuticals 150,000 1,050, years Motor systems /Petrochemicals* 393,000 14,100, years *Extremely large facility Figure 5. Sample energy savings due to energy efficiency measures. 36 Implementing energy efficiency measures in China. Courtesy of UNIDO. systems such as steam) have remained largely untapped. UNIDO has developed the capacity in Shanghai and Jiangsu, China to implement energy efficiency projects for industrial systems in local industry. To date, 38 industrial plant assessments have been conducted, during which nearly 40 million kwh in annual energy savings have been identified, for an average per-system savings of 23%. Sample results are illustrated above in Figure 5. UNIDO is looking to link quality and environmental management systems to industrial system optimisation (International Organization for Standardization, ISO 9000/14000). This linkage would allow energy efficiency to become as mainstream an activity in industrial operating practices as are waste reduction and inventory management practices. The objective is to change corporate culture by institutionalising energy efficiency standards, policies, training, and tools while using the structure, language, and accountability of existing ISO management structure. For Further Information on UNIDO, Contact: UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) Vienna International Centre P.O. Box 300, A-1400 Vienna, Austria Website: Heinz Leuenberger, Director Energy and Cleaner Production Branch Phone: +(43) (1) FAX: +(43) (1) Cahit Gurkok Senior Adviser on Energy Phone: +(43) (1) FAX: +(43) (1)

39 United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) The energy approach of the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women is based on the fact that the health, education, and economic and social participation of women and girls are disproportionately affected by: (1) reliance on traditional sources of energy; (2) gender differences in energy consumption patterns; (3) gender inequalities in access to energy; and (4) gender inequalities in participation in energy planning and policy-making, which is still overwhelmingly male-dominated. Reliance on traditional sources of energy (particularly wood and other sources of biomass that must be gathered) creates an enormous domestic burden for which women are primarily responsible. As the principal gatherers of fuel, women and girls have less time for participation in education and economic production, as well as social and political life. In order for women to benefit from greater access to energy, energy technologies and programmes should be developed from a gender perspective meaning that they take into account women s specific needs and priorities in the design and planning stages. Gender-based activities are also intended to increase women s understanding of and access to new sources of energy. Highlighted Energy Activities of INSTRAW: At present, INSTRAW s efforts in energy are limited to bringing a gender perspective to the gathering and dissemination of sectoral information within the UN-Energy group. In 2006, pending necessary funding, INSTRAW is looking to propose women and energy as a key area of research. In the past, women and energy was one of the Institute s primary focus areas. In 1989, INSTRAW produced a Modular Training Package on New and Renewable Sources of Energy in collaboration with the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization, which then provided training sessions in Ethiopia (1989), Egypt (1990), Tanzania (1990), Tripoli (1990), and Yugoslavia (1990). The training sessions focused primarily on women s access to and ability to use new and renewable sources of energy, including a review of which sources were available; how women developed, applied, and managed them; and how best to integrate women s needs into energy planning and policies. The training package on energy was later incorporated into the more comprehensive Modular Training Package on Women, Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, which was most recently given as a training session in the Solomon Islands (1998). INSTRAW s pioneering work on statistics and indicators also included a component on women s domestic and informal labour, which attempted to bring to light the amount of time and labour that went into domestic activities such as gathering fuel and water, food preparation, and general maintenance of the household. The statistics have helped to identify reliance on traditional sources of energy as an important barrier to women s empowerment and the achievement of gender equality. For Further Information on INSTRAW, Contact: Hilary Anderson, Information Officer Cesar Nicolas Penson 102-A Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Phone: +(809) FAX: +(809) handerson@un-instraw.org Website: INSTRAW s work on gendering statistics shed light on women s domestic burden, which includes gathering fuel. Courtesy of INSTRAW. 37

40 World Health Organization (WHO) 38 Based on WHO s 2005 assessment, 52% of the world s population rely on solid fuels, such as wood, for cooking and heating. Courtesy of Nigel Bruce/Practical Action. The World Health Organization works towards the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely as the absence of disease or infirmity. Health within this context, therefore, is inextricably linked to energy. WHO focuses on the following three linkages between energy and health: (1) household energy and health; (2) transport and health; and (3) climate change and health. Within WHO, energy is considered a double-edged sword. On the one hand, energy used for household cooking and heating, or in communities for transport and productive activities can improve standards of living and economic development. On the other hand, energy use, particularly in poor societies where inefficient or inappropriate methods of cooking and transport can pollute the environment, is capable of severely impacting the health of its citizens. WHO s major goal with regard to energy is to disseminate knowledge and lessons learned in instituting energy solutions that can protect and improve health. The specific objectives are to: synthesize scientific evidence on the health risks and benefits of energy use; evaluate the effectiveness of different energy solutions and their implementation; assess the health impacts of energy and monitor changes over time; advocate for health as a central component of energy policies and advise countries on how to promote health through such policies; and support cooperation on energy and health among different sectors and stakeholders. The main partners of WHO include the Regional and Country Offices of WHO, Ministries of Health, Ministries of other related sectors (e.g., Environment and Energy), UN organizations, and other international agencies, universities, and NGOs. Highlighted Energy Activities of WHO: Household Energy and Health Cooking is central to life. Yet the very act of cooking can be a threat to the health of children, women, and their families. In developing countries, rural dwellers and the urban poor depend on solid fuels, including biomass (wood, dung, agricultural residues) and coal for cooking, boiling water, and space heating. Combustion of such fuels on open fires or simple stoves in poorly ventilated environments leads to high levels of indoor air pollution. Inhaling small particles, carbon monoxide, and other harmful pollutants doubles the risk of pneumonia among young children and triples the risk of chronic respiratory disease among women. WHO provides regular updates on the linkages between household energy, indoor air pollution, and health. Every year, indoor air pollution is responsible for 1.5 million deaths that almost exclusively occur in developing coun-

41 39 Figure 6: Fuel for life: household energy and health. Courtesy of WHO, Geneva, tries. WHO distils experience with the implementation of projects and programmes to tackle this preventable disease burden, and evaluates the impacts of technical solutions on health, socioeconomic conditions, and the environment. WHO tracks the percentage of the population that uses solid fuels as part of its mandate under the MDGs. According to its 2005 assessment, 52% of the world s population rely on solid fuels. This percentage varies widely among countries and regions. Shifting to cleaner cooking fuels and making improved stoves widely available is vital for improving indoor air quality and improving energy efficiency. Transport and Health Urban dwellers face a burgeoning range of health hazards related to transport including air pollution, noise, traffic injury, and obstacles to physical activity as the result of unplanned and unsustainable patterns of development. Cities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are particularly affected, and they have great potential for promoting health and the environment through transport policies. Rural transport relates to health in a number of additional ways, including through risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS along truck routes, and the need for simple transport solutions for access to health services. WHO promotes transport policies that reduce traffic injuries, air and noise pollution, facilitate physical activity (cycling and walking), and enable equitable access by gender, age, and levels of ability. WHO is drawing attention to the importance of transport for health and environment in developing countries, by engaging with cities and in global conferences (Abu Dhabi in 2005, and China in 2006 ). Moreover, WHO is an advocate for healthy transport policies through ministers of transport and the mayors of large