Statement by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba at the High-Level Dialogue on Energy organized by the United Nations Secretary-General
New York, 24 September 2021
Time limit- Three Minutes
Excellencies the Heads of State and Government,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Distinguished Delegates.
I commend the UN Secretary-General for convening this High-Level Dialogue on Energy.
Energy is crucial in achieving the 2030 Agenda and implementing the Paris Agreement.
An inter-connecting thread across all SDGs, energy plays a catalytic role to combat climate change and attain the goals related to poverty reduction, gender equality, food security, health and education, among others.
So far, our progress on SDG 7 has been mixed and uneven.
Countries like Nepal with low income, difficult geographic terrain and dispersed settlements are facing additional challenges.
The COVID-19 has added on the challenges to deliver clean and affordable energy for all by 2030.
However, we must not change our collective ambition. We must act on transition to cleaner, greener and smarter energy.
We must also build a global coalition for 2050 net-zero pathways.
For this, every country and every industry, and in fact every person, will have to correct the way of doing, making, or producing things.
The world must de-carbonize energy solutions, leverage energy actions for advancing other SDGs, and eliminate harm to the health of our planet.
The COP-26 must take bold steps and provide a breakthrough on energy transition.
Countries in special situation must be ensured an easier and direct access to financing and modern technologies.
Excellencies,
Nepal has intensified its efforts to accelerate energy and climate actions in line with the SDGs and the Paris Agreement.
We have made good progress in providing clean and reliable energy to our people. As a result, 90 % of the population has access to electricity.
Our focus has been on the innovative policy initiatives, institutional reforms, development of grid and non-grid solutions, and public-private partnership.
We are committed to realize climate-resilient development pathways through the utilization of our vast hydropower potential and other renewable energy sources.
We plan to develop an ambitious long-term strategy, committing to reach net-zero scenario by the mid-century.
To conclude, we must make the current crisis a gateway to a greener, safer and more sustainable world. A robust and renewed global partnership will be critical in this regard.
I thank you for your attention.