The Foreign Minister (FM) of Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressed the members at the UN Secretary-General convened ‘High-Level Dialogue on Energy 2021’ and reiterated the country’s stance to prioritize the attainment of SDG 7. The meeting was called in order to discuss a global roadmap for the purpose of achieving SDG NO 7 by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.
Qureshi said that attaining universal access to energy, doubling energy efficiency rate and doubling renewable energy’s share in the overall energy mix is the core part of Pakistan’s policy objectives.
He further elaborated saying that Pakistan has potential for 40,000MW for solar and wind power with nearly 45,000MW of hydropower potential. The aforementioned data makes the country one of the most “attractive locations” for investments pertaining to renewable energy in the South Asian Region.
The FM updated the UN assemble participants regarding the moratorium the country has placed on new power plants to be run on imported coal from 2020. “Efforts are also underway to increase the share of renewable in Pakistan’s energy supply mix to 20% in 2025, and 30 percent by 2030,”
While addressing the gathering, he emphasized the need to transition to a sustainable model of economic growth. He further encouraged the international community to make policies that boost public investment in energy generated through renewable sources. He added, “there is a need to capitalize on the momentum towards net-zero carbon emission to advance SDG-7 action as two-third of total carbon emissions emanate from the energy sector.”
The primary objective of the High-level Dialogue on Energy 2021 gathering was the promotion of the execution of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development prompted goals and targets regarding energy. The event was to support the execution of the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All (2014-2024). The last global gathering held regarding energy under the patronage of the UN General Assembly was held in 1981.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres opened the floor for discussion after warning the attendees that the population inhaling polluted air was 90% of the world population and stressed that it is imperative for countries to eliminate the use of coal and other harmful fuels and move to the use of clean power sources such as solar and wind etc.
He further added that around eight million people die prematurely every year because of polluted air hence, replacing the conventional fuels with sources that provide carbon-free power can be the “difference between life and death”. He said that Renewable energy currently contributes to 29% of the power generation throughout the world.
During the talks, countries were expected to reveal 30 new pledges regarding investment in clean power while prioritizing humanity more. As Guterres said, “Investing in clean, affordable energy for all will improve the well-being of billions of people,”.
