International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development Highlights Global Efforts in Sustainable Energy

The three-day International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (IFESD-14) brought together over 500 participants from more than 70 countries, including high-level representatives of international institutions, companies, academics, and experts. The forum, themed "From Goals to Action: Powering the Future with Sustainable Energy," was organized by the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN's five regional commissions. The Skopje Declaration, to be signed at the forum, will serve as a permanent record of the commitment of participating countries to a sustainable, safe, and inclusive energy future.

Key Takeaways:

• Energy transition is a shared journey, not a race between countries, as emphasized by North Macedonia's Minister of Energy, Sanja Boinovska. She stated that no country can handle climate challenges alone and that leaders must create conditions for a fair, sustainable, and inclusive transition.
• Boinovska highlighted the construction of natural gas interconnectors with Greece and Serbia, which will enable supplying thousands of households and businesses, and contribute to better connectivity and security of gas supply in Europe.
• Prime Minister Hristijan Mickovski underscored the importance of energy as a national priority and state strategy, stating that every solar panel, wind farm, and new power plant fueled by clean energy contributes to the country's modern struggle for independence.
• UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean emphasized the global energy transition as a historic opportunity for sustainable development and a profound responsibility, stressing the need to build resilient energy systems ensuring a secure, affordable, and environmentally sustainable supply of energy.
• Resident Representative of UNDP in North Macedonia Armen Grigoryan highlighted the need to move from commitments to concrete implementation and steps, citing UNDP's work in advancing sustainable energy solutions, including green finance facilities and tackling air pollution initiatives.
• UNDP's efforts in North Macedonia and globally focus on helping families heat their homes with green and affordable energy, enabling businesses to invest in green solutions, and creating healthier communities and new opportunities for growth.

Statistics:

• Over 500 participants from more than 70 countries attended the IFESD-14 forum.
• The forum has been held annually since 2010 and has evolved into a leading global platform for promoting sustainable energy.
• Energy resilience is the ability of a system to withstand, adapt, and continue to function stably even in conditions of global uncertainty and geopolitical upheaval.
• The global energy transition represents a historic opportunity for sustainable development but also a profound responsibility.

Sources:

• Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
• Global Data Point, 2022