Making the case for sustainable energy at the United Nations

Representatives of the youth caucus of the United Nations Commission for Sustainable at attending the preparatory meetings for the policy session of the Commission. Below is the statement I made at the UN Plenary on Monday morning...
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Children and youth, as the future generations, do not wish to inherit a toxic, radioactive, dirty, and carbon-driven world, and call on the CSD to take action to guarantee that we have a future to look forward to. Providing more than 6 billion people with energy will require concrete action to ensure that we meet the needs of the poor and not only industry.

We firmly believe that renewable energy is the key to a sustainable future. Small-scale renewable energy projects offer a sustainable solution to energy access, providing local, context-sensitive solutions that preserve the environment. Youth have been essential partners in implementing small-scale projects; such contributions need further support.

A clear, universally recognized definition of sustainable energy must be agreed on, which must take into consideration principles stated in the JPOI. It is -evident that nuclear energy and “clean” fossil fuels are not viable options for truly sustainable development; subsidies supporting their exploitation must be phased out and used to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Global climate change is the most pressing issue of our generation. We need immediate action; we cannot rely on partnerships and short-term political maneuvering. Successful measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change demand innovative policy solutions encompassing multiple sectors.

We strongly believe that corporate social responsibility and accountability must be emphasized; while the JPOI highlighted this need, it was not mentioned at CSD14. A framework for business and industry to operate responsibly is needed, and it is needed now.

Cleaner production should be matched with sustainable consumption. Market approaches cannot ensure the best economic allocation of resources alone. Subsidies, when required, need to be used to secure access to energy for the poor.

Children and youth want healthy air. Pressing air pollution issues include the need for a collaborative and functional international policy framework. The costs of unsustainable transportation should be internalized. Fiscal policy should be used to promote public transportation, fuel efficiency, and multiple user initiatives.

There is a lot work to do between now and May.

Measurable targets and timelines are required. While achieving targets needs cooperation from all stakeholders, government accountability must also be stressed.

Given its potential for change, we insist that the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development be heavily emphasized at CSD15.

Recalling UN General Assembly 60/2, the inclusion of youth delegates in the international decision-making process should be facilitated. Governments must fulfill their commitment to include representation of youth.