The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) has launched an initiative to identify, disseminate and scale up successful experiences and best practices in sustainable energy and sustainable development.
The initiative will disburse an annual grant of US$1 million for institutions or individuals demonstrating leadership and innovation in practices aimed at meeting the global energy challenge.
July 2014: The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) launched an initiative to identify, disseminate and scale up successful experiences and best practices in sustainable energy and sustainable development. The initiative will disburse an annual grant of US$1 million for institutions or individuals demonstrating leadership and innovation in practices aimed at meeting the global energy challenge.
Implemented in collaboration with the China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC), the project, titled ‘Powering the Future We Want – Recognizing Innovative Practices in Energy for Sustainable Development,’ is focused around the theme of energy for sustainable development, including access to modern energy services and reducing related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The initiative comes as a response to the call made at the 2012 UN Conference Sustainable on Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) for the UN system to collaborate with governments and key stakeholders in identifying and publicizing best practices and lessons learned in advancing sustainable development.
In the selection of awardees, the project places special emphasis on capacity building and South-South cooperation. Institutions and individuals receiving the annual award are expected to use the funds to promote their best practices and build capacity in developing countries, including through workshops and seminars.
DESA’s Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) will handle the review and selection process, including the establishment of criteria, calls for nominations, review of nominees and facilitation of capacity-building workshops. The Division will also prepare and publish an analysis of the factors underpinning successful experiences and practices. The selection of the awardees will be overseen by an expert Advisory Council. DESA and CEFC will also undertake capacity-building activities for disseminating successful experiences.
CEFC, based in Hong Kong, China, is an NGO with consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). [DESA Press Release] [Project Webpage]