Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative, Kandeh Yumkella, was presented with the 2014 Nayudamma Award for his “outstanding contributions to the energy sector.”
13 November 2014: Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative, Kandeh Yumkella, was presented with the 2014 Nayudamma Award for his “outstanding contributions to the energy sector.”
During his acceptance speech, on ‘Achieving Sustainable Energy for All in the Context of the Post-2015 UN Development Agenda,’ Yumkella urged the global community “to come together to face three major challenges: energy security, energy access and climate change.”
He also noted that energy issues are key to maintaining peace and socioeconomic development. Yumkella is the recipient of numerous international awards in recognition for his work, including: the UN Global Leadership Award; the 2013 Energy Efficiency Visionary Award; the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus Award for contributing to sustainable development, particularly sustainable energy in Africa; and the Madhuri and Jagadish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement.
Instituted in 1994 by the Nellore-based Nayudamma Centre for Development Initiatives, the award commemorates the scientist and technologist, Yelavarthy Nayudamma, and is given annually to individuals for significant contributions to sustainable development. [SE4ALL Press Release]