June 2012: The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) has released two briefing notes on the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative. “Energy Equity: Will the UN Sustainable Energy for All Initiative Make a Difference?” and “Sustainable Energy for All and the Private Sector” assess the initiative’s potential, urge it to prioritize improving the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable, and suggest strategies to stimulate private sector involvement.

To support SE4ALL’s energy access, efficiency and renewable energy aims, the IIED briefings recommend, inter alia, focusing on energy access that reduces poverty and builds resilience to the impacts of climate change, integrating energy access programmes into wider development policies, and promoting the sustainable use of local resources. They also advise promoting private sector partnerships with governments and NGOs, encouraging corporate responsibility initiatives and supporting social entrepreneurs.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched SE4ALL in 2011 with three main objectives: ensuring universal access to modern energy services; doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency; doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. [Publication: Energy Equity: Will the UN Sustainable Energy for All Initiative Make a Difference] [Publication: Sustainable Energy for All and the Private Sector]