Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to deliver remarks on the critical subject of power system connectivity and its role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
I am privileged to witness the intersection of innovation, policy and international cooperation that drives sustainable development forward. Power system connectivity stands out as an important but nevertheless underutilized tool.
The triple crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, coupled with heightened geopolitical tensions and increased economic fragmentation, presents a unique set of challenges for the Asia-Pacific region and the world.
These issues are acutely felt within the energy sector, where increasing demand driven by economic recovery and digital innovation, higher prices and concerns over energy security underscore the urgency of our mission.
We must respond to immediate challenges and lay the groundwork for a resilient, sustainable future.
Power system connectivity is crucial for this endeavor. In 2021, recognizing the importance of this topic, ESCAP member States endorsed a regional roadmap on power system connectivity, which outlines nine strategies for increased cross-border connectivity to improve energy security, increase access and affordability, and accelerate the deployment and integration of renewable energy resources.
One strategy focuses on aligning connectivity with sustainable development. To support the implementation of this strategy, we developed the Green Power Corridor Framework, which provides a set of principles to inform and guide connectivity initiatives and a set of metrics to measure their impact on the SDGs.
Last year, we released the Green Power Corridor Roadmap for Northeast Asia, and this year, we are working with partners to apply the Framework in South-East Asia and Central Asia and the Caucasus.
One consistent finding of our work is that properly utilized, connectivity can accelerate sustainable development and the achievement of net-zero targets while helping to keep costs low and power systems reliable.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Cross-border power infrastructure development is often driven by bilateral agreements tied to specific projects, and we have seen only modest advancements in multilateral power trading. Political barriers rather than technical ones often hinder progress. Strong political will and regional cooperation are essential.
Let me highlight two areas where progress is both desirable and feasible.
First, we must actively leverage connectivity to accelerate the integration of higher shares of renewable energy in our power systems. At COP28, countries committed to tripling the deployment of renewable energy by 2030.
Power system connectivity enables the integration of renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
This transition not only contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 7 and Goal 13, but also drives job creation in line with Goal 8.
By investing in renewable energy and grid infrastructure, we create jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance and research, fostering economic growth and enhancing community resilience.
Second, we must ensure costs to consumers are fair and reasonable. A connected power grid optimizes energy distribution, reducing inefficiencies and lowering costs.
This is particularly crucial for low-income households, which spend a larger proportion of their income on energy. By decreasing energy costs, we improve living standards and contribute to Goal 1.
Additionally, affordable energy access supports small and medium-sized enterprises, driving economic activity and innovation at the local level.
The challenges to connectivity are significant, but discussions like today’s are vital. By working together, sharing knowledge and fostering trust, we can accelerate global progress.
Power system connectivity is more than a technical achievement, it is a catalyst for sustainable development, a driver of economic growth and a foundation for a resilient and equitable world.
I look forward to a fruitful discussion as we advance this crucial agenda.
Thank you very much.
