UNECE, jointly with UN ESCAP, is implementing the United Nations Development Account (UNDA) project “Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia”. The goal of the project is to strengthen capacities of beneficiary countries (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan) for the preparation of National Action Plans to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to energy. Under the project, national reports that include a baseline review of sustainable energy data in each beneficiary country have been prepared to assess the existing gaps in data collection. National case studies have been developed, and a synthesis report has been prepared to provide an analysis of these case studies and give the assessment of existing policies and practices in sustainable energy, focusing on existing regulatory and institutional frameworks and pointing out gaps and challenges that governments face in implementing these policies. Based on the reports and other activities under the project, consultants from the project countries have developed draft National Sustainable Energy Action Plans.
The discussion which is to be held in the frames of the 6th Session of the Group of Experts on Energy Efficiency during the 10th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (7-8 October 2019, Bangkok, Thailand) will be linked to the UNECE project “Pathways to Sustainable Energy” which seeks to provide an answer on how countries can attain sustainable energy. The project is an important vehicle for understanding the gaps that exist in meeting the energy-related objectives of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and opportunities available to close that gaps. This workshop will also have a sub-regional dimension and will explore what alternative pathways countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia might consider for achieving their national targets while contributing to global and national objectives.
Delegates will be invited to exchange experiences, good practices and discuss possible recommendations for policymakers that would assist them in reforming and adjusting policies aimed at achieving targets of SDG7 and at fostering favourable climate for investments in sustainable energy.