China News Service, Xi'an, November 6 (Reporters Yang Yingqi and Li Yifan) The 15th United Nations International Forum on Sustainable Energy Development concluded in Xi'an on the 5th. Representatives of the five regional committees of the United Nations jointly signed and issued the Xi'an Declaration, making a series of commitments to promote cooperation in the energy field and accelerate the construction of a safe, affordable, resilient and sustainable energy system.
This forum is the first to be held in China since the forum was founded. The theme is "Energy Transformation in an Uncertain World: Promoting Security, Growth and Resilience." About 300 representatives from the five major regional committees of the United Nations, multinational energy authorities, industry organizations and leading enterprises gathered in Xi'an to conduct pragmatic exchanges on topics such as energy security, green growth, and system resilience. On the 6th, guests attending the conference will also visit zero-carbon smart communities, photovoltaic rural projects, and new energy manufacturing companies to learn about Xi'an's clean heating, energy storage, and rural green energy transformation results.
The Xi'an Declaration reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the goals of the Paris Agreement. The declaration points out that at a time of geopolitical tensions, market volatility, technological evolution and climate risks, international cooperation is more important than ever. A sustainable energy transition must advance climate action while responding to national priorities in energy security, economic development, industrial competitiveness and social inclusion. The transformation paths of countries and regions will be different. Different resource endowments, development levels and national conditions must be respected, and a pragmatic, inclusive, and state-led energy transformation approach must be adhered to.
The picture shows participants learning about photovoltaic products after the opening of the United Nations’ 15th International Forum on Sustainable Energy Development in Xi’an. Photo by Li Yifan
The declaration proposes to support member states in promoting energy cooperation in seven major directions, namely strengthening energy security and system resilience, accelerating the deployment of clean energy and renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency and demand-side solutions, promoting energy transformation through digitalization and innovation, cultivating sustainable value chains and resource management, ensuring a just and inclusive transformation, and mobilizing investment and financing on a large scale. The declaration further commits to strengthening cooperation among the five regional committees, providing coordinated policy support, analytical research and capacity building to member states, strengthening inter-regional knowledge sharing and peer learning, expanding cooperation with United Nations country teams and other partners, promoting evidence-based decision-making through data, analytical tools and regional assessments, and empowering young people to participate in energy decision-making and play a leadership role to jointly shape the future of sustainable energy systems.
The Xi'an Declaration is an important outcome of this forum and provides a new action framework for global cooperation in the energy field. The United Nations Regional Committee stated that it will continue to support member states in navigating uncertainty, turning challenges into opportunities, and working together to build a safe, affordable, resilient and sustainable energy system through strengthening cooperation, innovation and solidarity. As the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi'an will take the opportunity of hosting the forum to continue to use the vivid practice of energy transformation to contribute Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to global sustainable development.
At the closing ceremony, an emblem handover ceremony was held on site, confirming that the 16th United Nations International Forum on Sustainable Energy Development will be held in Georgia. (over)
