UN: Astana EXPO-2017 to become energy initiatives platform

The International Specialized Exhibition Astana EXPO-2017 is expected to draw the attention of the world community to energy challenges in developing countries.

Gyan Chandra Acharya, UN Under-Secretary-General, stated: "I hope that Astana EXPO-2017 will get to a new focus with the special means to these countries that it will result in an announcement of important initiatives."

Mr. Acharya stated that many developing countries have oil and gas reserves, yet access to electricity remains a major challenge, and explained that in least developed countries (LDCs) and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) only 44.5% and 55% of population respectively have access to electricity. Additionally, these countries have huge untapped potential in hydropower, solar energy and wind power.

Ruslan Zhemkov, a representative of EXPO-2017, detailed the progress of preparations for the exhibition and post-exhibition use of the venues. The participants were informed on Kazakhstan's national policy on enhancing energy efficiency, developing alternative energy and ensuring universal access to modern energy sources.

They were also told about the initiative of the Kazakhstan President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, to open an international center for the development of green technologies in Astana, under the auspices of the UN.

The event was attended by ambassadors and permanent representatives to the UN. Attendees exchanged opinions on the coordination of efforts of the UN, national governments, businesses, the society and other stakeholders with a view to accomplishing their shared goal: ensuring access to energy for all by 2030.

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

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