Co-organised by Costa-Rica, the Delegation of the European Union with YouNGO, UNEP, WWF and UNDP, delegations and civil organizations convened to discuss solutions that can accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs by 2030. The meeting specifically called for collaborative climate action, where the balance between nature and humans can then be restored and sustained.
During the dialogue between the committee and the non-governmental organization Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization, the representative described his organization’s mission, which was to promote clean energy development all over the world, which also supports economic growth and job generation. The organization focuses on three main areas of cooperation: research and studies; information and personal exchanges; and reciprocal invitations to seminars and meetings.
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Apart from collaborating with globally renowned entities such as Bloomberg Financial, Boston University and also Columbia University on co-research projects regarding energy sustainability, the speaker also explained the organization’s intent to co-host an event with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) later this year, which focuses on energy interconnection in Latin America.
They have also been an active participant in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s Environment Assembly, as they believe in the presence of mutual interest and objectives towards global sustainability between their organization and the UNEP.
Apart from the dialogue, the committee also processed applications for consultative status from numerous organizations, with the final verdict of recommending 11 groups for special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and deferred action on 85 others.
Meeting: Economic and Social Council – “Dialogue concerning Energy Interconnection”
Date/Location: Thursday, May 23rd, 2019; 15:00-18:00; Economics and Social Council Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY
Speakers: Panelist, Representatives from the United States, Mexico, Speaker representing the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization
Written By: WIT Representative Bryan Yiu
UN Environment Assembly
In response to the growing environmental pollution dilemma, the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) presented the diverse effects of pollution on our ecosystem, as well as upcoming environmental literacy events to build momentum for tackling this global challenge.
Mr. Harris began the open-ended meeting by introducing a variety of global pollutant factors that harm human health. These include: poor air quality, exposure to lead, exposure to asbestos, polluted water and inadequate sanitation, and exposure to pesticides. Mr. Harris also revealed how pollution harms ecosystems, listing contaminated crops, the disruption of pollinating insects, marine pollution and the 500 “dead zone” regions as examples.
In addition, Mr. Harris referenced to multiple upcoming open-ended sessions hosted by the UNEP regarding its pollution-free goal, including “Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum”, “Science, Policy and Business Forum”, and “Sustainable Innovation Expo”.
Mr. Harris explained that throughout these various sessions, the UNEP will identify and promote opportunities for green investments, explain connection between science and environmental solutions and facilitate partnerships with investors.
A question was asked regarding the number of current prime ministers registered to participate in the listed upcoming sessions. Mr. Harris revealed that 69 ministers have currently registered, and that he anticipates many more by November. A suggestion was made to include an African storyteller in the upcoming sessions. I questioned the initiatives taken to include youth in these open-ended sessions and educate them regarding the current environmental issues. Mr. Harris alluded to the recent social media initiatives taken by his organization.
Meeting: Open-Ended Meeting on — “Towards a Pollution Free Planet”
Date/Location: Thursday, November 16, 2017; 10:00-11:30; Conference Room #12, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY
Speakers: Mr. Elliott C. Harris, Moderator, UN Assistant Secretary-General Director
Written By: WIT Representative Timothy Stephens
World Information Transfer 