Science Summit at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78)

In order to enhance their socio-economic development and meet the growing demand of developed economies, numerous emerging and developing nations must focus on producing competitive clean energy on a large scale.
 
To achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and expedite the global transition to Net Zero emissions, it is crucial to engage in multilateral discussions. By collaboratively developing effective policies and regulations that facilitate, rather than hinder, the clean energy transition, particularly in emerging and developing economies, we can ensure a just and equitable approach.
 
The exercise of extraterritorial jurisdiction can be contentious due to potential conflicts with international law, and it often excludes key stakeholders from participating in the design of fair and balanced regulations. Unilateral policy development in the energy sector can result in significant unintended consequences, especially for emerging and developing economies.
 
While there have been several announcements about clean energy projects, only a small proportion have progressed to the Final Investment Decision (FID) stage. This is primarily due to the lack of international clean energy offtake agreements and insufficient or suboptimal engagement with multilateral organizations.
 
To expedite the clean energy transition and make it more inclusive, it is essential to focus research and development efforts, industrial project finance, and public support mechanisms on the areas that have the greatest impact. In the context of global climate change, advancements in science and technology must ensure an adequate supply of drinkable water for people and livestock. For example, novel seawater electrolysis and desalination technologies should be developed and commercialized to address the significant challenge of water scarcity.
 
In both emerging and developing economies, localization efforts to promote in-country value creation are pivotal for fostering inclusivity and maximizing the adoption of clean energy solutions.
 
Science plays a crucial role in driving research and development of clean energy technologies that are suitable for the unique challenges and contexts of developing countries. Scientists and engineers strive to improve the efficiency, affordability, and scalability of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. Additionally, science provides evidence-based insights and analysis to support the formulation of effective energy policies and regulatory frameworks. It helps identify barriers, assess the potential impacts of clean energy deployment, and design appropriate incentives and regulations.
 
Therefore, the objective of this event is to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including industry representatives, research and development organizations, policymakers, private investors, and multilateral organizations. Through this collaborative effort, we aim to develop an optimal framework of policies, financing mechanisms, and technological advancements that will enable an inclusive and impactful clean energy transition, aligning with the UN SDGs and the goal of reaching Net Zero emissions.