For Media  Hotels for Press  Emails: or or     UN calls for
achieving sustainable energy for all as International Year kicks
off As the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All
kicked off today, United Nations officials called on
governments, the private sector and civil society to help expand
energy access, improve efficiency and increase the use of
renewables.  Globally, one person in five still lacks access to
modern electricity and twice that number ? three billion people
? rely on wood, coal, charcoal, or animal waste for cooking and
heating.  ?We are here to build a new energy future? a future
that harnesses the power of technology and innovation in the
service of people and the planet,? Mr. Ban said in remarks to
the opening of the World Future Energy Summit, which is taking
place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.  ?Sustainable energy
for all is within our reach,? he told the summit, which also
serves as the global launch of 2012 as the International Year.
Mr. Ban stressed that energy is cen