The Future We Want

"Alternative energy" Guldar, 21, Astana, in answer to the question: What kind of future do you want? 

"I am sure that through the initiative of Kazakhstan we can realize the potential of our country! After all, we have a wealth of natural resources, and the use of solar, wind and water will help us save the environment and increase the amount of energy obtained. Is not this the key to successful development in the future?"

Do you want to help set global development policy?

With the Millennium Development Goals set to end in 2015, the United Nations is asking everyone to contribute to setting the world’s post 2015 global development agenda.

In addition to a global survey (via web, SMS and paper) and consultations on specific development issues (such as inequality, water, jobs, health, energy and more), United Nations offices in 54 countries are reaching out to citizens - including 13 countries in this region (Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine) and Kosovo*.

There is a real push to include as wide a variety of people in the global conversation, including young people and groups that are often left out of typically closed door decision making.

In response, United Nations teams have tried to use new ways of reaching out, including Facebook surveys, Pinterest and Instagram contests, Google hangouts, and essay contests - in addition to face to face outreach in remote areas.

These efforts follow an agreement in Rio de Janeiro last year (2012) to work towards establishing global goals for sustainable development that integrate economic, social and environmental issues for both developed and developing countries - and a growing awareness that a deep change in consumption and production patterns is needed.

For countries in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, the big issues that came out of Rio+20 include inequality and sustainable energy.

Sustainable energy for all

Sustainable energy - energy that is accessible, cleaner and more efficient - is getting the attention of countries around the world, thanks in part to the United Nations sustainable energy for all initiative.

The Governments of Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro and Tajikistan are the first countries from the region to sign up to the new global energy initiative (with others also interested in joining), committing them to work towards the initiative's goals for 2030:

1. Ensuring universal access to modern energy services
2. Doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
3. Doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

Issues particular to the region include: Energy efficiency, reliable power supplies; secure, affordable and environmentally sustainable heating; and renewable sources of energy. The region has significant potential to develop its renewable sources of energy.

UNDP is working with countries to address these issues and help people cope with energy related challenges. We are also sharing examples of energy projects from the region, and seeking new partners to scale up public and private investment in sustainable energy.

* hereafter referred to in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1244/1999