On the margins of the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, leaders from governments, international organizations, the private sector and civil society gathered during a high-level event to discuss Sustainable Energy for All.

In his opening remarks, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced new leadership arrangements to strengthen the Sustainable Energy for All initiative and build on its existing momentum.

Dr. Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, delivered remarks in which he confirmed his willingness to co-chair the new advisory board that will provide strategic guidance to the initiative. Dr. Kim underscored the importance of energy to meeting essential basic human needs and expanding economic opportunities.

In her statement, Helen Clark, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator, noted that UNDP is committed to the continued success of Sustainable Energy for All and outlined several steps for its future success.

Bank of America Chairman Chad Holliday welcomed his new role as chair of the initiative’s Executive Committee and pledged continued strong support from the private sector. Mr. Holliday outlined some of the commitments to Sustainable Energy for All being undertaken by businesses globally. UNIDO Director-General and Chair of UN-Energy Kandeh Yumkella accepted his new role as the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All and chief executive of the initiative and stated he would do his utmost to achieve the Secretary-General's goal.

Following the statements from the panel, Assistant Secretary-General Robert Orr opened the meeting to the list of speakers.

Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s provided closing remarks, concluding, "we have a goal, we have a plan, and we have a growing legion of partners to help us achieve it."

The Report of the Co-Chairs of the High-Level Group on Sustainable Energy for All was also made available at the event, providing a concluding summary of the Group’s foundational work for the initiative.

The high-level event can be viewed on UN webcast and the following statements have been made available, appearing in the order of delivery: Austria, Barbados, Brazil, Germany, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Pakistan, Sweden, Switzerland, India, Republic of Korea, Belarus, Norway, Italy, Australia, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, the African Development Bank, Energia – International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy, the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI),  the European Commission, Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the United Arab Emirates and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

Press releases issued by both the United Nations and the World Bank summarized the commentary and announcements made in relation to the high-level event. Related coverage includes:

• UN News Centre
• Bloomberg News
• The Global Times
• Sierra Express Media
• Responding to Climate Change (blog)
• IISD Reporting Services