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UN-Energy - Looking to the Future
UN-Energy can take advantage of this, by evolving to function as a respected advisory group with a visible and credible role in orienting the global energy discourse.
There is an emerging consensus on the diversity and complex nature of key energy issues, and the requirement to look at them in a holistic manner. This consensus should be considered as an excellent opportunity for leadership. UN-Energy can take advantage of this, by evolving to function as a respected advisory group with a visible and credible role in orienting the global energy discourse.
UN-Energy was set up in 2004, and this review finds that the original justification and rationale for its establishment still exists, and the case for clear, coherent and coordinated engagement by the United Nations family in energy is even more compelling now than ever before. Utilizing the different perspectives of the United Nations bodies in a coherent way is likely to produce the richest and most comprehensive set of policies, engagements and actions to match the complexity of the issues faced.
This paper:
- Reviews outcomes to date in undertaking an organizational assessment of UN-Energy
- Assesses current and future needs in order to evaluate necessary requirements for empowering UN-Energy to “scale-up” and strengthen its capacity to deliver results
- Provides a suite of options for future delivery.
Some principles drawn from the review include:
- A central secretariat needs to have a clear role which adds value above and beyond facilitating the activities of members. It needs to have credibility and be effective at implementation
- A network must provide something its members cannot get unless they collaborate—this might be resources, technical advice, access to others, or personal support
- Formal mandates and structures and processes are important but they are not sufficient; interpersonal relationships, trust and honest participation are also necessary
- “Networks” work if they acknowledge both the interdependency and independence of their members.
Three different short-term scenarios for a future evolution of UN-Energy are provided to explore different levels of scale and scope. Each requires varying levels of engagement from members and external partners and different levels of resources. All are underpinned by the same following suggestions:
- A need to refine and augment the UN-Energy terms of reference
- A clear communication strategy for a diverse set of stakeholders including: developed and developing countries, the private sector, and internal United Nations colleagues is required
- A significantly strengthened and dedicated central hub or secretariat
- A bold new vision for UN-Energy needs to be clearly articulated—and then delivered
- A 3-5 year work plan needs to be formulated with clear goals, financial and human resources and indicators for success
- A renewed organizational mandate from within the United Nations and/or from an external inter-governmental body would empower any option.
Likewise, embedding the “monitoring” of an international goal would provide a powerful foundation
This strategic review has been undertaken at a critical time for UN-Energy, and at a time of heightened awareness of energy issues by governments, civil society and the private sector. It provides input for ongoing discussions about the development of UN-Energy as a strong and effective interagency mechanism. It is not, however, a recommendation, nor a vision.
