Recognizing the importance of energy for sustainable
development, the United Nations General Assembly has designated,
by its resolution 65/151, the year 2012 as the International
Year of Sustainable Energy for All. The International Year of
Sustainable Energy for All presents a valuable opportunity to
raise awareness about the importance of increasing sustainable
access to energy, energy efficiency, and renewable energy at the
local, national, regional and international levels. Energy
services have a profound effect on productivity, health,
education, climate change, food and water security, and
communication services. Lack of access to clean, affordable and
reliable energy hinders human, social and economic development
and is a major impediment to achieving the Millennium
Development Goals. Today, 1.4 billion people still do not have
access to modern energy, while 3 billion rely on “traditional
biomass” and coal as their main fuel sources.