Mongolia issues call at UN for strategy to ensure global energy security

A comprehensive, global strategy is needed to ensure all countries have energy security, Mongolia’s Prime Minister told the General Assembly tonight, voicing concern about the impact of recent oil price hikes and the need to develop greener sources of energy.

Addressing the Assembly’s annual general debate, Sanjaa Bayar said it was critical to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels such as coal given the impact they have on the environment.

“Ensuring energy security is a challenge that requires a comprehensive solution both nationally and internationally,” he said. “No country in the world is endowed with or has developed all possible energy sources. So each country has a vested interest in energy cooperation and has something to contribute to it.”

Mr. Bayar praised the efforts of some UN Member States and international organizations to research, develop, deploy and transfer innovative energy technologies, particularly those from renewable or low-carbon sources.

By contrast, “the use of inefficient coal-burning technology causes air pollution, impacting negatively on the population’s health and the environment.”

The Prime Minister added that the development of clean coal technology is a priority for Mongolia, where coal is a major source of energy for electricity and heating.