Transport of energy across borders requires collective effort – UN official

International cooperation is crucial for a reliable supply of energy across national borders, whether through gas and oil pipelines or other means, a top United Nations development official said today.

“Overcoming the barriers to reliable and stable energy transit requires a collective response that is practical, takes into account the needs of all affected countries, and draws on our collective expertise,” Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs, said at a conference on the issue in Turkmenistan.

“Overcoming the barriers to reliable and stable energy transit requires a collective response that is practical, takes into account the needs of all affected countries, and draws on our collective expertise,” Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs, said at a conference on the issue in Turkmenistan.

Mr. Sha is representing the Secretary-General at the conference, which follows up on a General Assembly resolution on “Reliable and Stable Transit of Energy and its Role in Ensuring Sustainable Development and International Cooperation.”

Stable means of energy transport is of mutual benefit to many countries, he said.

Importing countries, he said, need to feel secure that their access to energy will not be disrupted abruptly. Similarly, exporting countries want to feel secure that there will be no abrupt disruptions in their incomes.

However, for developing countries, reliable energy transit requires investment in infrastructure, and attracting adequate capital requires proper governance, appropriate policies and creation of efficient markets.

In addition, he said, it is important to keep in mind that the ultimate goal of energy transit, whether for trade or consumption, is to ensure continued progress towards sustainable development.

“Effective energy sector governance can help stimulate investment not only in energy transit infrastructure, but also in energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner energy technologies,” Mr. Sha stressed.

The establishment of common and transparent rules in operation of energy markets can play an important role in this regard, he said.

Stable means of energy transport is of mutual benefit to many countries, he said.

Importing countries, he said, need to feel secure that their access to energy will not be disrupted abruptly. Similarly, exporting countries want to feel secure that there will be no abrupt disruptions in their incomes.

However, for developing countries, reliable energy transit requires investment in infrastructure, and attracting adequate capital requires proper governance, appropriate policies and creation of efficient markets.

In addition, he said, it is important to keep in mind that the ultimate goal of energy transit, whether for trade or consumption, is to ensure continued progress towards sustainable development.

“Effective energy sector governance can help stimulate investment not only in energy transit infrastructure, but also in energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner energy technologies,” Mr. Sha stressed.

The establishment of common and transparent rules in operation of energy markets can play an important role in this regard, he said.