Some solar energy programmes in the United Nations system

Abstract

The report outlines recent activities in the United Nations system concerning solar and wind energy applications, particularly for the benefit of developing countries. Summaries are provided of some of the main programmes undertaken in the field of solar energy by a number of agencies and bodies of the United Nations system such as: the economic and Social Council, the Department of International Economic and Social Affairs of the Secretariat; the Department of Technical Co-operation for Development and its Centre for Natural Resources, Energy and Transport; the regional commissions; the financial institutions (UNDP and World Bank); the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the United Nations University (UNO); specialized agencies—UNESCO, FAO, WHO, WMO and ITU; the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Some highlights are given on the future United Nations Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy, recently approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations.