CSD-14 was in held in New York from 1 to 12 May. It was the first part of a cycle of activities based around specific themes, comprising a non-negotiating Review Year (CSD-14) and a Policy Year (CSD-15, to be held in May 2007). CSD-14 was asked to review progress in energy for sustainable development, industrial development, air pollution/atmosphere, and climate change. Energy occupied the top position in the debates. CSD-14 demonstrated that energy is perceived as the focal point of all four themes and that it is critical for sustainable growth.

Access to (clean) energy was one of the most important issues discussed during this review session. It is not only important for poverty alleviation in developing countries, clean energy is also the basis to support sustainable development in both developed and developing countries. Furthermore, the need for diversification in energy was emphasised.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan described the multiple risks of the world’s reliance on fossil fuels and the despair of those who lack access to modern energy services. Annan challenged developed countries to help developing countries double their electricity generation capacity using cleaner technologies.

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