PCREEE partnership highlighted as crucial for achieving SDGs 7, 9 and 13

On the occasion of the General Debate at the Seventy-second Session of the United Nations General Assembly, His Majesty King Tupou VI stressed that "enhanced accessibility to modem and clean sustainable energy services, energy efficiency, and the use of economically viable and environmentally sound technology and research, play a critical role in our sustainable development. Mitigation efforts are also essential to overcome the challenges of excess dependence on imported fossil fuels.

To further strengthen international and regional cooperation, the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) was established in Tonga in April of this year. The Centre provides valuable support to Pacific Island countries and territories towards progressing their respective priorities and commitments for achieving sustainable energy and contributing to SDGs 7, 9 and 13. It is a partnership between the Pacific Community, the Government of Austria, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and SIDS-DOCK, amongst others.

The General Assembly acknowledged the PCREEE upon adoption of the biennial resolution entitled: 'Cooperation between the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum in July this year.

The following link is His Majesty's statement during the 72 UNGA in New York:

http://webtv.un.org/watch/tonga-king-addresses-general-debate-72nd-session/5584550394001/