Asia-Pacific Regional Centre

Energy Access for Poverty Reduction

Energy is central to sustainable development and poverty reduction efforts. It affects all aspects of development - social, economic, and environmental - including livelihoods, access to water, agricultural productivity, health, population levels, education, and gender-related issues. None of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) can be met without major improvement in the quality and quantity of energy services in developing countries.

The UNDP ESD team provides support to policy makers and communities promoting access to sustainable energy services. The team supports the formulation of policy responses for securing energy access in energy budgets and development plans and programmes, and help design national projects/programmes aimed at expanding access to energy services for the poor. For example, the team is currently working with Bhutan, Cambodia, Nepal, Thailand and Timor-Leste in designing and developing rural energy services programmes.

The team is currently documenting good practices on local energy services delivery from the Asia Pacific region, in order to allow a better understanding of how to expand energy services for the poor. We have also published several reports and policy studies on energy in Asia Pacific.

Key Contacts

• Thiyagarajan VELUMAIL
• Thomas JENSEN (Pacific)

Links

• UNDP Energy for Sustainable Development Webpage
• Energy Access for Poverty Reduction (SNAP)