The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is to enhance collaboration with the UN in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackling global energy poverty, the Secretary-General of OPEC, Dr Mohammed Barkindo, has said.
According to an OPEC statement released on Monday, Bakindo made the position known when he met with the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed at the weekend in the U.S.
He said that OPEC member countries also looked forward to collaborate with the deputy secretary-general and the UN in future on the issue of Climate Change.
The secretary-general said that member countries welcomed the endorsement of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change toward the end of 2016 and expressed the commitment of the organisation to ensure its implementation.
“All 13 OPEC member countries have signed the Agreement and all are in the process of ratifying it,” he added.
He recalled his recent meeting with the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Patricia Espinosa, most at CERAWeek 2017 in Houston, U.S.
He said that the talks in Houston focused on “enhancing collaboration between OPEC and UNFCCC, on such matters related to Climate Change, sustainable development and economic diversification”.
The secretary-general further congratulated the UN deputy chief on her recent appointment as the UN deputy scribe.
“This well-deserved appointment acknowledges your tireless work on a wide range of global issues.
“I have no doubt your prominent new position at the United Nations will encourage women to aspire to such high-profile roles and to believe that nothing is out of their reach,” he said.
Bakindo added that the appointment was also a celebration of Nigeria and a source of great pride to Nigerians all over the world.
In her response, Mohammed outlined the importance of all stakeholders in the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and issues related to sustainable development.
She said it was pertinent to enhance advocacy, ensure that people and organisations shared information and experience.
She urged stakeholders to be practical and creative in finding entry points into the process for businesses, industry sectors, organisations and governments. (NAN)