The Ninth International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development (the Ninth Forum) provides once again the opportunity to reflect on the implications of the fast-paced energy transition that has become the new normal. As technological innovation and decarbonisation pathways cannot do without social innovation and change, the Ninth Forum seeks to discuss lingering and new challenges and agree on ambitious and concrete measures to close the gap between action and ambition. Emphasis will be given to the resilience of energy infrastructure and the nexus arenas in the context of a circular economy.  Circular economy approaches can improve resource efficiency, reduce waste and maintain stability of eco-systems. Cross-sectoral holistic policy making plays a key role in anticipating potential trade-offs and maximize synergies while avoiding negative impacts for livelihoods and the environment. In this context, the Forum will focus on the disruptive drivers that are at play, and how they can be used favorably to shape energy for sustainable development. The event will unite all technology options with regional cooperation, investment and financing aspects.

The intent is to agree on a balanced set of options of what countries could do concretely and effectively and to inform key political processes about our collective insights on energy for sustainable development. The event will consider the solutions proposed during the Energy Ministerial at the outset of the Eighth International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 11 June 2017, and thus further develop the collective recommendations as a further milestone in the international forum process.

The Forum is jointly organized by the Government of Ukraine and the United Nations Regional Commissions. Partners: IEA, IRENA, IAEA, Energy Charter Secretariat, Energy Community, the Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency, to be completed.