Recognising the importance of energy for sustainable development, the United Nations General Assembly has designated, by its resolution 65/151, the year 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

The International Year of Sustainable Energy for All presents a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of increasing sustainable access to energy, energy efficiency, and renewable energy at the local, national, regional and international levels.

Energy services have a profound effect on productivity, health, education, climate change, food and water security, and communication services.

Lack of access to clean, affordable and reliable energy hinders human, social and economic development and is a major impediment to achieving the Millenium Development Goals.

Today, 1.4 billion people still do not have access to modern energy, while 3 billion rely on "traditional biomass" and coal as their main fuel sources.