ESMAP Annual Report 2002

The year 2002 was quite extraordinary for the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), as well as for all stakeholders involved in energy in developing countries. The preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development triggered a lively debate on how to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and on the role of energy for economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. New thinking emerged on the key role for partnerships as a means to catalyze efforts and knowledge toward the same goal. Public accountability for results was raised to the forefront of the discussions.

A call for strengthened commitment on implementation and impact was reiterated. While energy had largely been overshadowed by global environment issues since the Rio Summit, energy surfaced as one of the most significant subjects of discussion at the Johannesburg Summit. Energy services made a comeback as a key priority on the development agenda and as an essential input for achieving economic growth and poverty reduction. The report discusses the implementation of ESMAP's 2004 business plan which focusing on results and impacts, specifically looking at the linkages between energy-poverty reduction and the access to modern energy services, the status of energy markets, reviewing the continued pressures on the energy environment, and, to this end, it particularly looks at implementing partnerships. The report highlights ongoing energy projects; and under completion, the revamping of ESMAP's website; the program's donor contributions, and outlines the United Nations Foundation (UNF) as a new donor.