UN NEWS
As part of its Knowledge Sharing initiative,  the UN Country Team in Ethiopia has organized a discussion forum on the theme “Biofuel, a viable alternative source of Energy?” on  Thursday, 5th June 2008 at Sheraton Addis from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  In his opening remarks, Mr. Fidele Sarassoro, the UN Resident Coordinator, UN Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative,  remarked that “Bioenergy is emerging as a top priority as countries face the triple challenge of ensuring energy security, food security and sustainable development.”   He also further reminded the message from Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, addressed on the World Environment Day of June 5, that our dependence on carbon-based energy has caused a significant build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

During the discussion forum presentations has been carried out on different ongoing practices and experiences of the Government, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), UN, Private Sector and Research Institutes by different panelists.  The discussion forum has been attended by His Excellency Mr. Mekonnen Manyazewal State Minister of Finance and Economic Development, His Excellency Dr. Abera Deressa, State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, UN Agencies working in Ethiopia, Civil Society Organizations, and Governmental sector offices.

The forum was the first edition of the UN Country Team Knowledge Sharing initiative which is part of the effort of the UNCT in Ethiopia to promote and create space for exchange of ideas, information and knowledge.