Yale Li: Digital Technology Accelerates UN Clean Energy Goals

2025-01-25 10:29:27

New York, January 26 – The second year of International Clean Energy Day, established by a United Nations General Assembly resolution, marks a period where global energy dynamics are filled with both challenges and opportunities. New energy has become a crucial engine of China’s economy, while the United States has declared a national energy emergency. The rapid growth of computing power in the digital age has led to a sharp increase in energy demand.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated in a video message to celebrate International Day of Clean Energy: “Clean energy is a gift that keeps on giving: it can purify polluted air, meet the growing energy demand, and ensure supply, providing affordable electricity to billions by 2030—helping to achieve universal electricity access. It also saves money and protects our planet. To avoid the worst effects of climate chaos and promote sustainable development, we must transition from heavily polluting fossil fuels to clean energy in a fair, just, and rapid manner. ”

UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang emphasized in his keynote address at UNHQ “Clean Energy for a Brighter Future” celebration event: “Clean energy is central in our effort to achieve sustainable development across all three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. The goal of UN clean energy initiatives is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy, covering three key areas: Universal Access – ensuring that all people, especially those in developing countries and remote areas, have access to modern energy services. Renewable Energy – increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions. Energy Efficiency – improving energy efficiency by promoting energy-saving technologies and policies to reduce waste and achieve sustainable development.”

WDTA Executive Chairman and author of Digital Technology 360°, Prof. Yale Li, stated online: : “The development of new energy is an inevitable global trend. The exponential growth in energy demand driven by the new wave of digital technological revolution, led by generative AI, is outpacing the supply of traditional fossil fuels. Additionally, digital technology can empower the energy revolution, accelerate new energy development, and optimize traditional energy management, aligning with the UN’s clean energy and sustainable development goals while supporting multiple country's national strategy for new energy. China President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of actively developing clean energy and promoting a green, low-carbon economic and social transition, a consensus now shared by the international community in addressing climate change. We have noted that on his first day in office, President Trump declared a national energy emergency and pledged to ramp up oil and gas extraction, which further highlights the supply-demand imbalance. Although the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, it has not banned new energy research and adoption—companies like Tesla will focus more on improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of new energy without subsidies. WDTA will leverage digital technology to support the UN’s clean energy strategy by launching the preparatory Digital Energy Committee and collaborating with research institutions, investment bodies, enterprises, experts, and users globally—especially in China, the Middle East, Europe, and developing nations—to explore best practices in digital energy for sustainable development.”

Other Distinguished Participants and Contributions to clean energy day celebration include:

·Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP

·Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization

·Damilola Ogunbiyi, UN Special Representative for Sustainable Energy/Co-Chair of UN Energy

·Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA

·Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe

·Navid Hanif, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs

·Tesfaye Sabo, Ethiopian Ambassador to the UN and Co-Chair of the Celebration

·Merete Brattested, Norwegian Ambassador to the UNand Co-Chair of the Celebration

·Erik Lausen, Danish Deputy Ambassador to the UNand Co-Chair of the Celebration

·Usman Jadoon, Pakistani Deputy Ambassador to the UNand Co-Chair of the Celebration

·Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator and Co-Chair of UN Energy

·HaoliangXu, UNDP Deputy Administrator and UN Under-Secretary-General

Over 10,000 experts, including Nobel Prize laureates and academicians, specializing in lithium-ion battery, hydrogen energy, micro-nuclear energy, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, smart grids, electric vehicles, and energy industry digitalization from more than 100 countries, including China, the U.S., Russia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Morocco, Georgia, Costa Rica, and Slovenia, participated in the International Clean Energy Day celebrations and discussions this year.

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Digital Technology 360°  by international digital strategist and cybersecurity expert Prof. Yale Li and global educator and international affairs expert Prof. Muhammadou M.O. Kah offers a concise yet thorough exploration of the transformative digital technologies shaping our world. This book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the digital landscape by covering foundational innovations like cloud computing, AI, and big data alongside emerging trends such as IoT, 5G/6G, the metaverse, and quantum computing.  

Beyond technical insights, the authors delve into technology's societal, ethical, and governance dimensions, highlighting the roles of industries, governments, NGOs, and UN agencies in fostering innovation and setting standards. With practical strategies for addressing challenges like AI safety, data privacy, and technology governance, the book empowers readers to anticipate trends, embrace opportunities, and navigate risks.  Digital Technology 360° is an essential guide for anyone seeking to harness the power of digital innovation while aligning with global ethical standards and preparing for a digitally driven future.

 Contact: Candy Ye, info@wdtacademy.org