Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : HARARE, ZIMBABWE
Tarikh/Date : 16/09/96
Tajuk/Title : THE PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA AS A
MEMBER OF THE WORLD SOLAR COMMISSION
1. Please allow me to join others before me in
congratulating His Excellency Mr Mugabe for his
commendable success in leading the World Solar
Summit Process which, today, culminates in the World
Solar Summit here in Harare.
2. I would like also to express my appreciation to
His Excellency Mr. Mugabe and the Zimbabwe
International Organising Committee of the World
Solar Summit for giving me this opportunity to speak
before such a prestigious assembly.
3. We are gathered here today in pursuit of a
strategic alliance to fulfil an agenda of mutual
concern. Energy is a fundamental factor in the
process of socio-economic development and, with the
current growth patterns of energy demand expected to
continue well into the next decade, there is an
urgent need to place in perspective a sustainable
energy system. Traditional primary energy sources
are unavoidably depletable in the long -run. To
rest on our laurels and conclude that the existing
energy sources and technologies are sufficient for
our future needs would be an act that could very
well cripple the future growth of our nations.
4. The question of adequacy, sustainability and
reliability of energy sources must be discussed and
resolved. There is need for more policy and
resource focus on critical areas, including the
diversification of energy sources through the
application of solar and other renewable sources of
energy. Needless to say, this issue must be seen
within the context of the protection and
preservation of the global environment, cost-
effectiveness and a widely obtainable option of
conventional sources of energy.
5. There is also an urgent need for a paradigm
shift in energy consumption, from one of simply
encouraging increased energy use to that of a more
intelligent and efficient use of energy in order to
foster continuing socio-economic growth.
Essentially, the issue here is to seek a better
future for the world community by emphasising on the
importance of energy efficiency gains, productivity
and improvements.
6. Spreading the sources of energy must also be
considered and appreciated as basic to the
development process of countries. The question of
equitable balance of growth, of equal access to
amenities, of national well-being and of socio-
economic stability depend on a wise and strategic
approach to these important issues of energy supply.
To some marginalised communities, to those in remote
locations, to those not within the range of the
national grid, the issue of providing other possible
sources of energy becomes not only relevant, but
crucial.
7. The broader use of solar energy, specifically
in the electrification of the rural areas, will be
an impetus towards the creation of a better quality
of life for the rural population of developing
countries. Let us be assured that, despite the high
cost for the initial outlay of the technologies
involved in the use of solar energy, widespread
application will, in the long-run, lead to economies
of scale that will vouch for the viability and
significance of solar as an alternative energy
source for the future.
8. Let us however embark on this strategic
approach based on the concerted effort of all
nations. We are of the opinion that a fair
distribution of responsibilities between both the
developed and the developing nations has to be
ensured before our endeavours for this better future
can be realised. Let us not expound the glory of
achieving advanced stages in the development of
technologies, if these technologies are not shared
and transferred to nations, regions and communities
which can utilise them and thus narrow the
development gap. Those already benefitting from
such technologies should consider it their moral and
social obligation to participate and contribute in
this process of sharing and transferring. This is
where developed countries, non-governmental
organisations and inter-governmental bodies, with
their resources, knowledge and experience can be of
assistance. Technologies on solar use, for
instance, need to be transferred to developing
countries with minimum cost and hindrance, and with
intellectual rights being part and parcel of the
technology transfer.
9. Our strategic approach, however, should not
stop at technology transfer alone. There is also
the equally critical factor of funding. We must
look seriously at the possibility of establishing a
funding mechanism, perhaps in the form of a world
solar fund. Commitments from financing institutions
such as the World Bank and regional banks and the
international community, especially multilateral and
bilateral donors, as well as the private sector and
corporate entities, could very well play a lead role
in spurring its establishment.
10. Let it be reiterated here, however, that
institutional arrangements, main players and funding
problems should not distract our attention from the
importance of solar and other renewable sources of
energy as an additional energy mix. Our agenda
should be focussed on developing a more effective
partnership that does not require stringent and
restrictive institutional arrangements, but hinges
on good, pragmatic planning and smart cooperation
among nations. By so doing, we shall in the final
analysis, enjoy a winning edge. When barriers are
down and the whole world community advances,
everybody wins. This, I believe, underlies the whole
spirit of the United Nations.
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