Bulgaria was given as an example in the construction of photovoltaic systems for households and the implementation of energy efficiency measures

Bulgaria took part in the Summit on Sustainable Development at the UN Headquarters, within the framework of the 80th anniversary of the world organization. The Bulgarian delegation, led by the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolay Pavlov, Krasimira Beshkova - Chargé d'affaires of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UN, and experts.

During the working visit, the delegation held a fruitful meeting with Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the UN for Economic and Social Affairs. Minister Stankov presented the targeted efforts of the government to develop the energy sector in our country through the introduction of secure green energy and innovative technologies.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General gave Bulgaria as an example in promoting state funds to households for the construction of photovoltaic systems and the implementation of energy efficiency measures. In this regard, Minister Stankov specified that 1,500 households will benefit from grant funding under the implementation of the procedure "National Scheme for Supporting Households in the Field of Renewable Energy" within the framework of the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan. "The installation of RES systems on the roofs of households will contribute to reducing energy poverty by providing more affordable and sustainable electricity," he said and assured that various options are currently being sought to continue funding under this program.

Mr. Li Junhua invited Minister Stankov to participate in the World Social Summit 2 in Doha, where Bulgaria and countries from around the world will be able to exchange good practices for the development of green technologies. This year, the summit convened by the UN aims to address the challenges facing social development and promote commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Minister Stankov and the delegation he led participated in this year’s summit in New York, which was held under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council. The theme was advancing sustainable, inclusive, science-based and evidence-based solutions to leave no one behind under the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

“With the implemented real policies, the created institutional environment and the established monitoring mechanisms, Bulgaria has demonstrated steady progress in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. We are determined to continue our efforts in this direction, taking advantage of the opportunities that, including accession to the Schengen area and the eurozone, provide to accelerate economic development,” Minister Stankov emphasized from the UN rostrum. He focused on the integrated steps essential to achieving the goals and highlighted the achievements to date on those that were the focus of discussions this year.

Bulgaria reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda when presenting our Second Voluntary National Review to the UN: “Despite the challenges, our country is reporting real progress in reducing poverty, improving access to health and education, promoting green technologies and innovations, digitalization and infrastructure development, as well as better integration of persons belonging to vulnerable groups.” Minister Stankov highlighted the adopted comprehensive approach and noted that the process involves all stakeholders, including local authorities, youth, academia, NGOs and the private sector.

Since 2007, Bulgaria has transformed from an aid recipient into a reliable development partner, with the country supporting various foreign initiatives in 2024. “We face interconnected challenges and action is needed today. The country stands ready to help translate commitments into real progress,” noted the head of our national delegation.

Bulgaria actively promotes children’s rights internationally as a co-chair of the Group of Friends of Children and the Sustainable Development Goals. “It is imperative that children are at the centre of decisions on the 2030 Agenda. We can end many of the crises facing adolescents by making the right policy choices today. It is up to us to make concerted efforts to scale up policies and investments for children,” he said on behalf of the group to the high-level political forum.

As part of the summit, Bulgaria also hosted an event on demographic sustainability, organized jointly with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Innovative solutions were presented to address the challenges through education, economic inclusion and family policies.

“Joint efforts and active regional partnership are crucial for ensuring economic prosperity, security, enhanced connectivity and long-term stability in South-East Europe and the wider Black Sea region,” Minister Stankov outlined the regional perspectives for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Our country is committed to supporting their implementation at the regional level and has strengthened its position as a member of the international community that follows global priorities, but also offers a vision based on real achievements, partnership and sustainable leadership in the region.

Minister Stankov and the delegation he led also held a fruitful meeting with H.E. Bob Ray, President of the UN Economic and Social Council and Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN.