The greeting reads, in particular:
”Your meeting is devoted to one of the most topical problems of global development in today’s world. In many respects, receiving uninterrupted energy supplies determines the stability and progress of national economies today. And, therefore, the well-being of millions of people and the chances of implementing large-scale social and humanitarian programmes. It is for precisely this reason that Russia chose energy security as a priority theme of its G8 presidency.
Along with other UNESCO member states, Russia attaches particular importance to meeting the challenges of sustainable energy. First and foremost this involves improving energy infrastructure, introducing more effective energy-efficient technologies, looking for alternative and renewable sources of energy, and eliminating energy poverty.
Modern energy requires more than simply a large number of pipelines, reliable oil tankers and high-tech systems for extracting, transporting and processing energy resources; it also requires breakthrough science, qualified personnel, and a sound system for collecting and exchanging scientific and technical information. Russia highly values UNESCO’s initiatives and programmes in the fields of science and education that have helped young talented scientists and engineers receive the opportunity to actively promote their projects in this area.
Protecting the environment requires our constant attention. As such, Russia considerably changed the route of the Eastern Siberia — Pacific Ocean pipeline with a view to eliminating potential threats to the unique natural entity, Lake Baikal. A number of steps have also been taken to preserve the environment in Sakhalin.
I am confident that the proposals and initiatives developed during the conference will help promote an extensive international dialogue and constructive cooperation in resolving strategic tasks for ensuring energy security.“