Safeguarding energy and supply flows: Supporting global development through international cooperation - Economic and Social Council, Special meeting, 2026 Session
Australian Intervention
Statement delivered by Ms. Victoria Gellis, Senior Advisor, Australian Mission to the United Nations
15 May 2026
Thank you, Chair.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development affirms the critical role of affordable and reliable energy in sustainable development.
The conflict in the Middle East is disrupting fuel markets and supply routes – adding uncertainty to an already-strained global economy.
When energy security is disrupted, the impacts are immediate – higher shipping costs, inflationary pressure, and tougher choices for governments and households, to name just a few.
This reminds us just how exposed we all are to energy shocks, and how cooperation and resilience is paramount to managing risks and ensuring recovery.
I’d like to make three points.
Firstly, these shocks are having a disproportionate impact on our region, where many countries import almost all their fuel.
Small Island Developing States, like those in the Pacific, are acutely exposed to supply chain disruptions and rising fuel costs.
Volatility in oil prices quickly becomes volatility in electricity costs, transport costs, and connectivity.
We encourage all partners to protect open and stable global supply routes so essential shipments can reach the most vulnerable countries.
Secondly, disruptions have highlighted that the clearest way to reduce exposure to these shocks is to continue to drive action and support the clean energy transition.
That means accelerating the shift to diversified energy systems, scaling renewables, lifting efficiency, and investing in infrastructure more resilient to shocks.
As President of the negotiations, we will ensure COP31 puts a global spotlight on Pacific climate impacts and solutions.
Finally, Australia is taking action to help prevent hard won development gains being lost in our region.
We are working with Pacific partners to support fuel imports and manage the impacts of supply shocks, including with Fiji, as a supply hub for the region, and other Pacific partners to support shared energy security.
President – Australia’s support for our partners is also exemplified by our ODA budget, announced on Tuesday – which further prioritises our region and delivers flexibility to respond to emerging fuel shocks.
Australia remains a reliable development partner – one firmly committed to our region and to advancing the SDGs globally.
Thank you.