Implementing global plan of action for the Energy Decade

Excellencies, dear colleagues, welcome to this special event on implementing the Global Plan of Action for the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All to 2030. This event is convened by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in collaboration with UN Energy and the Group of Friends of Sustainable Energy. My name is Bahar Sayedi. I'm a senior Sustainable Energy and Climate Advisor at UN DESA, and I have the pleasure of moderating this opening and first segment of our event today. As a reminder, the Global Plan of Action for the Decade for Sustainable Energy for All was called for by the United Nations General Assembly. It sets out measures to be taken by member states, UN system, and multi-stakeholder partners to accelerate progress on energy in support of achieving the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the climate objectives of the Paris Agreement. During this event, we bring together leaders from around the world to exchange their experiences, identify opportunities, and build further momentum to accelerate implementation of SDG 7 towards 2030 and beyond. Without further ado, Let me introduce the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, USG Lee, to deliver his welcoming remarks. USG Lee, the floor is yours. Thank you.

Thank you, Bahara. Excellencies, distinguished participants, dear UN colleagues, it is my great honor to welcome you all to this special event. I extend my gratitude to Ambassador Bahara the Vice President of ECOSOC to join us today. My sincere appreciation goes to the co-chairs of the Group of Friends for Sustainable Energy— Denmark, Ethiopia, Norway, and Pakistan— for their dedicated leadership. I'd also commend the leadership of the UN Energy co-chairs for advancing the UN collective work on the SDG 7. As the chair of this year's tracking SDG7 report, that's the Energy Progress Report, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the SDG7 Indicator Custodian Agencies, as well as to the members of the SDG7 Technical Advisory Group. Excellencies, dear colleagues, with less than 5 years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda,, the need to accelerate the implementation has never been greater. The review of the SDG7s yesterday highlighted both the progress achieved since 2015 and the immense scale of the challenges ahead. Tracking SDG7s, the Energy Progress Report 2026 shows that 655 55 million people still lack access to electricity and 2 billion people remained without access to clean cooking fuels and technologies. The SDG policy brief to be launching— to be launched today provides clear targeted recommendations to advance sustainable energy while generating critical co-benefits across the broader 2030 Agenda. Our task is clear: we must move from incremental progress to accelerated implementation. The UN General Assembly has laid a strong foundation for action. The UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All and its Global Plan of Action provide a shared framework for accelerating progress. To support these efforts, the UN Energy has launched the Work Programme 2026-2030. This shared strategic framework will mobilize the partnerships, coordinate efforts, and drive accelerated implementation through the end of this decade. As the Secretary-General for UN Energy, my department, UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs, remains fully committed to strengthening the UN coordination to advance the SDG 7s. Dear colleagues, the 7th Global Conference on Climate and SDG Synergies held in Bangkok last week delivered a clear message: climate action and energy security must advance in tandem. This imperative is equally vital for upcoming COP 31 in Antalya. Looking ahead, the SDG Summit 2027 will be another pivotal opportunity to accelerate the implementation in the final stretch to 2030, while laying the foundations for sustained action well beyond 2030. Let us strengthen our collective resolve to expand access to clean and affordable energy ensuring that the opportunities and benefits of the just energy transition are truly shared by all. Thank you.

Thank you very much, USG Lee. I now have the honor to invite His Excellency Mr. Payur Hovhannisyan, Vice President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, to deliver his keynote address. Ambassador, the floor is yours.

Thank you very much, Excellencies. Under-Secretary-General Lijian, Secretary-General Hao Liang, distinguished colleagues. There are some of humanity's greatest achievements that we notice only when they are absent: clean water, peace, trust, and energy. We flip a switch without a second thought. We expect hospitals to remain open through the night, we expect schools to welcome children each morning, we expect food to be refrigerated, communications to function, businesses to open, and communities to thrive. We simply assume that energy will be there. Perhaps that is the greatest compliment we can pay it, but for more than 600 million people, that certainly does not exist. When energy is absent, possibilities shrink. The simplest daily tasks become more difficult. Communities struggle to prosper. The future becomes harder to imagine. That is why Sustainable Development Goal 7 is about more than energy systems or infrastructure. It's about dignity. It's about ensuring that every person everywhere has the means to build a life of security, Prosperity and Hope. Yesterday, during the thematic reviews at the High-Level Political Forum, we reviewed SDG 7 and its interlinkages for the third time since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda. Today, we have the opportunity to build on that discussion by focusing on how the Global Plan of Action for the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All can help accelerate progress in the years ahead. Without clean energy, progress across the 2030 Agenda becomes significantly more difficult. With it, we can unlock transformative advances in poverty eradication, gender equality, climate action, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth. Yet despite important gains over the past decade, the world remains off track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 by 2030. Around 2 billion people continue to rely on polluting fuels and technologies for cooking, while investment gaps remain particularly acute in countries in special situation, including least developed countries, landlocked developing countries like mine, and small island developing states, and many African countries. Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and rising energy demand remind us that energy security, sustainable development, and climate action are increasingly interconnected. Only weeks ago, at the ECOSOC Special Meeting on Safeguarding Energy and Supply Flows, Member States reaffirmed that resilient energy systems are fundamental not only to economic stability but also to food security, health, education, and sustainable development. That message is equally relevant to our discussion today. The Global Plan of Action for the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All to 2030 provides an important framework for collective action. It brings together governments, international organizations, development banks, private sector, and other stakeholders around a common vision: accelerating progress through practical solutions, stronger cooperation, and increased investment. As we enter the final years before 2030, We must make full use of framework to strengthen partnerships, mobilize investment, and accelerate implementation. Throughout this ECOSOC cycle, from the coordination segment to Youth Forum and our special meeting in May, we have heard a consistent message. The challenge before us is not defining what needs to be done, but delivering it better together. We must scale up investments in clean energy, ensuring that we leave no one behind. We must strengthen enabling policy and regulatory frameworks, deepen international cooperation, and support innovation and capacity building. I am encouraged by the leadership and innovation emerging across regions. Our task today is to build on these successes and scale them up. Let us use today's event to strengthen partnership, build momentum behind the Global Plan of Action, and accelerate progress Towards Sustainable Development Goal 7. The promise of the 2030 Agenda is a world where prosperity is shared, opportunities are inclusive, and development is sustainable. Achieving that vision will require universal access to sustainable energy and just, inclusive, and equitable energy transitions. Our success will ultimately be measured not only by how quickly the energy transition advances, but by whether every country and every community can participate in and benefit from our transition. I would like to thank you very much for your participation and commitment to achieving this promise. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Ambassador. I now wish to invite Ms. Damilola Ogunbeye, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and UN Energy Co-Chair. Ms. Ogumbe, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Vice President of ECOSOC, Under-Secretary Lee of DESA, Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of UNDP, Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends. It's a pleasure to stand before you today at this special event on the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for for the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All and the launch of the UN Energy Work Programme for the period between 2026 and 2030. Today's launch responds directly to the mandates set out by Member States through the extension of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All to 2030 and to the Secretary-General's call for an updated global plan of action that turns this political commitment into concrete progress. The UN Energy Work Plan is our collective UN system contribution to this mandate to strengthen coherence, reduce fragmentation, mobilize partnerships, and support member states to find— in the final push to achieve SDG 7. The convergence of energy, digitalization, and the industrial transformation offers a unique opportunity to accelerate progress across all the SDGs. Reliable, affordable, and clean electricity is increasingly becoming the foundation of digital economies, enabling artificial intelligence, resilient infrastructure, productive industries, and modern public services. This marks SDG 7 not only as an energy objective, but a foundation for resilience, competitiveness, climate action, and human dignity. In the past decade, the global community has made significant strides towards achieving SDG 7. Millions of people have gained access to electricity for the first time. Thanks to the efforts from government organizations, communities, and many of you in this room, renewable energy sources have seen unprecedented growth, accounting for a substantial portion of the global energy mix. We have seen the distributed renewable energy systems becoming a fundamental part of least-cost approaches for reaching unserved populations. Investment in clean energy technologies have surged, driving the cost down and accelerating the transition. We can all agree how— with all the progress we've made, there's a lot more to do. The latest Tracking SDG 7 report and the SDG 7 policy briefs that were officially launched today are clear. SDG 7 is off track on every target. On the current trends to 2030, will be missed across the board. This also shows that the final years to 2030 must be all about implementation at scale, stronger national strategies, coherent regulations, better data, practical partnerships, and finance that reaches the countries and communities facing the largest gap. Today, as USG Liu said, 655 million people still lack access and around 2 billion— access to electricity, sorry— and around 2 billion people still lack access to clean cooking. Our Sustainable Energy for All data shows that half of the 22 largest electricity deficit countries improved more slowly between 2019 and 2024 than ever before, and the lowest access states are going backwards. This shows that countries furthest behind need tailored, intensified support, not the same average effort. If we do not do this and close the gap by 2030, we cannot achieve our climate goals by 2050. To illustrate this point, the Tracking SDG 7 report shows that in rural sub-Saharan Africa, those living without electricity grew from 376 million in 2010 to 444 million in 2024. Ladies and gentlemen, the world cannot achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement while billions of people remain excluded from modern energy services. Expanding access to electricity and clean cooking is amongst one of the most cost-effective climate investments available, enabling countries to reduce emissions while strengthening Resilience. With more than 90% of new renewable energy now cheaper than the least-cost fossil fuel equivalent, the case for rapidly scaling up decentralized renewable energy is stronger than ever before. The pathway to meet global goals must therefore place energy access and clean cooking at its core. What we think is missing is not ideas, but it's the pace that we do this, finance, and also fully integrating gender as part of the solution instead of just a beneficiary. On finance, this must be more targeted to geographies where deficits and risk and under— and underinvestment overlap. We know that right now only 2% of global clean energy investments are actually going to the African continent. With the African continent responsible for 80% of the electricity target goals, this must really change. In terms of gender, we also think it's very critical that now tracking gender targets, making sure women are included as a solution provider, is critical unless we would not achieve this goal. I also want to share some of the good points and highlight some of the great work that has been happening. One of the most important public-private partnerships that we've seen of late is a program called Mission 300, which is the World Bank and the African Development Bank's effort to connect an additional 300 million people in Africa to electricity. Instead of being fragmented, we have to come together and support this program. Which has already seen over 50 million people being connected to energy. I'm now going to conclude with the work that we've been doing through UN Energy, and I'm going to highlight that the UN Energy Work Plan Program 2026 to 2030 is really at the heart of the UN Energy leadership. I'm really glad to present this in this room today and to— across the world. It is my pleasure to formally launch this, because this is the UN's approach to solving this issue of SDG 7. I'd like to thank everybody and my colleagues and my co-chairs on this, Manoro, Nadine, and the team, everybody in the background that never really gets seen. I see Riyad over there, that have worked tirelessly to say that this is the UN's response on us solving this issue. As I conclude, again, I would just like to express my gratitude and support to all of you in this room, and the whole UN energy ecosystem. And thank you for listening.

Thank you very much, Damilola. I would like to invite now Mr. Halyang Du, Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme. Mr. Du, you have the floor. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Today, as we launch the UN Energy Work Programme 2026-2030 and review SDG 7 at HLPF, we have an opportunity to redefine the role of energy across the 2030 Agenda. When the 2030 Agenda was adopted, one of the central questions was how do we deliver sustainable Clean and affordable energy for all. Since then, the world has made remarkable progress. Global electricity access has increased from 87% to 92%. In 2025, clean electricity met all growth of global power demand. Solar delivered three-quarters of that growth, while renewables generated more electricity than coal for the first time in history. Yet at the same time, as mentioned earlier, nearly 2 billion people still rely on polluting fuels for cooking, causing around 3.2 million premature deaths annually. So as we enter the final years of the 2030 Agenda, the challenge is not just to deliver energy, It is to use energy to accelerate development. Today, energy security, resilience, and competitiveness are inseparable. The convergence of the just energy transition, digitalization, and green industrialization represents one of the greatest development opportunities for the Global South. Energy is the engine of economic transformation. It powers irrigation, cold chains, and food processing, where better energy systems could prevent up to 144 million tonnes of food loss every year in developing countries. It powers hospitals, as mentioned, where nearly 1 billion people depend on health facilities— with unreliable electricity. And it enables the green industries that will shape the next generation of jobs, competitiveness, and economic resilience. Realizing these opportunities requires three shifts. First, we must move from financing projects ourselves to building investment-ready pipelines to attract more investments. Universal electricity access requires $33 billion annually through 2030, only one-tenth of the annual upstream oil and gas investment. The priority is to reduce risk, prepare bankable projects, and strengthen the policy and regulatory environment so investment can scale. Through platforms such as PISTA, and the De-risking Renewable Energy Investment Framework. The NDP is already supporting countries including Mauritania, Mozambique, and Côte d'Ivoire to prepare projects that can attract private capital. Second, we must ensure that energy transition creates economic resilience. A just energy transition could reduce import bills by 38%. Creating 14 million jobs, lifting 45 million people out of energy poverty, and unlock $2 trillion of clean energy technology market by 2035. The opportunity is for developing countries to capture more of that value through local manufacturing, innovation, skills, and clean energy value chains. Third, we must build intelligent and responsible energy systems. Grid-related outages already cost the global economy around $100 billion every year, while unreliable electricity can reduce GDP by up to 6% in some countries. Used responsibly, data and AI could save the electricity sector up to $110 billion annually while unlocking up to 175 gigawatts of transmission capacity. At UNDP, we are translating this into action through tools such as Clean Energy Equity Index, using AI and the geospatial intelligence to identify priority investment areas. In underserved communities. Excellencies, across 398 projects in 131 countries benefiting more than 81.5 million people, the NDP is connecting energy with health, food systems, industrial development, digitalization, and resilience. As we look forward to COP 31— and the final years of the 2030 Agenda, the UN Energy Work Programme gives us a unique opportunity to strengthen collective action across the UN System, bringing together our expertise, partnerships and capabilities to help countries accelerate implementation where it matters most. SDG 7 is not only about transforming energy systems, it is about using energy to transform development. Let us work together to deliver on this vision. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, U.S. Jiju. We will now move on to high-level statements. It is my honor to invite His Excellency Minister Timban of the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Liberia. Excellency, the floor is yours.

In a child studied at night, the vaccine kept cool in a rural clinic, the small business that dreams of becoming a large one. Through the Mission 300 Energy Compact, we are working to bring reliable power to 75% of our people back on utility. Today, access has reached 38% on an installed capacity of 146 MW, both hydropower and solar driven. We have already met nearly 80% of our first-year connection target. Hundreds of thousands of Liberians now have access to light. Our power is overwhelmingly renewable, that ties us to the rain. Our power in the dry season, our grid runs roughly 72 megawatts short. We will close the gap with clean power, solar paired with battery storage, and expanded Mt. Coffee and deeper regional hydro power ties. Beyond that, we have identified more than 1,000 megawatts of new generation that are both solar and hydropower driven. Through renewable, mini-grid, and standalone solar, we are carrying light to villages that have never once known the grid, as light is the right for every citizen. We are also launching our first national clean cooking energy, reaching 200,000 households by 2030, because no mother should have to breathe smoke to cook a meal for her children. Excellency, ambition of this skill meets One word: financing. Mission 300 carries a gap of roughly $1.25 billion United States dollars that we cannot bridge alone. So I come not to report, but to invite for concessional finance, for blended investment, and for true partnership. In closing, as you may know, Liberia is not happy with where she is since 1847 and should not be where she is now. Therefore, every megawatt we add brings additional Liberian towns out of the dark. Liberia is reaching for the light. We ask this Assembly to reach back on the sword of the first independent state of Africa, Liberia. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I would like to invite now Her Excellency Ms. Yana Sayii, the Permanent Representative of Palau to the United Nations and the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States. Madam, the floor is yours.

Thank you very much, Madam Moderator, and good morning, everybody. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, For small island developing states, SDG 7 is not simply one goal among many. It's a catalyst for resilient economies, climate action, and sustainable development. Affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy underpins our ability to build resilience, reduce vulnerability, and deliver lasting prosperity for our people. In this regard, we recognize the strong synergies between the Global Plan of Action and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, where investments in sustainable energy also strengthen climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, economic diversification, and long-term development. From the perspective of SIDS, allow me to highlight a few priorities. First, expanding energy access must go hand in hand with strengthening energy security. While many SIDS have made significant progress in expanding access to electricity, we remain heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation and transport. This dependence exposes our economies to volatile energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and mounting fiscal pressures. Therefore, reducing this dependence through reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy systems is essential for strengthening our resilience and creating the conditions for long-term economic growth and prosperity. Second, the energy transition must be just, inclusive, and responsive to national circumstances. SIDS contribute only a negligible share of global emissions, yet we are among the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. For SIDS, the energy transition is about safeguarding development gains, strengthening resilience, and advancing sustainable developments. It must reflect national capacities and priorities while remaining fully aligned with the goal of keeping the 1.5-degree temperature limit within reach. Finally, action ultimately depends on support. Financing remains the single greatest constraint facing many SIDS. High borrowing costs, limited fiscal space, small-scale markets, and inadequate access to concessional finance continue to slow progress despite the enormous renewable energy potential across our islands. Addressing these structural barriers requires scaled-up, predictable, and accessible finance that reflects our vulnerabilities. It also requires strengthened project preparation support, enhanced technology transfer, and investment frameworks capable of mobilizing both public and private capital for small island contexts. And colleagues, I just wanted to basically state the case study from my own island. Our president has recently declared he'd like Palau to be 100% renewable in electricity by 2032. We are currently at 20% with solar and battery storage with a power purchase agreement of $0.12 per kilowatt hour. Our diesel generators during both the Ukraine war and the war in Iran went up to as much as $0.40 per kilowatt hour. So as you can see, a diesel generator costs significantly more than a renewable source. And this is the case across many small islands because we have to import our diesel. So I think that's a case study that within the small islands, transitioning to renewable is not just good for the economy, it's also good for the environment, and it's very good for resilience. What we kind of stood to learn from that exercise is access to finance is really our constraint. And so working across kind of the multilateral climate funds, the development funds, MDVs and IFIs, To allow SIDS concessional finance is key. To really try to recognize more than GNI per capita, but incorporate vulnerability into concessional financing is also key. And also, just reducing the barriers that allow the capacity constraints of SIDS and easier access to finance would go a long way in having us accelerate the renewable energy transition, which would would be good for both our economies and also for climate change. So, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, partnerships will determine whether implementation succeeds, and SIDS can't undertake this transformation alone. Stronger cooperation among governments, the UN system, international financial institutions, development partners, and the private sector will be essential to mobilizing finance, strengthening national capacity and accelerating implementation on the ground. However, achieving SDG 7 is not an end in itself. Its achievement will deliver tangible results for people and communities. So let it be that catalyst for a just and inclusive energy future that reaches every island and leaves no one behind. I thank you.

Thank you, Ambassador. It is my pleasure to invite our next speaker, His Excellency Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. Ambassador, the floor is yours.

Dear colleagues, friends, I speak on behalf of the European Union's member states. Since the 2021 High-Level Dialogue on Energy convened by the Secretary-General, The EU has remained an extremely strong and consistent supporter of SDG 7 and of global efforts to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, and each one of these words actually matters. Now, what we need, of course, as the PR of Palau very correctly said, is practical leadership and partnership. In our role as global theme champion, on energy access and on enabling the Sustainable Development Goals through inclusive and just energy transitions, the EU has helped keep energy at the centre of the sustainable development agenda and of the partnerships around it. We are proud to be a partner in three multi-stakeholder energy compacts convened by UN Energy, spanning zero emission energy roadmaps in select developing countries, to regional energy transition outlooks for Europe, for Asia, for Latin America. We are also supporting the Green Hydrogen Compact, joining governments, companies, and knowledge partners to advance green hydrogen as a viable solution for a net-zero future. Now, more broadly, we are strong champions of the spirit of the global compact approach. Bringing together governments, the United Nations system, international financial institutions, the private sector, civil society, and knowledge partners to drive collective action. It is trite to say that no one can do it alone, but it's just so true here that without those partnerships you're not going to have us, the G7. So we are moving down that road, leading and determined to make it succeed. Now, the EU has also remained a firm supporter of sustainable energy for all, and the Global Forum in Barbados in 2025, we joined other global leaders in pledging stronger cooperation and solidarity to accelerate a just and equitable energy transition, and of course to strengthen climate resilience. Now, friends, this G7 stands out as one of the most transformative goals of the 2030 Agenda. The world has made tremendous progress on energy access and the clean energy transition has become unstoppable. However, the global energy crisis is undermining development, deepening inequalities and threatening the achievement of the SDGs. Fact. That's a fact. For the European Union, this means accelerating implementation both domestically and internationally. The EU response to the recent energy crisis combines immediate crisis coordination, naturally, with a faster transition at the same time towards affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy, stronger grids, storage and electrification. Furthermore, the Electrification Action Plan, foreseen in July 2026, will speed up the cost-effective and system-friendly electrification of the EU's energy consumption in transport, industry and buildings, accompanied by continuous investments in clean energy and flexibility. Now, that's the domestic part. Internationally, the EU is contributing through its Global Gateway strategy, which supports sustainable and high-quality infrastructure partnerships around the world. Through Global Gateway and together with our Member States under a Team Europe approach, We are investing billions in clean energy grids, connectivity and enabling regulatory frameworks, with a particular focus on partner countries most in need. This reflects our conviction that the energy transition must be just, must be inclusive and must be grounded in long-term partnerships. The United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All provides an important political mandate and a shared framework for action. Its Global Plan for Action offers clear guidelines for the work ahead. In that context, we welcome the launch of key publications supporting the SDG7 review, including Tracking SDG7 and the SDG7 Policy Briefs 2026. Now these— okay, you just say— you know, more documents. No, these will provide an essential evidence base for informed decision-making. We need that, not just words, informed decision-making to get things done. We further welcome the launch of UN Energy's Work Programme for 2026-2030, setting out 6 priority areas for collective action towards SDG 7. So, in closing, I want to assure you, dear friends, and your colleagues that the European Union remains committed to working with the United Nations and with all partners to accelerate progress towards SDG 7 and to advance a sustainable, resilient and climate-neutral future for all. And I hope we succeed. I know we'll succeed. Thank you.

Thank you, Ambassador. I would like to now invite Ms. Armida Sassi Alicia Banna, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. Ms. Banna, the floor is yours.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, and friends, as we gathered at this high-level political forum, 2030 is approaching very fast. However, at the current pace, the full achievement of SDGs 7 remains unlikely. Geopolitical tensions and intensifying climate impacts continue to disrupt energy markets, weaken reliability, and expose deep vulnerabilities in our systems. Yet amid these challenges, I'm encouraged to share that the Asia-Pacific region has made significant progress towards SDG 7 targets. Access to electricity has reached 99%. Putting us on track for universal access by 2030. Access to clean cooking has risen to 81%. This is a remarkable improvement, yet more than— still a billion people still rely on polluting fuels and technology. Renewable energy is expanding, and the region hosts some of the world's largest installations. But the share of renewables in the energy mix has increased by just 1.2 percentage points since 2016, far too slowly. Energy efficiency, our first fuel, has also improved modestly. To meet SG7 targets, efficiency gains must be deeper, faster, and sustained. We are working to support member states in this direction. Through the National SG7 Roadmap, we provide practical pathways tailored to national contexts, helping to translate ambition into action. We are advancing cross-border power system connectivity through frameworks such as the Regional Roadmap on Power System Connectivity. As a regional commission, we connect regional cooperation with country-level implementation including by enabling countries to learn from one another and to turn global commitments into concrete action. Going forward, I urge Member States to take 3 critical steps. First is to accelerate national transition by scaling up renewables, strengthening energy efficiency, and delivering universal access to clean cooking. Second, to invest in regional cooperation, including cross-border connectivity and resilient, sustainable supply chain. And third, mobilize finance at scale, aligning public resources and unlocking private capital for those most in need. The choices we make today will determine whether SDG 7 is delivered reality. For this, we stand ready to deepen cooperation with member states as well as partners in this endeavor. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. It is now my honor to invite Ms. Rania Al-Mashat, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. Madam, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, dear colleagues. The last few months in the ESCWA region and across the globe have demonstrated how central the energy sector is for people, peace, and prosperity. Indeed, SDG 7 is far more than an energy goal. It is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable development, enabling economic growth, job creation, poverty alleviation, climate action, and equality. From an ESCWA perspective, the story of SG7 is one of both progress and opportunity. Despite conflicts, economic shocks, and uncertainty, the Arab region achieved 92% across— access to electricity and near-universal access in urban centers, while access to clean cooking increased to 84%, which is above the global average. Yet progress is insufficient to achieve the SDG7 targets by 2030. To advance, the region must scale investments, scale infrastructure, and scale implementation. And this is doable. The Arab region is home to some of the world's richest renewable energy resources and lowest production costs. Scaling renewable energy, uh, energy shines the pathways towards greater resilience, competitiveness, and energy security. This is why ESCWA works with countries to map solar energy installations and potential, as well as de-risk investments in underserved communities to target interventions where they matter most. ESCWA also advocates for strengthening human capital for the energy transition, which can create green jobs and economic opportunity for the region's unemployed youth. Yet despite this potential and ambitious net-zero commitments, the region attracts only a limited share of sustainable energy investments. Closing this financing gap requires mobilizing public and private finance and crowding in investments. This includes ensuring that vulnerable and conflict-affected countries can also secure grants, concessional loans, and blended finance to ensure that no one is left behind. Integrated national financing frameworks and country platforms advocated in Seville just one year ago can help countries mobilize the finance for development they need. But finance alone also is not enough. The future of energy in the Arab region will not be built country by country. It will be built through connectivity. Integrated energy markets, stronger electricity interconnections, and cross-border investments are unlocking economies of scale, increasing resilience to shocks, and making ambition implementable. In an interconnected world, cooperation is our most valuable commodity and public good. ESCWA is supporting member states forge cooperation and interconnections through digitization, stronger grids, greater system flexibility, and responsible value chains for critical energy transition minerals across countries and sub-regions to accelerate progress. Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome stronger collaboration across the UN system through the UN Energy Work Programme, which provides opportunities to move from ambition to action. We are equally pleased to have contributed to SDG 7 policy briefs that provide guidance to SDG 7 acceleration. Looking beyond 2030, sustaining progress will require leadership, investment, and infrastructure to implement enhanced cooperation and capacity on the ground. The Arab region has the resources and the ambition to lead the energy transition. Through collective action, we can secure sustainable energy as the driver of inclusive sustainable development for current and future generations to come. And I just want to mention that everybody here around the room, we've worked together in different capacities, and it's fantastic to have not just colleagues and friends, but really people who are convicted and believe in the mission, not just at a global stage, but also for all member states. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. It is now my pleasure to invite Ms. Francesco La Camera, the Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency. Mr. La Camera, the floor is yours.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, dear friends, buongiorno, good morning everyone. Allow me, on behalf of the International Renewable Energy Agency, to extend my gratitude to the UNNDESA and the SDG7 Eco-Custodian. Our collective presence here reflects the enduring importance we place on sustainable energy. And our unwavering commitment to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 11 years on from the adoption of SDG 7, its relevance has only grown more urgent. From 4 years from 2030, the numbers tell two different stories at once. One is a story of extraordinary progress. The other is a story of a deadline that we are not yet on track to meet. Let me start with progress. In 2025, the world added a record of 692 gigawatts of renewable capacity. Solar PV installation alone added over 500 gigawatts globally last year. And the reason is simple: it is cheap, It is reliable. Our newly released ARENA report on cost data confirmed this. In 2025, over 90% of newly commissioned utility-scale capacity deliver power at a lower cost than the cheapest newly installed fossil fuel alternative. Since 2010, the cost of solar PV has fallen by 89%. Onshore wind by 71%, and offshore wind by 63%, with 4-hour utility-scale battery cost falling by 95%. This is not only a climate story anymore. It is increasingly a story of energy security and competitiveness. With fossil fuels costly and short supply, 24/7 round-the-clock renewables and batteries are doing double the duty as the cheapest power available and the geopolitical shock absorber against fuel price volatility, as has been witnessed by the delegates from Palau here today. However, while our progress is clear, the newly released SDG7 tracking reports outline that global energy access gap and distance to 2030 is just as visible. The global electricity access rate has stalled at 92%. 650 million people still live without electricity, with sub-Saharan Africa impacted most. 2 billion still cook in hazardous and unhealthy ways, from firewood to coal. This is why, Irina, we believe that this decade must be both the decade of sustainable energy for all and the decade of electrification. Electrification is the glue that holds stable and prosperous communities together. Electrification is how we deliver access. Decentralized renewables and mini-grids are now reaching close to 450 million people, increasing 64 million in a single year. Electrification is how we absorb the next wave of global energy demand,— across transport, building and industry. Electric vehicles, data centers, artificial intelligence— these are not future demand drivers. They are here now. And they are growing fast. Under ARENA 1.5°C pathway, electricity share of final energy consumption needs to more than double from 23% today to to 35% by 2035 and to 56% by 2050. These are the numbers of our report on transitioning from fossil fuel that the Brazilian COP30 presidency asked us to prepare, and we have launched together with the COP31 presidency, Turkey, during the Climate Week recently. Generation costs are largely a solved problem. The constraints are now shifted to grids, to flexibility, and to the cost of capital. We require as much as nearly $1 trillion of investment in grids and power system flexibility solutions each year until 2030 to stay on track toward the goal of tripling renewable capacity globally by 2030. This requires de-risking. Conceptual finance has been said by many. And stronger implementation focus above all in Africa, in LDCs, in landlocked countries and the cities. So, dear friends, in conclusion, our task looking beyond this forum is threefold: close the energy access gap with the same urgency that has driven down technology costs; build the grids and flexibility solutions that let an electrified, renewable-based system actually function. And fix the finance architecture so that geography is no longer destiny. ARENA stands ready, as we always have, to support every country, especially the most vulnerable, in turning this decade of sustainable energy for all into a decade of delivery. Grazie molte. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. I now invite Mr. Dimitrios Papathanasio, Global Director, Energy Global Department of the World Bank Group. Sir, the floor is yours.

Thank you very much, Your Excellencies. Good morning. It's really nice to be with everyone to discuss energy. We will be launching today the tracking report for SDG7 alongside the SDG7 policy briefs., and I would like to acknowledge the good work that we've been doing with the 5 custodian agencies: the World Health Organization, the UN Statistics Division, IRENA, the IEA, and of course us at the World Bank. So at the World Bank Group, we believe that there is no modern economy without modern energy. Modern energy is fundamental. We need it. We need it to be sustainable, affordable, reliable, and we need it to be modern. Talking to many colleagues around the world these days, we know that one of the most important uses of electricity is to watch the World Cup. And all of you who have seen some of the games in the last few days, there's a lot of excitement and everyone is glued on it. So it really matters on every level. It creates jobs, it creates economic development, and we need it to find out what is happening around the world. To be around the things that unite us together as a world. Now, as we will discuss later, there has been a lot of progress made recently. From 2015 to today, we have gone from 87% to 92% in access, and this is good progress. But of course, as we're getting to the last few percentage points, the pace of electrification has slowed down. There's still more than 650 million people without electricity. More than 560 million of them are in sub-Saharan Africa. At the current rate, we will not reach universal access by 2030. We have to more than triple the pace of progress. This is hard, but it is also doable because technology is evolving. A lot of you mentioned how renewable energy is contributing— solar, batteries— and this enables us to do more. And we have seen through the Mission 300 that we are doing together with the African Development Bank, a coalition of more than 35 partners—many of you are around here—and we are working to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030. Already more than 30 countries have launched national energy compacts. These are policy reform packages that set targets to expand access, boost renewable energy use and attract private capital. While making power sectors and utilities more sustainable, both financially and operationally. We have already connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries since we launched Mission 300, and we have doubled the pace that we have been making access since we launched the initiative. Now, a main challenge remains clean cooking, and it's very significant and one that we really need to all work together together. As others have mentioned, about 2 billion people still rely on polluting cooking fuels, and just to put it in perspective, this is 1 out of every 4 people in the planet. 1 out of 4 are cooking with polluting fuels, and this is especially impactful for women, for girls, and little boys. So we have to continue to focus on clean cooking. It remains a big challenge, and we are committed to work with UN agencies our other colleagues in the development banks, a lot of the private sector initiatives to do better on that. So the World Bank Group, we look forward to extending and deepening our collaboration through UN Energy, the Mission 300, and similar initiatives for sustainable energy for all. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. I'm delighted to now invite Ms. Anna Potts, National SDG Coordinator of the Netherlands. Ms. Pott, the floor is yours. Can you hear me?

Yes. Well, we are grateful for UN DESA to organize this special event. And as we have heard before, also from our minister from Liberia, important gains have been met. Also in the Netherlands, my country, we have now reached 20% of electricity use generated from renewable energy. But also in today's report, the SDG Global Report, I was reading that 30% of global power generation comes from renewable energy sources. That's good news. But as been said before, progress on universal access to affordable, reliable energy remains uneven and too slow. The review of the SDG 7 at this year's HLPF therefore comes at a critical juncture. We need to accelerate, as mentioned here before, implementation and strengthen political commitment. We need sustainable energy systems that are resilient, diversified, and decentralized. Decentralized sustainable energy sources can be reliable alternatives to fossil fuels. As we've heard from our colleague from Palau, we've seen during the crisis that fossil fuels are characterized by volatile energy prices. In follow-up to COP28 this year, Colombia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands organized the first conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels in Santa Marta. The conference brought together 57 countries. At this conference, business, governments, and youth worked together. And as an outcome, 3 work streams were developed to keep the work going. Countries here that wish to engage constructively in accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels are more than welcome to join our work. But now I would like to hand over and give the floor to our youth delegate who showed great effort on this topic. May I represent here Ischata Rostovkin?

Yes, thank you so much, Anna, for giving me the floor. Good morning, Excellencies. Today I will share a message on behalf of the youth. Energy today is no longer just a topic related to climate change only. It took a geopolitical crisis to reveal itself for many people to fully realize that how dependent we are on global dependence on fossil fuels, and how deeply it affects our security, prosperity, but also our future. That is one of the reasons why we as youth representatives wrote the Global Youth Declaration for the first international conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels. And within this declaration, we brought together the voices from young people from all around the world. And propose solutions to transition away from fossil fuels. This initiative showed that despite the polarization which we see today in the world, we as youth from both the Global North and Global South were still able to work together towards a shared purpose. Because also my generation wants and deserves a prosperous future. But that future, that prosperity cannot just solely rely upon resources that eventually will run out. And above all harm the planet, our world, our home. At the same time, we should also not try to solve one crisis by creating another. Yes, we need renewable energy, but we have to ensure that obtaining the materials needed for it are sourced responsibly. And above all, let's not forget to put people and the planet at the heart of the energy transition. Thank you so much.

Thank you very much. This concludes the high-level statement segment. Colleagues, please join me in a round of applause for all of our distinguished speakers for their valuable remarks. Before we proceed to the next segment of the event, we will take a brief pause to allow for a seating change. I would now like to invite the co-chairs of the Group of Energy— Group of Friends for Sustainable energy to join us at the head table. Thank you so much.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, everyone. Everyone, attention please. Can we please come to order? We need to continue. We have a full program today. Thank you very much. Do I have to be even louder? Everyone, oh yes, please go ahead. Thank you. Thank you for that. Yes. It's my pleasure to now moderate the launch of the Tracking SDG7, the Energy Progress Report, and the SDG7 policy briefs in support of the HOPF 2026. And I want to underline that these two documents are really fundamental for the discussions on energy here in New York. As well as really worldwide. And not only that, there's a reason for that as well. These are products of unmatched expertise and cooperation. And so it's really a great pleasure to moderate this launch, and I am delighted to invite the co-chairs of the Group of Friends for Sustainable Energy, to deliver opening remarks for this segment. I first turn to His Excellency Mr. Tesfaye Yilma Sabo, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Thank you, Moderator, for giving me the floor. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to deliver remarks as a co-chair of the Group of Friends for Sustainable Energy. The energy— Over the past decade, the world has made significant progress on energy access and the energy transition has become irreversible on the whole. The review of SDG 7 at the 2026 HLPF comes at a decisive moment. With 4 years left, it represents a critical opportunity under the HLPF process to assess progress and identify concrete actions. The 2026 SDG7 report brings clarity to the energy agenda. Globally, the rate of access to electricity is not making much progress. In 2024, 655 million people were still without electricity. Investment in electricity access remains far below what is needed to achieve universal access by 2030. While the issue of clean cooking is relatively gaining political attention, it remains one of the most overlooked parts of SDG 7. But scale and coordination is still lagging. A strong alignment and synchronization with other relevant sectors, including environment, health, education, agriculture, and finance, to deliver affordable solutions is a vital imperative. For Ethiopia, accelerating SDG 7 Energy stands out as one of the most important priorities. In a decade, Ethiopia advanced household electrification from 20% to over 60%. To this end, we have invested significantly in the development of clean, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy in the past decade. We achieved significant progress with more than 95% of our electricity being generated from renewable sources. We aim for nearly 100% renewable electricity by leveraging hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal resources. The government is also advancing electrification in transport, agriculture, and industrial sector. For Ethiopia, this is not just an energy transition, and climate resilience. It's a matter of macroeconomic stability, job creation, and economic diversification. Despite these achievements, energy access continues to pose a critical challenge. Nearly 56% of the population still lacks access to basic electric services, particularly in rural areas of Ethiopia. However, this is not just a rural-urban divide. Financing, investment, and infrastructure gap remains a significant bottleneck. The high cost of capital for energy projects compared to that of developed regions is also a major barrier, stalling investment in greater energy access. Despite these challenges, effective partnerships and innovative financing provide a critical window of opportunity. Partnerships such as the Mission 300 represent a new model of diversity delivery built on national ownerships, innovative financing, and measurable outcomes. Ethiopia, as host of COP32, will continue to work with all partners and make the case for clean energy and SDG 7. Looking ahead, clean energy access remains a critical development frontier to accelerate the implementation of all other key SDGs and to build a fairer, resilient and sustainable world for current and future generations. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Your Excellency. Next, I now invite His Excellency Mr. Erik Larsen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations. Ambassador, over to you.

Thank you. Thank you, Moderator. Good morning, everyone. I would like to thank UN DESA for convening this very, very important discussion as part of the SDG7 review and implementation. Consultation of the Global Plan of Action. At the outset, let me stress that Denmark is fully committed to SDG 7, and we are indeed very proud to co-chair the Group of Friends for Sustainable Energy here in New York, and happy to be here with fellow co-chairs. We see encouraging progress, and that includes record global investments of $2.3 trillion in the energy transition. However, at the same time, as has always been— already been stressed today, we must not lose sight of the significant gaps that remain. 655 million people still lack access to electricity, and more than 2 billion people still cook over open fires or basic stoves. So with only a few years left until 2030, we must clearly accelerate Action. And this means three things in our view. Firstly, scaling up renewable energy deployments. Secondly, doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements. And thirdly, mobilizing far greater investments in clean energy. Therefore, also we very much welcome the launch of the tracking report, the policy briefs, and the UN Energy Work Programme. For the coming years, which will provide an important roadmap. Clearly, sustainable energy is not only a climate imperative. This has been mentioned by many today already. It is also a matter of energy security, of resilience, and clearly of economic opportunity. Renewable energy is now the most cost-effective source of new power in many, many parts of the world. And many developing countries, particularly in Africa, have enormous renewable potential. But we also see that investments are needed. More investments are needed. Countries that face the largest energy access gaps receive only a small share of global clean energy finance. We therefore need to significantly increase finance, and especially innovative financing. Development assistance, of course, has an important catalytic role to play in mobilizing private investments and accelerating sustainable development. I would like to mention also, with reference to Palau's PR intervention this morning, that to support those facing the largest gaps, Denmark is currently working with the Pacific Resilience Facility on regional energy governance, which aims at advancing a fossil Fuel Free Pacific, and we have just prepared a new grant to support climate and disaster resilience in the Pacific. Our success depends on turning commitments into action. Implementation at scale has also been mentioned. Expanding energy access must go hand in hand with accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. The private sector will be indispensable to achieving SDG 7, and Denmark is very pleased that our companies are helping deliver commercially viable green solutions all around the world. Denmark remains firmly committed to working with the UN and with all partners to ensure that access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy really becomes a reality for everyone. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Ambassador Thank you, Director. I now wish to invite the indicator custodian agencies to present the Tracking SDG 7 report. First, I am delighted to invite the chair of this year's report, Mr. Shantanu Mukherjee, Director of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division and Acting Director of the Statistics Division, UNDESA. Mr. Mukherjee, you have the floor.

Mārtin, morning everybody. It is my pleasure to introduce the SDG7 Tracking Report for 2026, and it was a privilege for the UN Statistics Division at DESA to be the rotating chair for this year from among the 5 custodian agencies. Our report, I'm glad to see, is well known and very familiar to you all already, so I'm not sure introduction is the right way to put it. But it gives us a chance to reflect a little on the latest data and analysis regarding access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. The data show progress, which is encouraging, but also highlight that this is uneven and must be stepped up to meet the aspirations of SDG 7. We report that 655 million people still lack access lack access to electricity and 2 billion lack access to clean cooking fuels and technology. Deprivations tend to be concentrated by region. While 9 out of 10 globally have access to electricity, almost 9 out of 10 of those who do not are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clean cooking access gaps, likewise, are mostly observed concentrated in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Thank you. The report highlights the critical need to scale up international support and investments and to focus on affordability and vulnerable communities. As energy security becomes more urgent in many national priorities, political momentum and market forces may be converging to present a unique opportunity for accelerating the clean energy transition. That can be vital for unleashing progress across multiple SDGs in the closing years of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Tracking Report provides high-quality, trustworthy evidence for directing our efforts towards achieving clean, modern, and sustainable energy for all by 2030. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Shantanu. I now invite the custodians to present the report, and the presentations will be made by Ms. Fanny Misfeldt-Ringius, ESMAP Practice Manager for Access and Data, World Bank; Ms. Heather Adair-Rouhani, Technical Lead on Energy and Health, World Health Organization; Ms. Anastasia Kefalidou, Acting Chief, IRENA office in New York and Permanent Observer to the United Nations; Mr. Dan Wetzel, Head of Tracking Sustainable Transitions Unit, International Energy Agency, has sent a video message which we'll be displaying, and Mr. Leonardo Sousa, Chief of the Energy Statistics Section, United Nations Statistics Division. With that, over to you, Fanny.

Thank you so much, Martin. Your Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, partners, and friends, good morning. We thank our fellow custodians, the UN, WHO, IRENA, and the IEA, to have worked together on this important report. It is an honor to be presenting it alongside with them. I'm happy to present to you on behalf of the World Bank Group and ESMAP the first chapter of the 2026 Tracking SDG 7 Energy Progress Report. This chapter provides an updated assessment of the global progress on electricity access and the remaining gaps. Globally, and we've heard the number today a lot already, 655 million people still lack access to electricity in 2025. Can you present the first slide, please? While the global access rate stands at 92%, progress continues, but at a slower pace than in previous years. The report estimates that achieving universal access by 2030 would require accelerating progress to about 1.3% per year. That's roughly 3 times the current rate. The remaining access gap is increasingly concentrated in remote rural areas and in regions affected by fragility, conflict, and violence. In many of these context, please leave the previous slide. In many of these contexts, conventional grid extension is often not the least cost or more feasible solution, which is increasing the importance of decentralized and tailored approaches to electrification. As the graph really shows, and which shows how access rates have evolved over the last decade, Sub-Saharan Africa remains central to the global challenge. The region accounts for 85% of the global unelectrified population, and 18 of the 20 countries with the largest access deficits are located there, including 12 fragile and conflict-affected countries. Please, next slide. This slide shows where the gaps lie, in which countries, and it highlights that the top 3 countries where progress needs to be made are Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia. At this time, progress within countries continues. Between 2010 and 2024, urban access increased from 96% to 98%, while rural access increased from 73 to 85%. However, the rural access deficit in sub-Saharan Africa has grown to approximately 447 million people, reflecting both demographic growth and persistent structural barriers. A major constraint remains the uptake gap, where households located near grid infrastructure are not connected due to affordability constraints. In urban areas, challenges relate to reliability and quality of supply, and they remain also significant even where nominal access rates are high. The report also highlights the need to further emphasize inclusion in energy access strategies. Evidence shows that outcomes improve when gender considerations are systematically integrated into program design. This includes setting clear targets using gender-disaggregated data and supporting women's participation across the energy value chain. Decentralized renewable energy plays an increasingly important role in expanding access. In 2024, decentralized renewable energy solutions provided 449 million people with Tier 1 to Tier 2 off-grid solar access. Up from 385 million in 2023, an increase of 64 million people in one year. These technologies are particularly important in reaching previously unserved populations. In response to this challenge, the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank have launched, as we've earlier heard, the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to connect 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa Africa to electrify— to electrify them by 2030. Today, 30 African countries have developed national energy compacts under Mission 300, and we were able to announce this month that Mission 300 has already enabled the connection of 50 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa. Overall, the report highlights continued progress while underscoring the need for sustained acceleration coordination and investment to close the remaining electricity access gap. Thank you.

Indeed, good morning, Excellencies, distinguished guests and colleagues. It's my pleasure to present the chapter on clean cooking. So we've heard this number as quite a bit this morning that despite progress, we still have 2 billion people— next slide, please— still relying, or roughly a quarter of the global population, still relying on polluting fuels and technology mainly for cooking. And current trends suggest this number will remain high through 2030. About two-thirds of people in low- and middle-income countries mainly using gaseous fuels like LPG, biogas, natural gas for cooking in 2024. And we do see a rise of charcoal is growing substantially, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. And in spite, as we just heard, this great number of 92% of households reporting access to electricity in 2024, in most low- and middle-income countries, use of electricity as the main cooking fuel remains a small fraction of clean cooking energy mix, calling on the need for enhanced integrated energy planning to make sure that we can really accelerate access to clean cooking via electricity.. And without a significant change in strategy and investment, the world will miss its clean cooking targets, leaving 1.8 billion people dependent on dirty fuels by the end of this decade. Next slide, please. The largest access deficit in ab— of absolute number of people, as we've heard earlier, of lacking access to clean cooking does rely— does lie in the Asian region. However, we are seeing positive and notable progress that's being made here, and we hope to see it further, although continued acceleration is needed. As highlighted though, Sub-Saharan Africa faces the biggest challenge with the number of people lacking clean cooking access on track to reach 1 billion by 2027. Yes, 2027. That's next year. 1 billion. That's a big number representing 50% of the global access deficit, calling for important attention. Now, the gap between urban and rural areas remains stark. We have about 1.5 billion of the 2 billion still without access, relying on rural communities where infrastructure is weakest. However, urban areas is not completely void of this problem. We still have a significant amount of urban areas with growing urbanization. We need to continue concentrated focus on urban areas as well. We do have access to more infrastructure, and these types of affordability can be something that can be accomplished in these areas. So please, let's not overlook urban areas as well. It's not just a rural problem. We have 20 countries account for about 75% of the global population without access to clean cooking in 2024. So we know where we can concentrate efforts to make the dial shift. India, China, Indonesia are driving the global progress that we're seeing. They're accounting for about 80% of the reduction in the access deficit since 2010, proving that targeted national action can really work and improve results on the ground. Achieving universal access though requires high-level political leadership, which we're seeing in this room today, cross-ministerial coordination. I am working for the health sector here and we have health sector engagement and commitment to this target. And we need localized solutions that specifically target those 20 countries with the largest deficits so that we can really shift the story. Now, it's important One final comment to understand that this slow progress translates into lost opportunity. Lost opportunity to improve the health and well-being of the most vulnerable populations around the world. 2.9 million deaths are attributed to the lack of clean cooking. We are also losing opportunity to improve the— excuse me— to improve the lives of the most vulnerable, particularly women and children, losing hours each day to fuel gathering and stove preparation. Rather than using this time for income generation, schooling, leisure, being people, right? A lost opportunity to protect our fragile climate and environment. This is caused by the high emissions of black carbon. The largest source of black carbon globally is coming from residential fuel use. This also— we have the issue of other climate-changing pollutants coming. It's a major source of deforestation. That nice green areas that we need to protect the health and well-being of everyone reduce air pollution, improve the livelihoods and well-being of the whole communities. We cannot avoid— we cannot overlook the importance and value that continued enhanced efforts to scale up clean cooking around the world can have for the future now and in the future. And I'm sitting in a room full of changemakers. You all have the power and ability to do this. And I really look forward to working with you all to really make change in this world, because clean cooking is something we can all make happen for everyone. Over.

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present the chapter on renewable energy and international public financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy. But let me begin with Target 7.2, that is tracked jointly by the IEA, IRENA, and the UN Statistics Division. The data is generally promising. Renewable electricity continues to grow at record speed. That is encouraging progress. Next slide, please. But the headline figure tells only part of the story. Target 7.2 calls for a substantial increase in the share of renewable energy in total energy mix. But today renewables account for 18%. While this marks continued progress, it remains well below the level required to achieve our climate and sustainable development objectives. The advances we are seeing in the power sector must now be matched by much faster progress in heating and transport. That is where the next phase of the transition must accelerate. Next slide, please. Looking beneath the global averages reveals a far more uneven picture. In 2024, the world reached the record 544 watts of installed renewable capacity per person. On the surface, this is an impressive milestone, yet averages can conceal profound disparities. In high-income countries, renewable capacity has reached 1,224 watts per person, shown in the light blue, uh, line. In low-income countries, it stands at just 34 watts per person, the yellow line, which is barely visible on the graph. This is not simply an energy gap. It is an investment gap, an opportunity gap, and ultimately a development gap. Next slide, please. Now, this brings me to finance, where ambition must be matched by investment. International public financial flows supporting clean energy in developing countries reached an estimated $24.6 billion. This is a step in the right direction, but still short of the $31.4 billion peak reached in 2016, as you can see on this— next slide— on this slide. Nearly a decade later, financing for countries with the greatest energy access and development needs has yet to return to previous levels,— despite significantly higher investment needs. The outlook also gives cause for concern. As development finance comes under increasing global pressure, these financing gaps risk widening precisely when they need to narrow. Next slide, please. The challenge is particularly stark for the least developed countries, where international public financial flows declined by 11%. These are countries with the least lack of fiscal space to compensate for declining external support and face some of the greatest development needs. The consequences extend well beyond the energy sector, affecting health, education, food security, livelihoods, and resilience. We also recorded declining flows across several regions, including Central and Southern East— Southern Asia, Eastern and Southeastern Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The conclusion is clear. If we are serious about delivering SDG 7, we must scale up affordable and accessible finance, including concessional finance, blended finance, and effective risk-sharing instruments. Without a significant shift, the disparities highlighted will not diminish. They will become further entrenched. Thank you.

Greetings from the International Energy Agency here in Paris. My name is Daniel Wetzel, and I oversee I'm so sorry I cannot be there in person with you today, but it's a great privilege to work with our co-custodians on this project, and I'm happy to present some of the key findings today. So first, on energy efficiency, we had a target of doubling the rate of progress for energy efficiency, which would imply around 2.6% improvements year on year. We saw really close to that progress from 2010 to 2015, but that had fallen back a little bit from 2015 to 2023. As some of the low-hanging fruit, particularly in industrial efficiency, fell back. Now heading into 2023, especially in the wake of many a successive wave of energy crisis prompted by the war in Ukraine and also the latest closure of the Strait of Hormuz, we're seeing a surge in new energy efficiency policy. So around 1.5% was clocked in 2023, which had fallen a little bit a step back from the progress of 2.4% we saw in 2022, but still above the, the rate of progress we've seen on the historic baseline. Now we would need to see that surge much, much further ahead to close the gap by 2030. This would need to be almost 4.2% to be able to reach the targets by 2030 based on the way that SG7 is accounted for energy efficiency. Now turning to the outlook, unfortunately across all the metrics we were not in a position under today's policies to close those gaps, but that is not to say we don't have any positive news on this. Many countries are implementing policies that are going to be reducing imports, reducing their exposure to fossil fuels by advancing more renewables and energy efficiency policies in the wakes of these crises. This is great news for energy efficiency, renewables. This comes with complicated implications for low-income countries, often who are struggling to close their access gap, as this comes with increased fiscal burdens. So I'll walk you through the key findings, what we're seeing in the outlook here from the IEA. So first, on renewables, 2025, another record year for power sector renewable installation. We saw actually for the first time power sector renewables overtake coal as the largest source of power generation globally. We're seeing that this trend will continue, and in fact, the target set at COP28 to triple the installed capacity of power sector renewables, we're about 80% of the way there under today's policies. So the surge forward to close the gap to a 1.5-degree scenario largely comes from additional push on renewables in, in industry, transport, and heating. Now, if we turn to energy efficiency, we've seen a continued progress, as we said, forward in the response to the successive waves of energy crises. We're seeing 2025 pushing towards the 2% mark in terms of improvements on energy intensity. We see under today's policies a lot of regulations already coming into place, and many of them will take effect in the second half of this decade. This will push the average rate of intensity improvement up above 2%, but of course we need to be at much higher, over 4.2%, to be aligned with the 1.5-degree scenario, the SG7.3 target, and the doubling of efficiency canonized in the COP28 outcomes. Now turning to energy access, first we have to celebrate the success of closing the access gap for millions, both across clean cooking and electricity access since 2010. Most of this has been concentrated in developing Asia. So really, on the horizon, the projections slow down in some contexts because many of those gaps have been closed. Where we still see slow progress under today's policies in Africa, but it's important to note that that outlook is improving based on a whole suite of policies that have been advancing there. So that's good news on the horizon. But if we were to be closing that gap, what we would see on the right here is the annual average population that needs to gain access both to clean cooking and electricity. And we're seeing a huge swell forward in the number of people that need to gain access each year. And this swell is largely in Sub-Saharan Africa. And of course, there are great initiatives like Mission 300 and the IEA's own efforts on clean cooking that are hoping to accelerate this., and we're hopeful that this can continue to improve the outlook going forward. Thank you so much for your attention, and back over to you in New York.

Distinguished delegates, what we have seen in the preceding slides is a tremendous collective effort to track SDG Goal 7. As our director just as was mentioned, the report provides a high-quality and trustworthy evidence base to decide where to target our efforts to achieve clean, affordable, modern and sustainable energy for all by 2030. Next slide, please. Having been faced with a global energy crisis over the past several months, we know that Goal 7 is more important than ever. The tracking report shows us what we have at stake with the current crisis. Energy security and affordability are intertwined and sit at the top of the development agenda. Next slide, please. While the Tracking Report is a product of international organizations, it's important to stress that national data collection underpins the data results. These results rely on the work of national statistical systems, including national statistical offices, ministries of energy, and others, who compile high-quality and policy-relevant statistics to inform their own energy policy needs. This global network of data providers is the driving force behind the Tracking Report. Without their data submissions, we would be unable to track SDG 7 at a global level. Producing high-quality and policy-relevant energy data is a significant undertaking which demands a well-resourced and well-designed national energy data collection. It is also important to stress that the report must use harmonized data to ensure international comparability and that meaningful aggregations can be made to inform the global agenda. When countries report SDG 7 data to international organizations, these organizations—us—— make sure that the data follow harmonized methodologies. The work of international data collection goes hand in hand with statistical capacity building efforts designed to ensure that the national energy data collection produces high-quality data that can meaningfully inform national policy while, at the same time, can provide comparable measures for global reporting. As we continue to monitor SDG 7, We also continue to work with countries to ensure that the data behind the tracking report is high quality, reliable, and comparable. Thank you.

A big thank you to the custodians for presenting this fundamental data and analysis. We will now focus in on the SDG7 policy briefs in support of the HOPF 2026. And for that, I have the pleasure to invite the co-facilitators of the SDG7 Technical Advisory Group, Mr. Hans-Olaf Ibrik, Special Envoy for Climate and Security of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, and Ms. Sheila Oparaocha, Executive Director of Energia. Co-facilitators, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Martin. Good morning to all. Let me start off with maybe reflecting a little bit on the HLPF review session that we had yesterday. This was the third review, and it sends actually a strong message to us, and we've heard this also from the custodians, that we have made progress. S2G7 is a beacon of hope, or our compass, and the energy transition is unstoppable, but we need to do a lot better than we are doing today. So this is not a question about technology, but as always, it's a question of finance. And that was actually brought up by nearly all yesterday, that we need more and better finance in terms of going forward, and also that we need to focus on the just transition and be more inclusive than we are today. One of our panellists, Professor Modi, concluded that when it comes to SDG 7, the glass is half full. Those that know me, my glass is always half empty, but I'm happy to join Professor Modi in saying that in terms of SDG 7 deliverers, the glass is actually half full. And also, our discussion yesterday also highlighted where Leonardo and the other custodians ended the need for reliable and actionable data, and I would really compliment the SDG 7 custodians for their excellent work, and I would like to extend my Sincere thanks to them for the work that you guys are doing. As we've heard also today, energy is now political, and in the sense that it has never been before, and geopolitics is now being rewritten as we speak when it comes to energy. And of course, going forward, this will affect our delivery, but I think the message that we also heard yesterday Yesterday was quite clear the answer to our current crisis is actually to accelerate our delivery to reach SDG 7. Having said that, of course, there are some caveats that we need to look at the economy and finance, and of course, there are also issue of dependencies. So this is sort of our brief reflection on the review session yesterday. So before then presenting the rec, recommendations of the SDG7 policy briefs for this year. Let me, as co-facilitator together with Sheila, thank all the members of the SDG7 TAG for their excellent work and your dedication to this work. And it's a great pleasure for us to represent you and also to present the work that you have been doing over the last year or so. I'm also really grateful I am grateful to you and DESA for the excellent facilitation and the continued support to our work of SDG7 TAG. So colleagues, as I just said, SDG7 is a beacon of hope and our compass and a powerful accelerator across the 2030 Agenda, as confirmed at HLPF yesterday. The potential of SDG7 to deliver major development co-benefits, including improved income, job creation, livelihoods, and gender equality is striking. It is one of the most transformative drivers of economic growth and green industrialization. But we need to face the realities. Data tells us that the likelihood of achieving SDG 7 is actually quite slim, and that's, as Heather passionately said, this is a lost opportunity for all of us, and we need to really now start working more actively together to to achieve our targets. So the challenge is not only one of ambition and targets, it's increasingly one of implementation, finance, institutions, infrastructure, and not the least inclusion. So we now need to deliver at scale, especially in the countries and communities furthest behind. To accelerate the achievement of SDG 7, we must advance the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for the extended decade of sustainable energy for all, and the UN can support and catalyze the member states' efforts in this regard, including by leveraging UN Energy. And we welcome the UN Energy Work Programme for 2026 to 2030. As a representative from a small country, even though we are beating above our— punching above our weight when it comes to the World Cup, we actually need a strong UN in going together, so I'm really looking forward to see a more active UN Energy work programme being implemented. We must also foster international cooperation and dialogue on energy to strengthen political commitment, to mobilise action and means of implementation. Then, going forward, energy should remain central to a post-2030 sustainable development framework. Because it's not only a sectoral objective, but it's, as we've heard, heard today, it's a structural foundation for resilience, productivity, industrialization, digitalization, climate stability, and economic security. Beyond 2030, the strategic importance of energy is likely to grow rather than diminish, making continued global cooperation on energy essential. So now I would like to give the floor to my co-facilitator, Sheila, that's going to present the rest of our recommendations, but also let me thank Sheila for her long-time leadership on this and for our excellent cooperation. You're always so optimistic, Sheila, so it's been a pleasure to work with you. Sheila, the work is yours.

Thank you very much, Hans. Excellencies, distinguished participants, As my co-facilitator has just stated, the final years to 2030 must be about implementation at scale. This will require stronger national strategies, coherent regulatory frameworks, improved data systems, greater institutional capacity, practical partnerships, and financing that reaches those facing the largest gaps. Succes must be grounded in inclusive approaches and the full, effective and meaningful participation of women in decision-making at all levels. While impressive advances have been made, progress towards SDG 7 remains uneven and too slow to realize its full potential. Some countries, regions and sectors have advanced rapidly, while others continue to lag significantly behind. With an estimated 1.8 billion people projected to remain without access to clean cooking fuels and technologies by 2030, disproportionately affecting women, households in low-income, rural, and underserved communities, clean cooking stands out as an area requiring urgent Action. The energy sector must take primary responsibility for providing access to clean cooking fuels and technologies. However, success will require coordination with other sectors, including environment, health, gender, education, agriculture, and finance, to deliver affordable solutions at scale. Clean cooking remains one of the most overlooked aspects of SDG 7. Access to energy for clean cooking must be integrated into energy systems planning and infrastructure investments, including those serving public institutions. Achieving universal access will require dedicated political attention, targeted financial strategies, cultural understanding, appropriate technical solutions, effective delivery mechanisms, and the use of all available energy-efficient technologies and clean fuels. Allow me now to highlight 5 key policy recommendations proposed by the SDG7 TAG. First, countries must strengthen their energy strategies This is not only a climate imperative. Renewable energy represents the most resilient and future-proof pathway for economic development, competitiveness, and energy security. The competitiveness of tomorrow's economies will be determined by their ability to provide clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy services for all. Second, financing must increase dramatically and unlock low-risk, scalable investment opportunities. Investment in the energy transition must rise substantially during this decade, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies where resource potential is high but financing conditions remain challenging. Addressing the high cost of capital in these markets is essential to accelerate renewable energy deployment at scale. Third, efforts to achieve SDG 7 must systematically prioritize leaving no one behind. This requires addressing structural barriers faced by vulnerable communities, rural populations, women, youth, persons with disability, and displaced populations who continue to experience the greatest energy access gap. Inclusive policies, affordable services, equitable financing mechanisms, participatory planning, and gender-responsive energy strategies can ensure that women and communities are empowered as leaders and agents of change. Fourth, investment in grid, storage, system flexibility, and energy security can no longer be viewed as secondary issues. Without stronger investments in transmission, distribution, and system integration, grid infrastructure will become the principal bottleneck to achieving SDG 7. Fifth, leadership and multilateral cooperation must rise to the challenge and help bridge the bridge— build the bridge to post-2030 agenda. High-level political leadership and effective inter-ministerial coordination have repeatedly proven critical in accelerating SDG 7 implementation. In an increasingly fragmented world, multilateral cooperation and partnerships remain indispensable to sustaining momentum, mobilizing investment, and delivering solutions at scale. Strengthened cooperation through 2030 will enable energy to become a cornerstone of the post-2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. We hope that these policy briefs will support member states and all stakeholders in their deliberation at this HLPF and contribute to broader efforts to accelerate implementation of SDG 7 through 2030 and beyond. To conclude, I'd just like to join Hans-Olof in thanking the members of the SDG 7 TAG for their excellent efforts from 2018 until now, and also to thank UN DESA for their continued excellent support to the SDG 7 TAG. Thank you.

Thank you very much to the co-facilitators of the SDG7 TAG for presenting these clear messages, and I think they really resonate with a lot of what has been said by other speakers today already, and it's almost like hearing a summary of the session so far, so thank you very much for this. Very helpful. I would now like to turn back to Hans-Olaf, this time in his capacity as representative of Norway as co-chair of the Group of Friends for Sustainable Energy, to deliver closing remarks for this segment on the launch of the two publications.

Thank you very much. Let me try to build on some of the comments already made by the other co-chair for the French group. We welcome these presentations and would like to congratulate the SDG7 custodians and the SDG7 TAG, and not the least UN Energy for presenting the work programme 2026 to 2030. As we have already heard, that energy is the engine of sustainable development. And Dimitris, you said modern economies need modern energy, I think that captures very well that energy is at the centre of development and also climate action. I would also like to sort of reflect on yesterday's discussion. There were relatively few that actually mentioned climate action as part of this, even though it was mentioned net zero strategies and that there was a need to increase resilience of energy systems, but it could have been a stronger message on climate action. Climate action. We have made progress, but it's uneven across regions. It has already been highlighted, but since 2010, 1.7 billion actually have gained access to clean cooking, mostly in Asia, and that is actually a great achievement. Of course, data tells us that we are not on track, and since it's uneven progress, especially Africa needs to be our focus going forward. The energy landscape is being reshaped. Geopolitical tension and macroeconomic pressures, of course, we are all being hit, but it's the most vulnerable that gets hardest hit by these shocks that we are now experiencing. Energy security is the top priority now in most countries. Energy systems are exposed to supply shocks, price volatility,. And it also has exposed some of the structural weaknesses that we are all faced with coming from fossil fuel dependence. And— but I was relieved yesterday when Francesco Lacamara from ARENA said that the energy transition will be fast-tracked as a consequence of the crisis that we are faced with. So going forward, we need scale, speed, and focus on impact, and also focusing on making an inclusive and just transition. And finally, of course, finance, which is coming from all of us. And finally, finally, it is all about partnerships. I noted Norway's strong performance in the World Cup, and you've probably seen all the rowing. I was tempted to ask you to do this rowing, and I can maybe try to kick you off,, but this also demonstrates that something brings us all together in partnerships, and this is something we all can be proud of. And all countries have the different ways of celebrating or also of working together. So I think that would be my sort of final call from Norway's side, is that we stay committed to supporting the SDG7 agenda going forward, and may the best country win the World Cup. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Hans-Olaf. Thank you very much. We will now move on to the next segment on implementing the Global Plan of Action for the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All to 2030. For that, we have a great lineup of distinguished speakers to provide some States on implementation. And I would like to start with Mr. Antti Rautavaara, Special Envoy for Water of Finland. Mr. Rautavaara, you have the floor.

Thank you very much. And I'm sure that one might now think that this water envoy has walked into wrong room, but let me prove otherwise, as access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable sustainable and modern energy depends in many ways on water. Water is essential for nearly every aspect of energy production and supply. To accelerate achievement of the SDGs, we must capitalize on synergies, manage trade-offs, and strengthen collaboration across the sectors. The value of nexus approaches is well established for the Agenda 2030, whose goals are deeply interconnected. Close dialogue between energy and water across can deliver multiple benefits, including improved climate adaptation, better management of competing water needs, and more resilient energy infrastructure and investments. Demand for water is expected to increase not only from energy sector, but also from agriculture and other uses. In many regions, competition for water is already intensifying,, and is further aggravated by climate change. Without effective cooperation, these pressures can lead to friction and conflict. Linking water management with energy, food security, and biodiversity through the water-energy-food and ecosystems nexus is a key element of the Water for Cooperation interactive dialogue at the UN Water Conference in December this year. Finland and Zambia are co-chairing Water for Cooperation dialogue. Finland is also the lead party for the water-food-energy ecosystems nexus under the '92 UN Water Convention, also known as Helsinki Water Convention. Experiences from transboundary basins show that regional water cooperation can unlock significant synergies, even where trade-offs related to hydropower development are evident. Issues around hydropower and water allocation— remain recurring themes in Finland's water diplomacy. The updated Global Plan of Action for the Energy Decade recognizes that progress on SDG 7 can also advance clean water and sanitation. Renewable energy, for example, is making groundwater use and desalination more affordable and accessible. For renewable energy deployment, a UNECE toolkit helps for effectively account for the linkages to water and different sectors. In Finland, we are committed to ensuring safe and highly— high-quality water services while making sector to lead in carbon neutrality and the circular economy. Water utilities are advancing this transition through close cooperation with the energy and agricultural sectors. Examples include digital solutions that improve operational efficiency and reduce energy use, heat recovery from wastewater, and the conversion of wastewater sludge into biogas, helping utilities to become energy self-sufficient and climate neutral. We appreciate the work of the Sustainable Water and Energy Solutions Network supported by UN DESA and partners in sharing knowledge and practical experience. As climate pressures intensify and the need for accelerated progress on SDG 6 and 7 grows, cooperation between water and energy sectors, including across borders, will become more important. And I hope I managed to convince you, and I invite you to also join the border discussions because we really need to engage across the different dialogues. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Special Envoy. I next invite Mr. Eoghan McShane, Director of International Energy, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment of Ireland. Mr. McShane, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. I'm delighted to be here just 8 days into Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union. And let me be completely unequivocal: clean energy is affordable energy. Ireland will place Clean and affordable energy at the very heart of our presidency of the EU for the next 6 months. The current global crisis reminds us that citizens around the world, from the edge of Europe to Pacific Islands, are affected by high energy prices due to events often far beyond their borders. The only lasting way out of the endless cycle of global energy crises is to rapidly deploy clean energy and renewables at scale. 2030 is just around the corner, so how do we achieve this? We must think structurally about how customers pay for energy in the modern age. Tax should never be higher for electricity than it is for oil and gas. Addressing this imbalance will reduce the spark gap and lead to a more electrified society. We must ensure that there's a strong business case for renewables and clean energy investment. This can be achieved by optimising routes to market such as two-way contracts for difference and corporate power purchase agreements. We must address bottlenecks in the planning system by ensuring permitting regimes are fit for purpose, expediting clean energy infrastructure projects while also safeguarding environmental protections. We must ensure that our electricity networks are integrated and interconnected to better strengthen our collective security of supply. Countries with high renewable generation capacity such as Ireland should be supported in connecting to areas of high demand. In recognition that there is no transition without transmission, we must make strategic investments in upgrading and expanding our grid networks. Grids are the backbone of the clean energy transition. We must ensure that the energy transition keeps the citizen at its heart. Communities must share in its benefits. Community benefit fund payments can be included in auction design to ensure local communities feel a material benefit from hosting energy projects. Initiatives such as windfall taxes on super profits from energy companies could be explored to redistribute funds to those most affected by soaring costs. Finally, in all of these measures, we must think globally. The convening power of trusted institutions such as the EU, the UN, the IEA, and IRENA must be utilized to ensure that no country and no citizen is left behind. Go raibh míle maith agat. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I now invite Mr. Riyad Medeb, Director of the Sustainable Energy Hub of UNDP. Riyad, over to you.

Thank you, Martin. Let me say a number that was announced by my friend Francesco La Camera. The world in 2025 added 692 gigawatts of renewable electricity capacity, the largest annual increase on record, and renewables account for almost 97% of all new power capacity installed globally. Yet progress remains too slow, too uneven, too fragile. Installed renewable capacity reached 544 watts per person globally in 2024, but just 33.6 watts in low-income countries, a more than 16-fold gap. If the world can deploy energy at a record speed, why are we still talking about 655 million people without electricity? How do we ensure this transition delivers development, delivers jobs, resilience to the ones who are still left behind? And let me frame it around 3 clear points. First, SDG 7 should move beyond access to become an engine of economic resilience and jobs. So the global energy sector now employs 76 million people, including at least 16.6 million in renewable energy in 2024, up 10 million in 2015. Yet most of this opportunity remains concentrated in economies with established clean energy value chains, including China, the EU, Brazil, the United States, and India. The energy transition provides an opportunity for countries to power industries, SMEs, livelihood, while building local skills and value chains. A country who won for the first time the World Cup, Uruguay, shows us the potential. Policy commitment and renewable investment have delivered 99% of renewable electricity in 2024 and around 50,000 energy transition jobs. Second, resilient energy systems are becoming the backbone of the AI and digital economy. Geopolitical disruption affecting around 20 million barrels of oil per day and rising demand from AI are shaping energy systems. Dear colleagues, by 2030, data center electricity demand could be more than double, around 945 terawatt-hours by 2030.— slightly more than Japan's current electricity consumption. This is extremely high. This creates an opportunity to design clean electricity systems to the future demand. With electricity attracting nearly 60% of global energy investment and developing economies driving 85% of the demand growth through 2027, linking renewables with grid Storage and digital infrastructure can strengthen energy security, competitiveness, and industrial growth. And my final point: coordinated delivery at scale can turn fragmented action into a greater development impact. International public finance for clean energy in developing economies reached $24.6 billion in 2024, yet LDCs LLDCs—Small Island Developing States—receive less than 30% of these flows, despite representing roughly two-thirds of the global population without electricity access. The opportunity is to connect finance, data, partnership and implementation capacity so investment reaches women, underserved communities and productive sectors. The launch of the UN Energy Work Programme for 2026-2030 is therefore timely, providing a platform to align action and translate global ambition into practical support for Member States. At UNDP, we are already supporting this shift through 398 projects in 131 countries, supporting countries turning policy into investment and investment into development outcomes. The year to 2030 must be about delivery with speed, scale, equity, so sustainable energy can drive progress across the 2030 Agenda. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Riyad. I now invite Ms. Rana Ronim, Director of the Division of Energy and Climate Action of UNIDO. Over to you, Rana.

Thank you so much, Martin, and good afternoon, everyone. It's really a pleasure for me to be here today surrounded by many of the colleagues that are actually contributing to this Half Glass Full. Certainly, it's a source of pride. I think essentially you and DESA, I'd like to thank Minoru and the team for always bringing us together towards a more coordinated approach. With that, I'd just like to say that this year and this HLPF is looking not only at the review of SDG 7, but also at the review of SDG 9. UNIDO, as the agency that's responsible for inclusive and sustainable industrial development, we are really very pleased to see the recognition that is in this room, but also outside, on the interlinkage of green industrialization and energy. It is no longer, and that is something I'd like to quote from the SDG 7 tracking report and also the policy reviews, It is no longer a technology issue only. It is really a matter of coordinated policies, finance, capacities, and so on that will help us in closing the gap. Now, for us, there's 3 areas where we see also like a need for closing this gap aligned with the Global Implementation Plan. Firstly, we always talk about the ambition-action gap, and we really see that for us to close this gap, we need to work more towards an alignment of bringing together the global ambition to regional roadmaps to national actions. And there's a lot that needs to happen in between all of that. Firstly, at the global stage, certainly all the pledges and ambitions that we see, you know, now we see COP31 with Türkiye bringing a special specific focus on electrification. That is all really very, very good and very welcome. But at the same time, What we need is consensus globally around some of the key issues that are going to drive markets for sustainable energy, specifically on standards and definitions that are going to be really the key for stimulating demand, whether for sustainable fuels, whether for clean cooking, or also for grids and storage. Then, you know, if we want to look at the regional level lenses, you know, there's a lot of progress that is happening on green industrialization, especially along economic corridors. And, you know, there we see the need for an alignment of energy planning with industrial policies and also transportation plans, because, you know, many of you might have heard of the Lobito Corridor or the Northern Corridor. So these are very interesting prototypes for how development can go hand in hand with energy in Sub-Saharan Africa, and that can become really hubs for economic development, bringing together interconnections for energy, but also industrialization at the same time. As far as UNIDO is concerned, we're very much involved in the development of such economic corridors and bringing the energy planning lens. We work alongside UN entities as well on this, but another specific focus for us is really looking at the needs of small island states, LDCs and LLDCs, with regards to green industrialization. And there, you know, we have launched earlier this year a specific program on resilient energy systems for small island states that we intend to replicate as well in LDCs. And so we do see a big prospect for that becoming, you know, covering a lot more countries. Then the last lens, I would say, is the one on working in countries. And there, you know, we see also the Plan of Action that's brought together by UN Energy as one that can help us in providing a much better narrative for how the UN could work closely together to accelerate action on the ground. And I would like to refer specifically to one initiative that brings together many of the UN agencies here. UNIDO hosts the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition, which is an advisory group that supports in providing engineering pathway advisors for the Secretary-General, and it interacts a lot with all the countries around the room, we do see that, you know, the role of science and engineering in driving decisions as well on the ground to stimulate action, one that is going to be very important moving forward. And then I'd like to end. I mean, you all referred to the World Cup, and I'm still heartbroken by the loss of Egypt yesterday. Nevertheless, I think for me it just provided small moments of hope. I don't think anyone expected Egypt to win, although for seconds it did. And I think through our collective action here, we have the hope to really close the energy gap. So thank you so much.

Thank you very much, Sharana. I now turn to Mr. Dario Liguti, Director of the Sustainable Energy Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Mr. Liguti. And Dario, excuse me, I think you have a different title now. This title here on my paper is outdated, so please, if you can update us.

Yeah, indeed, I now lead two divisions, the one on energy and one on housing, urban development, and land management. And talking about coordinated policies, that's exactly a clear example of how we are addressing that issue.— so thank you for that, Martin. However, so despite the recent multiple and overlapping challenges, I would say the progress in UNECE region on the SDG 7 has continued, but as almost every speaker has said, is uneven and too slow to achieve the 2030 Agenda objectives. It is very much concentrated in Europe and North America, and the rest of our region is actually left behind. Some of the bottlenecks that we are being identified and we've been working on are common to other regions—lack of financing, a lack of regulatory and adequate regulatory frameworks—but obviously the crises that have been subsequently impacting our region have obviously increased that gap and created supply chain disruptions, climate-related shocks and geopolitical crisis, as I said before. But if there is a silver lining in the crisis, in this cascade of crisis, which I always tend to see the glass half full, and so I want to see the silver lining in this crisis, is that actually energy efficiency and renewable energy are not only seen as tools for energy sustainability, but more importantly for energy security and energy affordability. The region has achieved the full universal, almost universal access to electricity in both urban and rural areas. However, growing electrification across sectors, particularly transport, data center, digital and artificial intelligence, are increasing dependence on power systems that are now accessible but they need to be reliable and resilient and affordable, providing uninterrupted supply. And we know that our region has been plagued by blackouts as a consequence of increasing shares of renewable energy, but not well planned, as has been said before. Access to clean fuels and technologies remains insufficient in several countries, particularly in rural areas. Energy poverty and in urban areas increasingly due to the crisis in our region has been increasing. And this is something that we need to remember. It's not only about access to electricity, but it's around energy poverty too, which is— it is a growing issue and a growing problem, not only across our region, but across many, many regions. And this particularly affects, of course, low-income households, with huge issues on health issues, on inequality, on opportunities for job, unemployment, and other aspects around that. And therefore, we need to really ensure that no one is left behind when looking at the energy transition, and this is particularly true. There will be no energy transition if it's not a just transition for everybody. Renewable energy has been— is Renewable energy development, as many, many of the speakers have said, has been central to the increasing resilience of the integrated approach, and I'm happy to say that in our region, the number of countries where renewable energy is growing as part of the total energy final demand— not just electricity, we need to always look at final energy demand, because of the role of the fossil fuels in some of the other sectors outside of power generation is still very important— has increased and is now above 46% for 10% of them. And— but however, investment in the renewable energy is still not going— particularly in the program countries in our region is not at the level where it should be. In Central Asia and in all of the regions, it constitutes only 0.5% of the global total. This is obviously, as Riad said before, this cannot be sustained over time, particularly because that is where the biggest gains in the next phase for the energy transition are. Let me say that energy efficiency, which is— I heard before somebody say is the first fuel, and I want to underline that energy efficiency is crucial. And we have seen is a crucial element to address energy crisis. First and foremost, we need to save energy, not only just produce more energy, but save more energy, have less energy for output that we— and we have seen from the IEA presentation, we are nowhere near where we should be. We actually is the biggest area of slowdown in the energy transition is in the energy energy in our economies. We have been using the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All as a platform to strengthen international dialogue and cooperation in energy, and I would like to mention one example, energy connectivity, which some of the other speakers as well have mentioned. And it's— we've been working particularly on Central Asia in creating a regional electricity market, and it shows that when we talk about regional cooperation, the energy transition can go faster and cheaper and provide at the same time benefits for the environment. So you actually have a win-win situation when you actually push for energy connectivity across regions. At the same time, as Rana said before, accelerating progress on SDG 7 requires not only faster deployment of cleaner electricity— energy technology, excuse me, but also stronger policy alignment between the energy transition and broader economic and social systems. We are at a stage in our region, but in other parts of the world as well, where integrating complementary solutions and cross-sectoral approaches can further support SDG 7 delivery and achieve multiple benefits. This is the inter— it is crucial that we look at this, whether it is in transport. Another example is integrating renewable energy, sustainable bioenergy, and energy efficiency solutions into agrifood systems with a strong focus on the water-energy nexus, and I'm glad that the Special Envoy for Finland has mentioned the role of water in the energies— in the energy sector. Crucial, absolutely crucial. It's the next phase where we can expand renewable energy use beyond the power sector, and I want to stress this very importantly. We need to look at this, and as Rana said before, this is the next wave. This is something that we need to look if we want to continue driving the SDG7 into our economies. Equally, accelerating the electrification of transport, The growth in the digital technology, in the artificial intelligence, or in the industrial processes as well has been— is not only a drive towards sustainability, but it is a fundamental input to the competitiveness of all our regions' economies. This we need to keep in mind as well. Industrial competitiveness has to go hand in hand with its sustainability. Concluding, we're looking forward in collaborating with our partners of UN Energy in implementing today's launched work plan for 2026-2030 for the benefit of all member states, so as to ensure that energy systems become even more resilient, delivering sustainable, affordable, and secure energy for all. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Dario. I would now like to invite Ms. Angelica Maria Giacome Daza, Director of the FAO Liaison Office to the United Nations in New York.

Over to you.

Thank you, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. The Global Plan of Action for the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All to 2030 stresses the importance of maximizing the overall impacts of energy action by better capitalizing on the opportunities for synergies including the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 7. Nowhere is this interconnectivity more critical and possibly less understood than the role of energy in agrifood systems. Energy is needed at every stage of agrifood systems. Today, agrifood systems consume roughly 30% of global energy, and over one-third of their greenhouse gas emissions come from energy use, largely fuel, fossil-based fuel. Feeding a global population of almost 10 billion people by 2050 requires a radical transformation on how food is produced, processed, traded, and consumed. Energy and agri-food systems remains a major missed opportunity for accelerating implementation across multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Without focusing on energy and agri-food systems, we will not be able to achieve our climate Sustainable Development Goal, SDG 10, Food Security and Nutrition, SDG 2, and Sustainable Energy, SDG 7 objectives. Energy and smart agrifood systems can be a key solution through 4 main avenues. First, strengthening policy coherence and governance by embedding energy-smart agrifood system solutions in national energy, climate, and food security strategies, including national determined contributions. Second, scaling investment and innovative financing for renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient measures across the agri-food value chain. For example, through the valorization of the rice straw into pellets, biogas, and bioethanol to limit open burning into field, as well as the implementation of waste-to-energy biogas systems in developing countries, including Small Island Developing States, for improved waste management and energy access. Third, promoting energy efficiency measures along with agri-food value chains such as modernized irrigation, cold storage and processing to reduce costs, cut emissions, prevent food losses, and enhance productivity and resilience. Last but not least, promoting inclusive capacities and partnerships to expand equitable access to technologies, skills, and benefits for rural and marginalized groups. FAO, through its Energy Smart Agrifood Systems program, supports countries in enhancing the use of renewable energy for agriculture, taking advantage of the opportunities for producing sustainable bioenergy from agriculture whilst improving the efficiency and sustainability of energy use in agriculture. Investing in sustainable energy-smart agri-food systems is not only a choice for the planet, but also one that makes sense for people and the economy. It helps farmers, fisherfolk, and many other small producers to adapt to climate change, create new income streams for farmers as clean energy producers, new energy-related jobs, and higher quality food products, while also improving nutrition and boosting health. FAO is supporting countries in scaling energy-smart agri-food systems through targeted interventions along value chains, from transforming rice straw normally burned into the field into pellets, compressed biogas, or liquid biofuels in India, to maximizing crop and livestock and wood residues in Rwanda to meet 33% of national cooking energy demands and serve over 400,000 households, up to installing a liquid-cooled floating photovoltaic system in Jordan with the aim of increasing energy efficiency, reducing water evaporation, while also avoiding competition for agriculture land. FAO is supporting countries to transform their agri-food systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable. Energy-smart agri-food systems have the potential to be a central solution for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. I invite Mr. Wei Wang, Director of the Division of Energy Planning, Information, and Knowledge Management of the Department of Nuclear Energy International Atomic Energy Agency. Wei, over to you.

Thank you. Thank you very much, Martin. It's a great pleasure to be in this special session, and it's obvious that these two reports launched during this High-Level Political Forum underscore not only the historic milestone but also the stark urgency of the final 4 years remaining until 2030. So over the past decade, SDG7 has proved has proven to be the transformative engine for global development, with basic energy, electricity access now reaching more than 90% of the global population. But we must confront this shifting reality that, whilst still over 650 million people lack electricity, geopolitical tensions threaten the energy security, and the global progress towards the 1.5-degree target remains too slow. So compounding this is a massive surge in power demand driven by the rapid expansion of digitalization and artificial intelligence. So to navigate this landscape, we must take collective action and mobilize all solutions. The UN Energy Work Programme 2026-2030 is a vital, tangible mechanism for this action. So the IEA is proud to be part of this effort, and we continue to deploy its unique expertise in energy planning and nuclear technology to support this implementation. So while the 2026-2030 Work Plan does not explicitly mention nuclear energy, the global reality underscores its role as India's principal pillar of the clean energy mix. By delivering reliable 24/7 baseload power, nuclear energy stabilizes grids, enables deeper integration of variable renewables, Furthermore, its ability to generate high-temperature clean thermal heat is vital for decarbonizing heavy industry district heating systems, seawater desalination, and clean hydrogen production. This reality has triggered unprecedented global momentum building on the historic COP28 consensus. The landmark Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels in 2024 and the Paris Summit this year has firmly anchored nuclear power at the heart of the global energy strategies. So today, this momentum has reached emerging markets and developing economies. Three embarking countries—Turkey, Bangladesh, and Egypt—are about to connect their first nuclear-generated electricity to their national grids, translating their sustainable energy policy into tangible human progress before the end of this decade. Among more than 40 newcomer countries about a dozen are from sub-Saharan region. To accelerate advanced nuclear technology, particularly small modular reactors, the IAEA is working closely with international partners to address regulatory and industry barriers to build a level playing field for finance. This mission is driven by several vital initiatives. For example, the Atom for Net Zero is mapping the clean energy pathway with optimized nuclear contribution. The Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative, NICEI, is a streamlined global regulatory and industry progress to facilitate the deployment of the advanced nuclear technologies. The IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie and the Lisa Meitner Programme are actively closing the gender gap in nuclear science and technology. The upcoming Atomic Technology Licence at Sea, acronym as ATLAS initiative, launched— is about to launch this August in Washington, D.C., will establish an international framework for small modular reactor deployment in the maritime industry for both transportation and offshore power generation. Last but not least, the landmark collaboration between IAEA and World Bank and other international financial institutions have achieved historic breakthrough to boost global deployment capabilities. So colleagues, the major economies in the world are using nuclear energy and renewable to power their economy. So these two technologies are not competing pathways. They are essential complementary partners. So together they provide the speed, scale, and great reliability required to meet the priorities of updated global plan action. So let us work in solidarity to ensure a clean, just, equitable energy future that truly leaves no one behind. I thank you, Martin.

Thank you very much. I now invite Mr. Jean-François Garnier, Head of the Clean Energy Ministerial Secretariat. Mr. Garnier, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Martin, and thank you to you, Minoru, and the entire UN DESATIM. I'll echo Rana's thanks about how inclusive you've been in terms of this whole process. The CEM is not a UN agency, and we're extremely proud to still be at the table today. In fact, for those who don't know what the CEM is, we are actually a voluntary intergovernmental platform whose main purpose is to build partnerships to provide concrete outcomes on countries' energy policy ambitions. So we're not a treaty-based organization, we are not a negotiating body, we are basically an outfit that allows private sector, public sector, and other stakeholders to work together to be able to achieve energy policy goals. And we have been doing that with many of the members around the table on SDG 7 as well. So, for example, we've been doing a lot of work on electrification in terms of supporting countries to be able to properly plan, operate, and build— plan, build, and operate grids in order to meet their electricity ambitions, both in terms of new electricity and uses, but also look at issues like flexibility, like regulatory and market frameworks to be able to catalyze investments. We've been doing a lot of that recently in Southeast Asia with the Philippines, with Malaysia, with Indonesia, and many others. We also have been looking at digitalization and the increased demand of end uses and electrification, working very closely with the European Commission and COP31 presidency on where this might be going as well. We have groups that work on clean cooking specifically, looking at providing technical assistance in terms of identifying the investment environment that will enable appropriate financing of both the technologies and infrastructure required for clean cooking, but also making sure that the right technologies and right approaches are being looked at, as well as ensuring that there is proper alignment between country and local-level government policy frameworks. On energy efficiency, we've been working at supporting countries enforcing minimum— energy efficiency performance standards. We now are working with India on a campaign for super efficient air conditioning, considering the huge amount of electricity demand that will come from cooling moving forward. And of course, we've been working on different, different cross-cutting aspects of this. We have work streams that look at gender equity, at jobs and skills, making sure we have the workforce to be able to roll out all these technologies, and addressing issues like behavior in terms of an supporting enhanced access to energy services. But I will say, I think there's a next frontier that needs to be looked at, and I will build on what many have said here—Rana, Wei, Angelica—in terms of, it's great that we've been able to make progress in terms of providing domestic household energy access, but if you really want to lift people out of poverty, we need to think about industrial-scale energy access. And so I think we need to start looking at electricity access in the terms, as Wei said, large-scale, reliable, decentralized systems to enable large industrial energy uses. But there's also a huge part that has not been looked at, which are the sustainable molecules to be able to fuel the tractors, the trucks, the industrial processes that will create those jobs that help really lift people out of poverty. We have been working with the COP30 presidency for a few years now in what we call the Future Fuels Action Plan. Brazil has been a strong supporter of that, looking at how sustainable fuels can support the transition away from fossil fuels under the COP aspect, but more importantly, provide trade opportunities, provide new clean molecules access to develop sustainable supply chains that look at transport, feedstock, and the entire industrial supply chain. We have been basically looking at the different pillars that make those sustainable fuels work, creating a lot of partnerships with private sector stakeholders on both the supply and on demand, looking at transport industry, looking at all clean fuels, green hydrogen, biofuels, and so forth. And in fact, we'll be hosting a side event at 1:15 this afternoon in Conference Room 9 to kind of see how that type of work actually helps bridge. Our co-facilitator was talking about there's not been— not enough talk about the climate aspect of it, so that's part of what we're trying to do here is to bridge the climate and access and industrial development gap, so we certainly invite most of you to come to this event in about 45 minutes, and also we would be very, very happy— we host an energy ministerial meeting every year. The next one will be on October 11th to 13th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and we would love to be able to continue the discussions on how we can bridge the gap between energy policy ambition and actually action on the ground. So with that, thank you again.

Thank you very much, Jean-François. I now invite Mr. Amir Bahar, Head of UN Energy and Board Relations at SEforALL. Amir, over to you.

Thank you, Martin. Let me begin by congratulating UN Energy colleagues the SDG7 custodian agencies and all partners on the launch of today's important reports. Together, they give us the— what we need for the final push to 2030, the evidence and a practical pathway for implementation. SIFROL is pleased to contribute to these implementation segments because this is exactly where the SDG7 agenda must now move, from ambition to delivery. The reports remind us that the the clean energy transition is moving. Technologies are available, costs have fallen, and the case for sustainable energy has never been stronger. But they also tell us something more urgent. We are not simply off track. In several areas, progress is slowing at precisely the moment when it needs to accelerate. For SEforALL, the most important message is this: the remaining SDG 7 gap is not abstract. And it's not evenly distributed. It is concentrated in specific countries, specific communities, and specific barriers to delivery. That concentration should change how we work. For electricity, the challenge is increasingly African and increasingly rural. In parts of Africa, access rates are rising, but the absolute number of people without electricity is barely moving because population growth is outpacing new connections. It means we need grid expansion, mini-grids, off-grid solar, and productive use solutions deployed fast enough to outrun demographies. It also means that access cannot be measured only as a connection. Access must be affordable, reliable, and adequate enough to power productive use. Energy access must translate into development outcomes. For clean cooking, the center of gravity has now shifted to Africa. This cannot remain a secondary issue or a separate development conversation. Clean cooking is central to health, gender equality, food security, and climate action. It must be planned as part of modern energy system from the start. The lesson is clear. We need targeted delivery. The countries furthest behind need tailored and intensified support. The highest impact countries need coordinated partner platforms, and finance needs to follow the access gap, not only the easiest transactions. This is where SE4ALL sees a very practical role for energy compacts, and we welcome its inclusion in the UN Energy Work Programme. The Work Programme rightly recognizes energy compacts as a platform not only to mobilize commitments, but also to support implementation and accelerate collective action for SDG 7. The next phase should therefore focus on helping countries and partners translate commitments into national plans, investment pipelines, and delivery. For SEforALL, the message from today is simple. We have the evidence, we have the mandates, and through UN Energy Work Programme, we now have a stronger platform for coordinated action. SEforALL stands ready to support UN Energy and member states in 3 practical ways. First, by strengthening energy compacts as a platform for implementation and accountability. Second, by supporting country-level delivery models. And third, by helping ensure that SDG 7 remains central not only to the 2030 Agenda, but also to the post-2030 development agenda. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Amir. Now I turn over to Mr. Ed Brown, Research Director of Modern Energy Cooking Services and Professor of Global Energy Challenges at Loughborough University. Ed, over to you.

Thank you very much, Martin, and I want to start actually by echoing Jean-François in my thanks for the inclusivity of this process, both for the invitation to be here today, but also in the work with the SDG7 TAG, I think, which has been a really great process, I think, for everyone involved in producing those briefing papers. Just a few days ago, several of us here were in the UK for the blistering heat in London of London Climate Week, and there we were celebrating the conclusion of the second phase of a UK government government-funded program called the Ayrton Fund, which actually funds a lot of really innovative research in precisely this kind of space. And I would say that because they fund us. But I think one of the things I wanted to say, though, about that is that it embodies the kind of inventive partnerships which I think several people have talked about here. So MEX, which I'm the research director of, is funded by the FCDO, but it's a partnership between Loughborough University,— our colleagues in ESMAP and CLASP, who some of you will know as a US NGO. And I think these are the kinds of inventive partnerships that will allow us to kind of get to that final mile in terms of taking us to the next step and meeting many of the very severe challenges that still face us in relation to SDG 7. Above all of those, I think, and several people have talked about this today, is the clinical Cooking Challenge. We've been working on this challenge since 2018, and if it were easy, it would have been dealt with by now. But it is an issue that is receiving an increasing amount of international attention, and we are recognizing the factors that will allow us to finally tackle this intractable, wicked problem that has been such a burden on so many people for so long. What we've tried to do in MEX is provide the detailed evidence of the situations facing different fuels and technologies, the challenges of affordability, the challenges of acceptance amongst populations, and so on and so forth. And I think perhaps the biggest lesson that we've learned over that time has been the need to work with governments around the individual circumstances the realities that they face and support them in developing effective multi-fuel strategies based on their own realities and their own ambitions. And that's one of the things that we're doing over the course of the next few years, for example, is working with AFREC in implementing a roadmap for clean cooking for Africa through the auspices of the African Union. That's a new initiative this year. That we're developing with them. But for us, I think the key game changer for accelerated progress on clean cooking— and I don't— those of you that know me will not be surprised by this— is electric cooking. 10 years ago, when we started looking at these issues, electric cooking was not even part of the agenda. Now we've moved from a situation where we have built the evidence base for why electric cooking has to be seen as as part of the solution to a situation where now we are effectively implementing and working with partners to see significant uptake of electric cooking globally, and it's something that we invite everybody to work with us in as the kind of new area of activity, working collaboratively with our partners in the World Bank and the African Development Bank, working with exciting new companies that are emerging to take advantage of these opportunities, across Africa and beyond, working with new initiatives, with new players in this space, with utilities. We only just a few weeks ago saw Tanesco in Tanzania announce a major new initiative for on-bill financing of electric cooking appliances to the tune of around 1 million appliances, that is their ambition for the next 2 or 3 years. So these are new, these are really important, this is the game-changing type of solution that we are looking for if we are going to meet the challenge that has been set to us today in addressing these issues. I want to finish, though, by something that— Minoure will laugh at this— in that, as an academic, I perhaps get to say some things that others around this table don't get to say, and this is that Many of you would not be happy perhaps for me to say that we will still be here in 2030 talking about these issues. We know that's true. Even if we were to have met the SDG 7 indicators in their entirety, we would still be facing affordability challenges. We would still be facing sustainability of access challenges for people that have got access to a solar home system. What's going to happen when that solar home system breaks in 5 years' time? We are still going to be facing reliability challenges from utilities that are starved of investment for their— for the reliability of their systems. And we are still going to be facing challenges in translating access to electricity into significant livelihood impacts because we don't support demand-enhancing in the way that we support connectivity. Today, several of the people around this table, together with MEX and CCG, have launched a document called 'The Future of Energy in the Post-2030 Sustainable Development Landscape: Framing the Future'. I'd invite anyone that's interested in debating these issues with us in the coming years, have a look at it. It's on the MEX website, mex.org.uk. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Ed. And now I turn over to Mr. Josh Oxby, the global focal point of the SDG 7 youth constituency. Josh, over to you.

Thank you very much, Martin. For me, the Global Action Plan really matters because it names the right challenge. Not whether sustainable energy is desirable or whether SDG 7 still matters, but whether we can move with the speed, the scale, and the coherence this moment really demands. And from a youth perspective, that means being quite brutally honest. If the remainder of this decade is serious about implementation, young people can't only be consulted. We have to be recognized as delivery, delivery capacity needed to make sustainable energy for everyone, everywhere, real, just, and intergenerationally inclusive. Now let me frame this around 3 reflections of what it means to build youth capability into SDG 7 delivery. First, youth can help close the gap between ambition and implementation— and we've heard this an awful lot already today. And again, as we've heard, more than 655 million people still lack electricity access, and around 2 billion still rely on polluting fuels for cooking. And these aren't abstract numbers. They show up in communities still waiting for reliable power, households where clean cooking solutions don't stick, and training programs that don't lead to jobs. That's why partnerships with young people matter. Better, not as a gesture of inclusion, but because we are already living with the impacts of the delivery gaps now. We can help partnerships see where solutions aren't sticking, where investment isn't reaching the people that SDG 7 is meant to serve, and how progress should be monitored. My second point: youth can help connect energy action to the systems that make delivery possible. The energy transition, as we've heard, is no longer being shaped by policy alone. It's been shaped by finance, skills, digital demand, industrial strategy, and trust. And that really matters for the Global Plan of Action. Innovation must connect to public systems, skills to real jobs, policy to the people and places still waiting to fuel the transition. Youth contribution then cannot be reduced to advocacy alone. We already are the engineers. The researchers, the entrepreneurs, the data specialists helping to deliver the global energy transition on the, on the ground. The question is whether our institutions are ready to use that capability or whether we keep treating youth innovation as a peripheral until it's too late to scale. And my third point is that youth can help make this decade accountable beyond 2030. A seat at the table matters. But it's not the same as a role in delivery. So the UNECE Youth Group on Resilient Energy Systems, we've been floating the idea of the Future Development Goals to ask what the SDGs make visible and what the next framework must fully capture. And don't get me wrong, we're not treating the future as an escape from delivery now. What comes after the SDGs will only be credible if this generation sees ambition become power people can use, jobs people can enter, and systems people can trust. So the next 4 years are not just a countdown to 2030. They're a credibility test. They have to prove that delivery is still possible, not just in targets, but in people's lives. For young people, the point is no longer just to be heard. It's to be trusted with delivery. This decade doesn't need youth around the edges of implementation. It needs youth capability built into the machinery that makes delivery possible. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Josh. So we really heard a broad spectrum of voices, um, and we heard of a lot of initiatives, uh, and efforts that are translating the Decade's vision into concrete action and advancing the achievement of SDG 7. We will now continue with the interactive discussion. For that, I have the pleasure to hand over the moderation to Ms. Björk Sundskja, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Yes.

Well, good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you. Thank you, Martin, for moderating this very interesting discussion. Let me also thank all the speakers for your great contributions to the discussion, and not least for all your hard work leading up to the discussion. Discussion and meeting that we are having today. Throughout today's event, and also at the SDG7 review yesterday, we've heard that wealth of valuable insights from you. We've learned about inspiring initiatives, and we've witnessed strong commitment to accelerating progress towards achieving SDG7 by 2030. And as we conclude this important gathering today. Let's carry forward the solutions, the partnerships, the commitments that have emerged over these discussions. Achieving SDG 7 requires continued collaboration, innovation, and bold action to overcome remaining challenges and unlock new opportunities. But by working together, we can accelerate the transition towards a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy future for all. So as we come to the end of this event, it's my pleasure to thank all the speakers and participants again for your valuable contributions. And not least, it is my great pleasure to invite Ms. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, to deliver the closing remarks. So, DSG, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, I wish— Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I wish I was at the beginning. I was hearing the applause just before I came in and I thought I really have missed a lot of interaction. But as we conclude the event, and it is incredibly important, the UN energy discussion across the world, for the Secretary-General and myself, I would like to add my own appreciation to our speakers and our participants for the detailed discussion that you've had. A special thank you to the organizers, UN DESA, thank you so much, in collaboration with the UN Energy and the Group of Friends on Sustainable Energy for bringing the group together. Throughout the discussions, I believe one thing has stood out: despite the extremely challenging operating environment the world is facing, SDG 7 stands out as a beacon of hope and a powerful accelerator across the whole of the 2030 Agenda. These crises, from energy insecurity to climate change, have strengthened the case for renewables opportunity, and the energy security crisis in the Gulf has created an opening to double down on renewable energy, cut the geopolitical dependencies, and accelerate sustainable development. The Secretary-General has made this clear recently, and we have heard it echoed today, that the rapid expansion of renewable energy has made the clean energy transition not only feasible, but irreversible. And now a new energy era is taking shape as renewable energy has become the most competitive source of electricity on our planet. I think we can all agree that we leave this meeting today with a clear to-do list: universal access to electricity, including our clean cooking agenda by 2030, 2030, the tripling of renewables, finance at scale to get us there, especially for the most vulnerable, accelerating a just transition— and I underscore 'just' there— one that respects the rights and livelihoods of communities who make it possible, but also the industrialization of many countries that require baseload to get to where they can for all their people in their economies, and one that captures the value of critical energy transition minerals minerals where they are mined. Though we are clear on the what, today has really talked about the how. We are better equipped than many realize. We do have a roadmap. The Global Plan for Action for the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All sets this out in practical terms, how to accelerate between now and 2030, and I would encourage every member state in this room to make it their own, to convene around it, to build new partnerships at the country level,, and the UN system coordinated by our Resident Coordinators and the UN Country Team would be at your disposal. We have a UN system, as we said, gearing up behind it. The Climate Promise— last year it brought together more than 30 UN entities, convened by the Resident Coordinator, but led by UNDP's technical leadership, to help in 107 countries prepare their NDCs. The quality of those NDCs was by far streets ahead of what we did in 2015 when we signed the Paris Agreement. The Secretary-General's Climate Strategy calls for rapid diversification of our energy grids to accelerate the transition and strengthen energy security for all. That also means thinking beyond national grids. The ASEAN Power Grid shows the value of countries linking their systems, trading electricity across borders, and pulling power much more flexibly. The UN Energy Work Programme, launched just this morning, will put the full weight of the UN, its expertise and convening power, at the service of countries, and working with our teams and responding to national priorities for the expertise on demand, which is often quite expensive and needed pretty immediately across the different streams of work. It strengthens what already works, the UN Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, to the Council of Engineers on Energy Transition. My thanks go to UN Energy co-chairs and the Secretariat at DESA for their leadership and really holding this issue with fire to its feet. We also have a proven platform for partnerships with the energy compacts, one where governments, businesses, international organizers, and civil society all pull in the same direction. Here, I'd like to give a special shout-out to the Sustainable Energy for All Damilola Ogumbi and her team have shown what champions look like on this agenda, working with other international finance institutions to get the scale and the urgency required at the country level. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, friends and my colleagues, the clean energy transition is no longer, I believe, a distant promise. It's here, it's gathering pace, and it's on our watch. So this is not a moment to ease off, it's a moment to press our foot down even harder, to take everything we heard today and to turn it into greater momentum. We launched the SDG report— SG's SDG report yesterday. We are clearly off track, but this is a goal that we can accelerate and that we can reach the targets in many of our countries across the world. So thank you once again for your engagement, your partnership, your leadership, and I wish you every success the rest of the High-Level Political Thank you.

Thank you, DSG, for those very inspiring remarks. There is still some way to go, we have work to do, but we have all of that, we have the roadmap and it's all, the road is cut out for us. So this concludes the special event. Thank you all again for your valuable contributions. And with that, the meeting is adjourned. Thank you.