Accelerating Energy System Innovation and Transition for Equity and Resilience to Advance Global Sustainable Development (HLPF 2026 Side Event)

We're still waiting for 2 guests who are currently at other meetings. We will begin the meeting promptly at 3:00 PM. And we're still waiting for 2 guests who are currently at other meetings. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, good afternoon. I declare open the United Nations HLPF side event on Accelerating Energy System Innovation and Transition for Equity and resilience to advance global sustainable development. A decade has passed since the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was launched in 2015. Today, GEICO, the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization, together with the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, the UNDP, ASCAP, ESQA, Sustainable Energy for All, and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network is hosting this thematic side event. This event aims to build a platform, share achievements, explore partnerships, and garner joint efforts to accelerate the global energy transition and foster sustainable development worldwide. Present at this meeting are more than 400 guests representing over 90 countries and more than 300 enterprises and institutions. In fact, we have— I have been informed that we have over 600 in-person guests. GEICO has over 1,350 member organizations and they are all viewing this side event virtually online. At the outset, please allow me to introduce the distinguished guests who will speak at today's meeting. Please hold your applause until all guests have been introduced. His Excellency Mr. Tapa, President of ECOSOC, United Nations USG Mr. Li Junhua, Mr. Fu Cong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative for China to the UN, Mr. Xing Baoan, Chairman of GAICO. Mr. Claver Gatete, USG and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa. Ms. Ramida Sawsia Ali Sahbana, USG and Executive Secretary of ESCAP. Ms. Rainia Al Marshad, USG and Executive Secretary of ESCWA. Mr. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency. Mr. Selwyn Hart, Special Advisor to the SG on Climate Action and Assistant Secretary for the Climate Action Team. Ms. Fatou Haidara, Deputy to the Director-General of UNIDO. Mr. Marcos Neto, UNDP ASG and Director for Bureau of Policy and Programme Support.

Mr.

Azibek Kozachev, Minister in Charge of Energy and Infrastructure of Eurasian Economic Union; Mr. Ernesto Soberano Guzmán, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations; Mr. Vepa Hadzhiyev, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations; Mr. Riyad Meddeb, Head of UNDP's Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy Team; Mr. Liu Hua, Deputy Director-General of International Atomic Energy Agency; Mr. Vimal Mahendru, Vice President and Special Envoy for the UN SDG International Electrotechnical Commission; Mr. Stefano Maguccio, Deputy CEO of Sustainable Energy for All. We have a long list of speakers and I will not introduce them all at this stage. In addition, we have received video messages from the following dignitaries: Ms. Celeste Salos, SG of the World Meteorological Organization, as well as Mr. Thomas Lamanaskas, Deputy Secretary-General of ITU. Also present here today are representatives from entities such as UNDESA, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Council for Engineers of the Energy Transition, as well as students from Harvard and Yale Universities. Media outlets such as UN Radio, People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, and China Media Group have been invited to attend. Also with us are representatives from Chinese business enterprises. Let's extend a warm welcome and our sincere thanks to all guests and friends from the media. I now have the great pleasure to give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Thapa, President of ECOSOC.

Thank you, U.S. Lee Jin Hwa, Ambassador Pukong, Mr. Sin Pao Yan, Chairman of the GEIDCO, Executive Secretaries, Excellencies, colleagues, it is a pleasure to join you for this important discussion on the Accelerating Energy System Innovations and Transition for Equity and Resilience to Advance Global Sustainable Development. I thank the Permanent Mission of People's Republic of China, Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organizations, and the UNDP and other partners for bringing us together at this timely moment. As we meet under the auspices of the HLPF, I want to highlight that SDG 7 is more than one goal among many. It is an enabler of the entire 2030 Agenda. Affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy underpins progress across the 2030 Agenda, from poverty eradication and food security to health, education, industrialization, gender equality, climate action, and economic opportunity. The world is not on track to achieve SDG 7. Today, 655 million people still lack access to electricity. Around 2 billion people do not have access to clean cooking fuels and technologies. At the same time, climate impact, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty are exposing vulnerabilities in energy systems and threatening development gains. These challenges were also at the center of ECOSOC's Special Meeting on Safeguarding Energy and Supply Flows that convened on May 15th. Our discussions made clear that Energy security is fundamentally our development challenge, with implications for poverty eradication, food security, trade, inflation, and resilience. One message emerged consistently: stronger multilateral cooperation, greater investment, and more resilient energy systems are indispensable. Against this backdrop, accelerating energy transitions is both an urgent necessity and a major opportunity. Our task is not simply to shift to cleaner energy. We must ensure that transition is equitable, it is resilient, and it is inclusive. We cannot allow a future in which more countries move ahead while others are left behind. Energy transitions must reduce inequalities, must expand opportunities, and must strengthen resilience, especially in developing countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states. Excellencies, innovation will be central to this effort. Renewable energy, smart grids, digital technologies, energy storage, and emerging clean energy solutions are opening new pathways to sustainable development. But The true measure of innovation is not how advanced it is, but how many lives it improves. Its benefits will not be realized without the right policies, without right and strong institutions, without greater investment, or without capacity building and international cooperation. Many developing countries still face major barriers. Access to finance remains limited. Technology gaps persist. Technical expertise is often insufficient. Bridging these gaps is essential if we are to move at the scale and at the speed required. That is why multilateral cooperation remains indispensable. Excellencies, this week's thematic review of SDG 7 at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development reinforces the clear message: accelerating progress is no longer simply a question of technology. It is all about implementation. It is all about financing, and it is all about partnerships and international cooperation. As the United Nations' principal platform for dialogue on sustainable development, ECOSOC has a responsibility to bring these elements together, and discussions such as today's are an important part of that effort. The United Nations systems, international financial institutions, governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society all have critical roles to play. Partnerships that promote technological cooperation and that promote knowledge sharing and that promote investment can help countries develop solutions tailored to their national circumstances, and development priorities. We must also strengthen energy resilience. Climate risks are increasing, disruptions are becoming more frequent. In this, resilient energy systems require infrastructure that can withstand shocks, diversified energy sources, and stronger regional and cross-border cooperation. Ultimately, resilience is about protecting development gains and safeguarding the well-being of our communities. Excellencies, as President of the Economic and Social Council, I believe our collective efforts should focus on 3 priorities. First, mobilizing greater investment in sustainable energy infrastructure, and innovation, particularly in developing countries where financing needs are the greatest. Second, strengthen international cooperation for capacity building and knowledge exchange, ensuring that no country is left behind. Third, place equity and people at the center of the transitions. So that the benefits of energy transformations are shared by all. Ladies and gentlemen, the transformation of our energy system is one of the defining challenges and opportunities of our time. Together, we can build energy systems that are cleaner, more resilient, and more inclusive. Advancing sustainable development, and improving lives. The discussions we began at the ECOSOC Special Meeting in May continue through this High-Level Political Forum. I am confident that they will strengthen the partnership needed to accelerate an equitable and resilient energy transition. As President of the Economic and Social Council, I remain committed to ensuring that the Council continues to serve as a platform that brings partners together, builds consensus, and advances practical solutions for sustainable development. I look forward to the insights and recommendations that will emerge from these important meetings. I thank you.

Thank you, President Thapa, for your statement. I now give the floor to Mr. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Thank you.

President of ECOSOC, Ambassador Fu Cong, Chairman Xing Bao'an, Excellencies, my dear UN colleagues, distinguished participants and guests, good afternoon. I'm pleased to join you for this important high-level event. At the outset, let me thank the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization, the Permanent Mission of China UNDP, ECHO-UP, ESCAP, Sustainable Energy for All, and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for convening this timely discussion. Earlier this week, the High-Level Political Forum reviewed the SDG 7s, recognizing impressive gains but stressing the urgent need for accelerated collective action to close remaining gaps. Energy is never just a sectoral issue. It is a foundation for sustainable development. It directly drives progress across the entire 2030 Agenda, from poverty eradication, health, and education to water sanitation, food system, industrialization, digitalization, and climate resilience. This demand for integrated delivery was a central message at the recent Global Climate and SDG Synergies Conference. Energy resilience is a critical area in which climate action and sustainable development reinforce each other. For vulnerable countries and communities, achieving this resilience is ultimately a matter of equity and justice. Today, I would like to emphasize 3 strategic priorities. First, innovation must accelerate the implementation of the SDG 7s. Renewable energy, electrification, energy storage, Regional interconnections, smart grids, and digital technologies are changing how energy is generated, transmitted, and consumed. We must ensure that all these advancements are directed to deliver clean, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy services for all. Second, the energy transition must safeguard equity and resilience. We must support developing countries in overcoming entrenched barriers related to infrastructure, financing, capacity, and technology, while strengthening resilience against climate, economic, and geopolitical shocks. Third, partnerships are essential to accelerating progress towards the SDG 7s by bringing together partners across the sectors and borders. We pool the expertise, resources, and innovation required to anchor the implementation, scale up the clean energy solution, and ensure a truly inclusive energy transition. Dear colleagues, I applaud today's focus on energy system innovation, equitable transition, and resilience. I also welcome the launch of the Global Energy Interconnection Academy, and the release of the Global Electricity Development Index 2026, both of which will contribute to capacity building, evidence-based policymaking, and international cooperation. Let us leverage this high-level political forum to accelerate action, strengthen partnerships, and build resilient energy systems needed to drive sustainable development and leave no one behind. Thank you.

Thank you, USG Li Junhua. I now give the floor to Mr. Fu Cong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of China to the UN.

Distinguished Ambassador Tappa, USG Mr. Li Junhua. Chairman Xin Baolan, diplomats, and colleagues, I'm delighted to be part of this side event on accelerating energy system innovation and transition. Energy is a key sector for national development and a central issue in global governance. In today's world, the need to address climate change, the ongoing technological and industrial transformation, and the imperative of global energy security are all calling for accelerated international actions to advance energy transition, a transformation that involves major shifts in the way people live and work. In this, there are no bystanders and no one should be left behind. The international community must unite, cooperate, assist each other, work together, and share the benefits. I'd like to make a few proposals. First, we need to have science and technology as a stronger enabler and work to deepen technology cooperation. Technology innovation is an engine of energy transition. We must intensify R&D efforts in such areas as global energy storage and the transition, low-carbon thermal power and carbon capture and utilization, expand development, exploitation of diverse sources including wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, and biomass, we need to break technology blockade and remove green barriers. By establishing joint labs and international energy innovation platforms, more developing countries will be enabled to participate in energy technology innovation and acquire technology to unlock their dormant resources. To this end, China supports the UN Energy in playing a greater role in coordinating global energy technology exchange. Second, we need to promote technology application to achieve inclusive empowerment. Energy technology is for application. It must be integrated with industry and translated into products. Large-scale deployment can bring down costs and improve efficiency. To make products and services affordable and user-friendly. Efforts are needed on both upstream and downstream sectors, building wind, solar PV generation facilities, developing energy storage stations, power grids, and other power transmission facilities, and building end-use infrastructure in transportation industry and consumer sectors. Particular attention must be given to ensuring universal access to energy for vulnerable groups including those in LDCs, remote and underdeveloped regions, and women and children. China's Small but Beautiful solar assistance projects implemented in schools and communities in Burundi and Nepal, among others, have been well received. Third, there is a need to foster green lifestyles and production practices and advance the energy transition Through joint actions. Energy transition is not just a matter for the government. It requires the participation action of the whole society. Businesses should prioritize the use of clean energy while the public should adopt green lifestyles and modes of mobility. Countries and international community— international community have run campaigns such as Clean Energy Day, Earth Hour, and Zero Waste Day to gradually and Little by little raise people's awareness of energy transition. In China, as of June this year, new energy vehicles accounted for 60% of the total new car sales. Fourth, we need to improve global energy governance and work together to safeguard energy security. In recent years, a series of geopolitical and energy security incidents have repeatedly reminded us of the necessity to address global energy governance issues with an unprecedented sense of urgency. We must strengthen the interconnectivity of global energy infrastructure and build a new and win-win model for global energy transition. We must overcome the challenges of the global energy transition and help developing countries gain access to adequate, secure, and affordable clean energy through their own development efforts. Guests and colleagues, China is an active champion of and contributor to the global energy transition. China is home to the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system and the world's largest and most comprehensive new energy industrial chain, supplying over 80% of the world's PV modules, And over 70% of the wind power equipment. In Sub-Saharan Africa, China-supplied off-grid PV systems account for more than half of newly added power capacity. In Southeast Asia, China is the largest public clean energy investor with over $2.7 billion invested over the past decade. The wind-solar-storage-plus-electric vehicle model for green energy development pioneered by China has injected strong momentum into global green development. This year marks the 5th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's proposal of the Global Development Initiative, in which climate change and green development are among the 8 priority areas. Taking the GDI's 5th anniversary as an opportunity, China stands ready to strengthen energy transition cooperation with all countries and work together to build a clean and beautiful world, we will continue to be a sincere partner of the Global South in energy transition process and strive for the early realization of the noble vision of sustainable energy for all. Thank you.

Thank you, Ambassador Fu. I now have the pleasure to invite Mr. Xin Bao'en, Chairman of GATT CO to address the meeting. Please give him a warm welcome.

Aksak President Tapa, U.S.G. Lee Jun Hwa, Ambassador Fu Cong, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, a good afternoon. Today we are very much honored to host this event here at UN HQ in collaboration. With various UN entities. We're here to exchange ideas, share success stories, and strengthen cooperation in order to jointly promote the global energy transition and sustainable development. On behalf of GATCO, allow me first and foremost to extend to you all a very warm welcome. Thank you very much for your presence. Ladies and gentlemen, In today's world, challenges such as resource scarcity, climate change, ecological degradation, and energy poverty are becoming increasingly severe. Against this backdrop, achieving the 2030 Agenda is indeed a formidable task. Energy, the driving force behind human survival and development, is critical to the overall attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. At present, the green and low-carbon transition of energy has become a global consensus. The key lies in accelerating actions. The most effective way is through clean energy substitution and electrification, thereby building a modern energy system that is defined by clean energy, centered on electricity, the system that is interconnected, safe, reliable, smart, and efficient. And this is the global energy interconnection that we advocate. This is a system scheme to implement the GDI and press forward energy transformation, and it should be advanced with a focus on innovation, equity, and resilience. First, driving transformation of energy systems through innovation. We need to seize the opportunities offered by the new technological revolution and industrial transformation so as to comprehensively and systematically advance innovations in new technologies, materials, equipment, business models, and mechanisms to build the momentum of energy transition, and in particular, we need to focus— we need to follow the overarching trend of digitalization, smart development, deepen the integration of cutting-edge IT with energy systems, leverage AI to build a robust, digital, and intelligent power grid, and coordinate the large-scale development and distribution of clean energy with the the construction of computing infrastructure. It is important to promote the mutual reinforcement of computing and power generation so as to achieve a synergy between the two, thereby injecting strong momentum into energy transition and sustainable development. Second, promoting a just energy transition guided by the principle of inclusivity. At the moment, the imbalance of global energy development remains a prominent issue. More than 600 million people lack access to electricity. Many developing countries, despite endowed with abundant clean energy resources, face difficulties in their development due to constraints such as funding and market access. The global community should scale up support for developing countries, jointly promote the development of clean energy and upgrading of power grid interconnections, and facilitate the wider distribution and use of green electricity. Doing so will not only help developing countries transform their resource advantage into drivers of development, but also enrich the global supply of high-quality energy, allowing all countries to share the benefits derived from the energy transition. Third, promoting a resilient energy transition underpinned by security. In recent years, energy supply security and information network risks are becoming growing concerns. Extreme weather events and frequent natural disasters pose a critical test to the energy system. In addressing such challenges, a balanced approach is needed vis-à-vis development and security. On the one hand, it is necessary to strengthen various types of energy infrastructure in terms of construction, interconnection, promoting complementarity and regional resource— regional mutual support to make diversified energy supply reality. On the other hand, it is important to focus on bolstering energy systems' ability to weather and all kinds of risks, shore up climate and security resilience of the energy system, and to provide strong support for green, low-carbon, and sustainable development. Electricity is at the heart of energy systems in the future. Accelerating innovation and development in the electricity sector is key to energy transition. Over the years, GAECO has conducted high— in-depth research on global and regional electricity development, which have yielded significant results. Building on this, in 2024, we launched the world's first comprehensive index, the Global Electricity Development Index, to systematically assess the effectiveness of electricity development at the regional and the national level. And this is a parameter for global electricity development. At this event, we will release the Global Electricity Development Index 2026, and this marks the second time following 2024 that this report is released at a UN conference. This report comprehensively assesses electricity development across 100 representative countries and systematically describes the latest patterns and trends in global electricity development. Thus serving as a reference for countries as they explore the electricity development paths suited to their national conditions. To better advance the global energy transition, GEICO has for many years worked to strengthen international cooperation on capacity building. Today, we're also witnessing the establishment of the GEI Academy, the purpose of which is to create an open and shared professional training platform in the energy sector. With a particular focus on developing countries, it will prioritize technical exchanges, knowledge sharing, talent training, and thematic research to build up capacity for energy transition and development. This initiative has received strong support from more than a dozen UN organizations, including UNDP, UNFCCC Secretariat, ESCOA, and UNITA, among others. We hope that more like-minded partners will join us. So that we can work together to advance capacity building for the energy transition in a more substantive and efficient manner. Looking forward, GAECO stands ready to serve as a think tank and a platform to strengthen exchanges and deepen cooperation with all partners so that we can come together to promote a global energy transition that is innovative, just, and resilient, thus making new and greater contributions to the world's sustainable development. And I thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you, Chairman Xi. Now we proceed to the high-level dialogue segment. We have the pleasure of inviting USG and Executive Secretary of Economic Commission for Africa, Mr. Katak, to address the meeting. Sir, you have the floor.

Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Your Excellency President of ECOSOC, Your Excellency Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China, Your Excellency Chairman of GEICO and President of China Electricity Council, my good friend USG of DESA, Mr. President, and my colleagues, the Executive Secretaries of ESCAP and ESCWA, Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to join you today. I wish to start by commending GEICO, our great partner, and all partners for convening this timely dialogue on the margins of the High-Level Political Forum. Indeed, Few issues better capture the intersection of sustainable development, resilience, and economic transformation than energy. Today, the world is navigating slower growth, geopolitical tensions, climate change, and tightening fiscal space. Together, these forces are impacting investment decisions, disrupting production systems, and testing the resilience of economies everywhere. More recently, the conflict of the Middle East— in the Middle East has further underscored how quickly external shocks can ripple through energy markets, supply chains, and financing conditions affecting countries far beyond the region. This reinforces the simple fact that energy security is inseparable from economic security, and the figures confront us with undeniable challenge. The world is off track to achieving SDG 7. Around 600 million people in Africa still lack access to electricity, while 400 million lack clean water. These statistics lead us to a more fundamental question: how can we industrialize without reliable energy? How can we create productive employment for Africa's rapidly growing workforce if businesses, factories, and digital industries cannot access affordable and dependable electricity. For Africa, therefore, the energy transition is not simply an environmental agenda. It is fundamentally a development agenda. It is about powering industries, creating jobs, improving food systems, strengthening resilience, and accelerating structural transformation. Fortunately, Africa also possesses many of the ingredients for success. The continent holds around 60% of the world's best solar resources, significant hydro, wind, and geothermal potential, and more than 30% of global reserves of critical minerals essential for the clean energy transition. Combined with Africa's continental market of 1.5 billion people, with the highest youthful population, these assets provide a unique opportunity to build regional value chains, expand manufacturing, and create productive employment. But we also know that opportunity by itself is not enough to deliver transformation. Unlocking Africa's renewable potential will require major investment in generation, transmission infrastructure, and regional power interconnections. Manufactured products. Additionally, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services are driving unprecedented global demand for data centers, facilities that require vast amounts of reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy. If Africa is to participate competitively in the digital economy, then it must build the energy systems capable of powering these new generation industries. The countries that can provide abundant, reliable, and sustainable energy will be best positioned to capture investment in both advanced manufacturing and the digital economy. Innovation, therefore, must extend beyond technology itself to encompass policy, financing, institutions, and regional cooperation. And there is every reason for optimism. Across the continent, countries are already demonstrating that with the right policies, investments, and partnerships, energy transformation is within reach. For example, Kenya has become a global leader in geothermal energy. Morocco continues to scale renewable energy investments while positioning itself in green hydrogen. Ethiopia's hydropower investments are already supporting regional electricity trade and strengthening energy integration across Eastern Africa. Across the continent, regional power pools are boosting energy security through greater cross-border cooperation. These examples demonstrate that resilience is built through partnership, long-term investment and regional integration, and they provide a practical roadmap for the future. The task now is to move from isolated achievements to systemic transformation across the continent so that no country is left behind. In this regard, allow me to suggest 4 priorities for our collective consideration. First, we must accelerate investment in resilient energy infrastructure, particularly transmission networks, regional interconnections, storage systems, and smart grids, so that renewable energy reaches households and productive sectors alike. Second, we must mobilize substantially greater investment through innovative financings, strong domestic capital markets, and de-risking instruments that unlock private capital for Africa's energy transition. Third, we must ensure that Africa's energy transition also becomes an industrial transition. Our renewable resources and critical minerals should power competitive regional value chains, local manufacturing, and value addition under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. Finally, we must invest in people as much as infrastructure. In this regard, we welcome the launch of the Global Energy Interconnection Academy, which can play an important role in strengthening the technical, regulatory, and institutional capacities needed to design resilient, integrated, and future-ready energy systems, particularly across developing countries. Excellencies, ECA is ever ready to work with GEICO and all partners to advance regional power integration, enabling policy frameworks and sustainable energy systems that accelerate implementation of both African Union Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I thank you very much.

Thank you, sir, for your statement. I now give the floor to the Executive Secretary of ASCAP to address the meeting. Madam, you have the floor.

Excellency President Ekosok, Ambassador Phu Chong, Chairman Sin Buan, USG Lead Jun Hua, and fellow ESS Excellencies, colleagues, and friends. It is my pleasure to join our longstanding partner, GETCO, and fellow development partners for this event. Over the years, ESCAP and GETCO have worked closely together to advance regional dialogue, technical cooperation, as well as knowledge sharing on power system interconnection. It is fitting that later today we will extend our MOU, a renewal that reflects our commitment to deepen this partnership. As the Secretary-General recently reminded us that the age of clean electricity— electrification is here, the question is whether we can build the grids and storage, mobilize the investment, and deliver the infrastructure at the speed and scale required? Nowhere is that question more urgent than in Asia-Pacific, home to nearly 60% of the world's population, the engine of global growth, and the world's largest energy-consuming region, still heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. Recent geopolitical tensions have shown how vulnerable our economies are to that dependence. Volatile fuel prices and supply disruptions have increased electricity costs, squeezed production and transport, and strained food security and livelihoods, especially for the most vulnerable. The lesson is clear: energy transition is no longer only about climate action. It is about resilience, energy security, and ensuring the benefits of clean energy are shared equitably. Innovation is key to energy transition. Across our region, artificial intelligence is improving renewable forecasting and grid operations. Digital twins, battery storage, and advanced transmissions are transforming what is possible. China's experience illustrates the scale of what can be achieved through sustained investment in renewables, Ultra-high voltage transmission and storage. It added more than 430 gigawatts of renewable capacity in 2025 alone. But innovation alone is not enough. A resilient, equitable transition also requires regional cooperation. No country can achieve energy security in isolation. Resources are unevenly distributed, demand peaks differ, and climate risks across borders. This is why interconnected grids are becoming strategic infrastructure. By linking renewable resources with demand centers across borders, countries can diversify supply, improve reliability, lower costs, and integrate far more renewable energy than isolated systems allow. We are turning this vision into action. Our regional roadmap on power system connectivity endorsed by our member states, provides the basis for regional grid integration. Building on it, we are advancing green power corridors linking renewable resource areas with demand centers through modern transmission backed by enabling policies, financing, and regulatory cooperation. The evidence shows these corridors deliver value far beyond fuel savings alone. They also provide cleaner air, new jobs, and sustainable industrial development, to name a few. Together, they can form the backbone of a Green Asia Energy Highway, powering a cleaner, more connected, and more prosperous region. Excellencies, no single country can build the resilient energy system of the future alone, but together, through innovation, connectivity, and cooperation, We can turn vulnerabilities into opportunities and accelerate progress on SDG 7, as well as the entire 2030 Agenda. We remain committed to working with our member states and partners to make that vision a reality. Thank you very much.

I thank her Excellency Alisher Bano. I now give the floor to Ms. Rainier El Mashat, USG and Executive Secretary of ESCOA. Please give him— give her a warm welcome.

Thank you very much, Excellency President of ECOSOC, Excellency Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China, Excellency Chairman of GETCO and President of China Electricity Council, my colleagues, Under-Secretary-General of UN DESA and heads of the regional commissions, Excellencies and distinguished representatives and colleagues who are here with us today, it's a pleasure for us to join you in this very important discussion on accelerating energy system innovation and transition for equity and resilience. Let me thank our colleagues and friends and partners from GETCO for convening this event together with ESCWA and other distinguished partners. We value this long-lasting collaboration with the company, which has left its mark on the region. Over the years, the partnership has supported dialogue, capacity building, and knowledge exchange on grid interconnection, energy transition, digitization, and South-South cooperation. Today's discussion gives us an opportunity to build on that foundation while responding to a regional and global context that has become more urgent. Excellencies, the global energy landscape is being shaped by multiple and interconnected challenges. Climate change is intensifying. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Geopolitical tensions continue to affect supply chains and energy markets. At the same time, many developing countries face growing fiscal and development pressures. In this context, resilient energy systems are no longer an aspiration; they are a necessity. For the Arab region, the challenge is particularly important. While significant progress has been made in expanding access to energy services, many countries continue to face vulnerabilities linked to climate change, water scarcity, infrastructure gaps, and conflict. These realities remind us that energy transition is not only about decarbonization; It is also about resilience, inclusion, and sustainable development. To move forward, we believe that there are 3 priorities that stand out. First, building more resilient energy systems. Second, harnessing innovation for development. And third, strengthening regional cooperation. First, we must build resilience into our energy systems. Recent crises have demonstrated how disruptions in energy can quickly affect water security, food systems, economic activity and livelihoods. Energy systems therefore need to be more flexible, more integrated, and better prepared to respond to shocks. This requires investment in modern grids, storage, digital technologies, and stronger regional infrastructure, echoing my colleagues in other regional commissions. It also requires viewing energy infrastructure not simply as a technical asset, but as an investment in stability and long-term development. Second, we must ensure that innovation serves people and development objectives. Technological advances are creating unprecedented opportunities. Artificial intelligence, digital platforms, smart grids, and advanced forecasting tools can improve efficiency, strengthen reliability, and accelerate the integration of renewable energy. Yet technology alone is not enough. Innovation must be accessible, inclusive, and responsible to national development priorities. Its success should ultimately be measured by its contribution to improved livelihoods, greater opportunities, and stronger resilience for communities. At ESCWA, we are supporting member states through digital and geospatial tools that strengthen energy planning, improve data-driven decision-making, and help identify opportunities for renewable energy deployment and infrastructure investments. We are also promoting knowledge sharing and regional cooperation to ensure that innovation translates into tangible development outcomes. Third, regional cooperation must be at the center of this transition. No country can achieve energy resilience alone. Inside one border, the math does not always close. Sometimes 1 1 3. Regional energy cooperation offers precisely that opportunity to create value that exceeds individual national efforts. Across the Arab region, energy and electricity interconnections from the Maghrib network in North Africa to the GCC grid and emerging links between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq demonstrate how cooperation can strengthen reliability, improve energy security, and unlock economic opportunities. Those efforts are advancing the vision of a pan-Arab electricity market and are closely aligned with Arab Vision 2045, which calls for stronger infrastructure, diversified energy systems, and deeper regional cooperation. Through its work on regional electricity integration, the pan-Arab electricity market, and digital and regulatory cooperation, ESCWA continues to support member states in translating this vision into practical action. Excellencies, the theme of today's event highlights transformation, innovation, resilience, and equity. These are not competing priorities; they are mutually enforcing objectives that must advance together. ESQA remains committed to supporting member states through policy dialogue, regional cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. We will continue to work with GETCO and other partners to promote practical solutions that respond to the realities and aspirations of the Arab region. The message is clear: a resilient energy future requires innovation, and innovation requires cooperation, and cooperation is essential to ensure that benefits of the energy transition reach everyone. Together, we can ensure that energy systems innovate, that energy system innovation and transition become powerful drivers of equity, resilience, and shared prosperity, accelerating progress across Sustainable Development Goals and leaving no one behind. Thank you very much.

I thank Ms. Al-Mashat for her excellent presentation. I now give the floor to Mr. Francesco La Camera, DG of the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Thank you, Mr. Moderator. So, Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, first I wish to thank our host JEDCO, and affiliated co-organizers to convene this interesting discussion and having Irina be with you today. This convening highlights what is required for sustainable development: innovation to drive the transition, equity to ensure it reaches everyone, and resilience to make it last. ARENA's data tell us where we stand against each of those 3 imperatives. On innovation and transformation, the trajectory is clear. In 2025, the world added a record 692 GW of renewable capacity. Solar PV accounted for over 500 gigawatts of that total. More than 90% of all new utility-scale renewable capacity commissioned last year was cheaper than the cheapest new fossil fuel alternative. In fact, renewables avoided $367 billion of fossil fuel purchases in 2025, Across 20 major economies. Since 2000, solar costs have fallen 89%, onshore wind 71%, and 4-hour battery storage by 95%. Renewables now generate more new power globally than coal. Nowhere is this more visible than across Asia. China alone accounted for more than half of all global renewable capacity additions in 2025. EV sales have accelerated throughout Asia-Pacific. Across Southeast Asia, the existing renewable fleet in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines collectively avoided more than $5 billion in fossil fuel costs last year. The region is demonstrating at scale that the economics of the renewables-based energy transition and the imperatives of energy security point in the same direction. However, on equity, the picture demands greater urgency. The global electricity access rate has stalled at 92%. As has been said, 655 million people still live without electricity. 2 billion still cook over open flames, with all that implies for women's health, children's development, and human dignity. Sub-Saharan Africa still holds the majority of the global electricity access deficit. Energy efficiency improvements are running at less than the desired pace the 2030 targets require. On resilience, the evidence points to one structural conclusion: resilience across energy systems today will be defined by the ability to modernize grids, enable flexibility solutions, and reduce the cost of capital in emerging markets.

markets.

ARENA estimates that over $1 trillion per year in grids and flexibility investment is required until 2030. Without it, the transition stalls. Generation without modernized grids gets curtailed before it reaches anyone. Grids without flexibility cannot absorb the variability of renewables. And investment without affordable capital cannot reach the countries that need it the most. So, ladies and gentlemen, a transition that is innovative but not equitable is unjust. One that is equitable but not resilient is fragile. And one that is resilient but not innovative will not last. Electrification is how we achieve all the 3 at once. 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, buildings, and industry. Electric vehicles, data centers, artificial intelligence— these are not future demand drivers. They are here now, and they are growing fast. The future economy will be overwhelmingly electric. Our task is to ensure it's also powered by renewable energy. As you may know, that's— Arena has been called to work on put in practice what the transitioning from fossil fuels agreed at COP28 in Dubai means. And we are working especially on trying to define a pathway where electrification is going to play a major role. So we have to go, if you want to be consistent with the achievement of Paris Agreement goal, we have to go from the 23% of today to 35% by 2035 and more than 55% by 2050. But this is only achievable, as has been said many times today, with greater international collaboration and financing. This is why IRENA supports its membership across energy planning, technical assistance, and project facilitation in over 100 countries since 2020. And we are proud also to work with the COP Turkey Presidency to have all this reflected in the outcome of COP 31 in Antalya. So concluding, let us commit to a global energy transition that is innovative enough to change the system, equitable enough to reach everyone, and resilient enough to withstand any shock. Thank you for your attention.

I thank Mr. Kamara for his very excellent presentation. I now give the floor to Mr. Hart, Special Advisor to SG on Climate Action.

Thank you so much, and good afternoon to all of you. Mr. President of ECOSOC, Ambassador, Excellencies, my colleagues across the UN system, and ladies and gentlemen, it's a pleasure to join you. We are entering a new and critical phase of the global energy transition. The question is no longer whether the transition will happen, The question is whether it will happen fast enough, fairly enough, and at the scale required to meet our climate and sustainable development goals. And 4 realities define this moment, and these 4 realities must also define our collective response in the coming decade. First, as everyone has said, the transition speed, strengthening resilience and reliability of clean energy systems. The pace of solar deployment tells the story better than any other statistic. It took roughly 2 decades to install the first 1,000 gigawatts of solar capacity, just 3 years to add the second 1,000 gigawatts, and only 2 years to add the third. The second reality is that the transition has so far been profoundly unequal. Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement a decade ago, 4 out of every $5 invested in clean energy has gone to the advanced economies and China. I must say, this is not China's fault. And just $1 the costs of continued fossil fuel dependence. 3 out of every 4 persons live in countries that are net importers of fossil fuels. Their economies remain exposed to geopolitical shocks and volatile prices. And the lesson from this crisis is clear: true energy security and independence comes from renewables, resilient domestic clean energy systems. And fourth, and by no means least, is the reality of an accelerating climate crisis. The last 11 years have been the hottest on record, emissions have never been higher, and the pace, intensity, and frequency of climate impacts are accelerating and devastating economies, communities, and peoples. Now, over the course of the last decade, past decade, we've learned an enormous amount from the experiences of the European Union, China, India, and efforts like the Just Energy Transition Partnerships. And the realities, the 4 realities that I just mentioned, now make it clear that the next phase of the transition must be about acceleration, and there must be a focus on the developing world. And from these experiences of those who have led the transition, it is clear that energy transitions are not just technological projects, they're national transformation projects. Second, no 2 transitions will ever look alike. Third, success requires more than just renewable energy deployment. It requires modern grids, storage, digitization, market and regulatory reforms, strong institutions, skilled workforce, and affordable finance, and that it is essential that transitions focus on people. We need a just transition for workers and communities. And finally, that international cooperation is absolutely essential, and that trade must be a tool and an enabler for the transition rather than serving as a barrier. It is estimated that clean energy investments in developing and emerging economies will need to grow fivefold over the course of the next decade. from around $400 billion a year today to around $2 trillion a year by 2035. And as Francesco said, much of that investment must go into the enabling infrastructure that underpins modern energy systems, particularly grids and storage. So that scale of investment, we strongly believe, is achievable. The extraordinary acceleration of solar deployment over the past decade is proof of that. But replicating that success across the developing world will require us to confront one challenge above all others, and that challenge is the high cost of capital. Countries with some of the greatest renewable energy potential often face financing costs that are 2 or even 3 times higher Sound policy and regulatory frameworks, effective risk-sharing mechanisms, and coordinated international support. And this is where the United Nations system has a unique role to play. Building on our respective comparative advantages, we can help countries strengthen institutions, support policy reforms, convene partners, align technical assistance, and mobilize finance around nationally led priorities. Our role is to help countries move from ambition to implementation, from investment plans to investment pipelines. We remain optimistic because we are no longer searching for solutions. We know what works. We have proven technologies, practical experience, and successful policy models from every region of the world. The energy transition is ultimately a shared global project. When we succeed, and not if, but when we succeed, we will do far more than decarbonize energy systems. We will strengthen energy security, expand energy access and economic opportunities, and improve the lives of billions of people. This is why the Secretary-General has decided to convene in September a high-level meeting on climate action and the just transition. Accelerating a just and orderly transition will be a key priority of this high-level meeting to be convened by the Secretary-General during High-Level Week. Excellencies, the promise of a renewable, secure and an affordable energy future is no longer a distant aspiration. It is finally within our reach, and our responsibility is to seize this moment, work together, strengthen multilateralism, strengthen international cooperation to ensure that the benefits of the renewables revolution are shared by every country and by every community. I thank you.

I thank Mr. Hart for his excellent presentation. I now give the floor to Ms. Fatou Haidara, Deputy to the Director-General of UNIDO. You have the floor, madam.

Excellencies, Distinguished participants, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to represent UNIDO at this important high-level dialogue. Energy powers industry, drives economic growth, and improves people's lives. As we pursue sustainable development, the transition to low carbon inclusive and resilient energy system has never been more urgent. This transition is central to UNIDO's mandate to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development. Against this backdrop, allow me to share 3 reflections. First, we must accelerate the transformation of energy systems through innovation and resilience. The global energy landscape is shifting from fossil fuels towards low-carbon, clean, and intelligent energy systems. UNIDO's work across developing countries shows that this transformation requires the deployment of renewable technologies, but also the development of resilient industrial ecosystems. For this reason, IRIDO places strong emphasis on technology transfer, industrial capacity building, and scalable low-carbon solutions. We assist developing countries to modernize their energy infrastructure, phase out inefficient fossil fuel-based system and build energy systems that are flexible, adaptive, and fit for the future. For example, UNIDO's Global Cleantech Innovation Program supported over 700 cleantech startups across a global network of more than 15 countries. These companies created over 9,000 green jobs and raised more than $30 million of investment. Another example is the China-Africa-UNIDO Center of Excellence based in Addis Ababa, which facilitates the transfer of advanced low-carbon technologies and promotes digital transformation. Among its initiatives, this partnership has significantly contributed to advancing the Ethiopian meat industry, positioning Ethiopia one step closer to global market competitiveness. Second, we must advocate for an equitable and inclusive global energy transition. Today's energy transition is marked by significant global disparities. While developed economies often have access to advanced technologies and adequate financing, many developing countries and emerging economies continue to face major gaps in investment, technology, and institutional capacity, even as they confront rising energy demand and growing climate vulnerability. UNIDO is committed to advancing a just energy transition, one that ensures that no country is left behind. To achieve it, we have established a network of 10 regional sustainable energy centers across the world, serving more than 120 developing countries, 35 of which coming from SIDS and 40 from LDCs. With over 600 energy businesses supported, the network has mobilized more than $300 million in investment. Finally, we must unlock the synergies between SDG 7 and SDG 9. These 2 goals are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is indispensable to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable industrialization. At the same time, industrial upgrading, innovative manufacturing, and low-carbon infrastructure can expand markets for renewable energy and improve energy efficiency and system optimization. INUDO helps bridge these 2 critical goals by convening partners and translating ambition into collective action. At COP30, we launched the Belém Declaration with the support of 35 countries, international organizations, and initiatives, creating a platform to accelerate the energy transition and advance a sustainable global economy. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, as a specialized United Nations agency for inclusive and sustainable industrial development, UNIDO remains committed to supporting member states and partners to transform industries and energy systems, expand local manufacturing of green technologies, and strengthen local value chains. Together, we can accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and build a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy future. I thank you.

I thank you, Ms. Haidara, for insightful remarks. I now give the floor to Ms. Margot Snetter, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Director of Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. You have the floor, sir.

Excellencies, distinguished partners, ladies and gentlemen, it's a pleasure to join you today. An advantage coming late is that I agree with everything that has been said, and I want to thank GATT CO and the Permanent Mission of China, the President of ECOSOC who is here, and all partners for their collaboration. UNDP is pleased to co-convene this discussion As part of the High-Level Political Forum. We are entering a new energy reality. Electricity demand is growing more than twice as fast as overall energy demand, with emerging economies accounting for nearly 80% of global demand growth. Data centers— electricity demand is projected to nearly double by 2030, making reliable, affordable, clean power essential for AI-driven growth. At the same time, recent disruptions in the world and record heat waves underscore the need for more resilient energy systems. Societies are therefore at a pivotal moment to turn the just energy transition into a driver of energy security, economic resilience, and sustainable development. A just energy transition could reduce import bills by 38% create 14 million jobs, and lift 45 million people out of energy poverty by 2035. 3 opportunities stand out. First, strengthen energy security through investment in resilient grids and electricity infrastructure. As transport, industry cooling, and AI become increasingly electrified, reliable electricity systems are becoming the foundation of economic competitiveness. Yet more than 2,500 gigawatts of renewable energy storage and industrial projects remain stalled because grid expansion is not keeping pace with demand. Expanding grids, storage, and regional interconnections could unlock up to 1,600 gigawatts of clean energy capacity. China's ultra-high voltage transmission network And planned $574 billion grid investment for 2026 to 2030 shows why system integrations matter. In Moldova, UNDP is supporting the deployment of more than 100,000 smart meters by 2027, enabling real-time energy management and greater integration of renewable energy. Second, unlock private capital for the energy transition by reducing investment risk and creating investment-ready markets. The world has enough capital for energy, but too little reaches where development returns are greatest. Global clean energy investments reached $2.3 trillion in 2025, and total energy investment is projected to reach $3.4 trillion in 2026. Yet many developing countries attract only a small share of these flows, as Céline has mentioned, because financing costs remain 2 to 3 times higher than in advanced economies. The opportunity is therefore to strengthen enabling policy, reduce risk, and develop bankable project pipelines that crown in private capital. Through initiatives like Pista, in partnership with our Italian counterparts, UNDP is preparing investment-ready pipelines across Africa. While the de-risking renewable energy investment framework implemented through the Africa Mini-Grid Programs in 21 countries help lower the cost of capital and unlock private investment. Third, harness digitalization, data, and artificial intelligence to maximize the value of energy investments. AI, data, and smart grids can optimize electricity demand, improve grid flexibility, and integrate more renewable energy. Digitally enabled demand response alone could reduce renewable curtailment by more than 25% by 2030. At UNDP, this is the vision behind the Sustainable Energy Digital Platform, including the Sustainable Energy Academy, which combines AI, geospatial intelligence, and data analytics to strengthen energy planning, guide investments, decision. There is also where UNDP partnership with GATCO adds value. Through our MOU, we are advancing grid interconnections and digital energy solutions to help countries build smarter, more resilient electricity systems. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, through the Climate Promise and our integrated climate and energy offer, UNDP helps countries move from NDCs commitment to deliver. Together with 30 UN agency partners, UNDP supports 398 active energy projects across 131 countries, benefiting 81.5 million people directly and an estimated 100 million indirectly. UNDP looks forward to working with the Government of China, GATCO, and partners across the UN system to translate a just energy transition into a development opportunity. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Neto, for insightful remarks. I now give the floor to Mr. Azibek Kozashev, Minister in Charge of Energy and Infrastructure of Eurasia Economic Union. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you very much, Moderator. Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to greet you on behalf of the Eurasian Economic Commission and express our gratitude to Mr. Dimbao, Representative of GEICO, for this excellent organization of today's event. Dear colleagues, First of all, I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that our session's title rests on 3 important categories which are powerful and profound. That is resilience, equity, and innovation. I think that the organizations quite were right in choosing these topics for this session because they are symbolic and they have potential for global sustainable development. And access to energy is a key factor of this. So what do I mean by this? I think that everyone would agree that access to energy is a fundamental driver of socioeconomic development. It provides basic conditions for industrial growth and for the everyday life of our people. But to ensure well-being, we must first and foremost ensure the resilience of its supply. One important factor for this is resource security of their states, and that is a crucial foundation for this. In this context, the Eurasian Economic Union stands out favorably compared with many economic associations. The combined energy potential of the 5 member states allows us to build energy resilience and develop energy capabilities. In particular, our union holds 20% of the world's natural gas reserves and accounts for 20% of the world's coal reserves and 6% of production, 7% of oil reserves and 15% of production, 21% of uranium reserves and 43% of its production, and around 5% of global electricity generation. The fuel and energy combination, extraction and processing combined, makes up more than 30% of the Eurasian Union's output. This means that the Eurasian Union is well provided with all types of fossil fuel. Secondly, of course, energy resources alone cannot ensure the Eurasian Union's energy security. A system must be built that ensures fair and effective access to energy so member states can develop their own economic economies. So what does equity mean in the Eurasian Union's energy sector? In our understanding, this is formalized in our key document, the Eurasian Union Treaty. It means pursuing a coordinated energy policy, forming energy resource balances, and establishing in common markets for energy resources. Common energy markets will allow us to put existing generation capacity to better use, and will also guarantee nondiscriminatory access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy at transparent market prices for producers and populations alike across our states. Thus, this common market is a new stage of integration, allowing for freedom that will allow us to diversify our energy sources and address the challenges that we face. Thirdly, innovation. The technological dimension is of paramount importance for the effective use of energy resources and the ability to introduce innovative solutions because it is the innovations that drive progress and development. In essence, innovative technologies can influence the structure of energy balance. For instance, since the middle of the last century, innovation has driven the growth of renewable energy Today, around 20% of the Union's total electricity generation is— comes from nuclear power plants, and carbon-free sources account for around 37% of the overall electricity generated and 34% of our overall capacity. All of this shows that the Eurasian Union continues to rely on traditional fossil energy sources, is also making use of every available alternative, Only this kind of balanced approach can secure both national energy security and the energy security of the Eurasian Union as a whole. Dear participants, in concluding my remarks, thank you for your attention and wish you all the best.

Thank you very much, Minister, for your address to the meeting. I now have the pleasure to give the floor I now turn to the Permanent Representative of Brazil, Ambassador Meza, to address the meeting. Sir, you have the floor.

Thank you, my dear friend Ambassador Fu Cong of China, Mr. Xin Baowan, Chairman of GAIDCO, Excellencies, fellow panelists, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. I thank and commend the organizer for convening this timely discussion. The current disruptions in global energy markets remind us that energy security and energy transition are not competing objectives. They are, in fact, two sides of the same coin. Although some still argue that only traditional energy sources can guarantee energy security, recent events have demonstrated otherwise. The most resilient systems are increasingly those based on renewable resources that are not constrained by geography and that are closer to the people they serve. At a moment when the international community seeks to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda, energy has become one of the defining issues of our time. The transition towards cleaner, more sustainable and more resilient energy systems is not only a climate imperative, it is also a pathway to economic development, industrial transformation, social inclusion and stronger international cooperation. Brazil's experience demonstrates that energy transition is most successful when pursued as a long-term development strategy. Our energy transition began more than half a century ago with major investments in hydropower and the Proálcool program. Today, alongside our role as an important oil producer, Brazil has the cleanest energy mix among major global economies and is a global leader in sustainable fuels. Almost all of our passenger car fleet is flex fuel and can run on either alcohol, ethanol, or gasoline. Renewables already represent a significant share of our energy matrix. Around 88% of our electricity generation comes from renewable sources. Over the past decade, solar and wind have evolved from marginal contributors to almost one-quarter of our electricity mix. This is an important achievement, but it also changes the challenge before us. The question is no longer simply how to expand energy supply. It is how to expand a clean energy system while preserving security, affordability, resilience and competitiveness. The next phase of the transition is therefore about integration. It is about strengthening transmission, storage, flexibility, digitalization, demand response and climate resilience. This is why initiatives such as those promoted by GAIDCO are so relevant. Interconnection allows countries and regions to share resources, reduce variability, strengthen energy security, and maximize their renewable potential. But it is much more than an infrastructure agenda. It is a sustainable development agenda. Brazil has been strengthening energy connectivity with its neighbors through long-term planning, regulatory certainty, and better information for investment decisions. We see regional integration as an opportunity to strengthen low-carbon value chains, expand investment and promote industrialization with local value creation. Ladies and gentlemen, Sustainable Development Goal 7 occupies a central place in the 2030 Agenda because energy underpins progress across all dimensions of sustainable development. From poverty eradication and food security to health, education, industrialization, innovation, and climate action. For Brazil, the energy transition must also be just and inclusive. It must create jobs, expand energy access, and generate new opportunities for development. Developing countries, however, continue to face significant challenges related to infrastructure, financing, technology, and capacity building. For this reason, international cooperation remains indispensable. By strengthening multilateral dialogue, mobilizing investment, promoting technology exchange, and expanding interconnected infrastructure, we can accelerate an energy transition that advances both climate ambition and sustainable development, while respecting national circumstances and priorities. And of course, finally, Brazil remains fully committed to working with all partners to advance this shared objective.

Thank you very much, Ambassador, for your excellent remarks. I now give the floor to Mr. Soberano Guzmán, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations. Sir, you have the floor.

Excellencies, distinguished guests, At the outset, I wish to express Cuba's sincere appreciation to the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization, GEITCO, the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China, and all partners for convening this timely and important event. We also commend the efforts of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative and the Group of Friends of the Global Governance Initiative for their continued efforts to promote dialogue, solidarity, and practical cooperation in support of sustainable development. This discussion takes place at a critical moment. With only a few years remaining until 2030, progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals remains far off track. This reality requires renewed political will, strengthened multilateralism, and genuine international cooperation. For Cuba, energy is not merely a driver of economic growth. It is a prerequisite for sustainable development. Advancing affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy systems contributes directly to the eradication of poverty, food security, resilient infrastructure, quality education, health services, industrialization, and sustainable cities and communities. At the same time, the global energy transition must be just and inclusive. There is no universal model. Every country must have the sovereign right to define its own development path in accordance with its national circumstances and priorities. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities remains essential in addressing today's global challenges. To achieve this objective, developing countries require predictable, additional, and new financing, enhanced capacity building, affordable access to technology, and an international economic environment that supports their sustainable development efforts. Energy must never be weaponized or used as an instrument of coercion to subjugate entire populations or deprive them of their right to development. Unfortunately, unilateral coercive measures continue to undermine the energy security and development prospects of many developing countries. Cuba has endured for decades an economic, commercial, and financial blockade whose extraterritorial effects have increasingly in the past few months targeted access to fuel through an energy siege, imposing severe costs on our people and hindering our sustainable development efforts. Such practices are incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and with the promise of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind. Despite these challenges, Cuba remains firmly committed to advancing its energy transition. We continue implementing policies to expand renewable energy, strengthen resilience, and promote international cooperation. Excellencies, innovation, technology, and partnerships are indispensable, but they can only deliver lasting results if they are accompanied by equity, solidarity, and respect for international law. Global governance must become more representative, more democratic, and more responsive to the legitimate aspirations and development needs of the Global South. Cuba will continue to work constructively with all partners committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda, strengthening multilateralism, and building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable international order. I wish this event every success, and I look forward to the fruitful exchanges that will follow. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Ambassador, for your excellent speech. I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Ambassador Hadzhiyev. Sir, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, dear friend Ambassador Fu, dear participants. Thank you for organizing this important event and for the informative presentation— presentations. As a country with one of the green energy gas resources, let me share with Turkmenistan Visions on the topic of today's discussion. In our view, energy system innovation and transition should be considered not only as a climate priority, but also as a practical condition for equitable development, resilience, and implementation of the SDGs. Let me briefly introduce a concrete step that Turkmenistan is taking in this direction. At the national level, the country has approved its National Determination contribution under the Paris Agreement, which defines targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change. This work is based on key national documents, including the National Strategy on Climate Change, the National Strategy for the Development of Renewable Energy until 2030, and the State Program for Energy Saving. Turkmenistan also has adopted the Law of Renewable Energy Sources, which strengthens the national legal basis for the development of clean and low-carbon energy solutions. Another important priority is methane reduction. Our country has joined the Global Methane Pledge and adopted a roadmap for 2025-2026 to strengthen international cooperation in this area. At the regional level, Turkmenistan contributes to strengthening energy connectivity. access, and resilience through practical infrastructure projects. In this context, Turkmenistan continues to develop strategic energy cooperation with China, including through the Three Line of Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline and joint work on the further development of the Galkynish gas field, contributing to reliable energy supply and broader Eurasian energy connectivity. as well as other energy and gas projects in the region. For us, energy transition must be inclusive and practical. It should support reliable access to energy, regional interconnection, technology transfer, capacity building, and investment in resilient infrastructure. In this regard, we welcome the launch of the Global Energy Interconnection Academy as, as an international capacity building platform, especially for developing countries. Turkmenistan stands ready to continue cooperation with member states, the UN system, ESCAP, UNDP, GIDCO, C4ALL, and other partners to advance a secure, sustainable, and inclusive energy future. Thank you.

Thank you for the speech. I'm sure Now that we have heard the remarks and speeches by the distinguished representatives, we feel that in order to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals and energy transition and the global initiative to be effectively implemented, this will go a long way. Gaidco released its first Global Electricity Development Index at the 2024 UN High-Level Platform Forum. This index scientifically assesses and ranks the electricity development levels of 100 representative countries, making that the first in the world as the comprehensive assessment report on global electricity Since the beginning of this year, we have optimized and upgraded the index indicator system incorporating the latest progress in global electricity development. The result is the 2026 edition of the Global Electricity Development Index. I now give the floor to Mr. Lin Hongyu, Director of GEICO's Cooperation Bureau, to present the index. Mr. Lin, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, and friends, good afternoon. It's my honor to officially release the Global Electricity Development Index 2026 here today. We present this index as a global public good. It helps each country see its progress toward electricity for all. We built it because even with real progress, global electricity development is still deeply unequal. Last year, the world added nearly 630 gigawatts of clean power. That's a new record, more than 7 times what we saw a decade ago. Yet, 730 million people around the world still live without electricity. A person in Uganda uses only 120 kilowatt-hours. A person in Iceland uses about 52,000 kilowatt-hours.

That's right.

of electricity per year. That is 400 times bigger. To close this gap, we first need to measure where we stand. That is why we created this index. This index is the first systematic global benchmark for power sector development. We built this Index to do four things: assessment to show each country's progress clearly, guidance to help policymakers see where the energy transition is going, investment direction to point investment toward key infrastructure and technologies. And cooperation to connect countries at different stages so we can work together. We measure progress across 4 dimensions: security and reliability, accessibility and affordability, clean and low-carbon development, Future ready. These 4 areas cover 25 indicators. All data is official and consistent across countries. This edition covers 100 countries across 6 continents. They account for 97% of global electricity demand. We cover countries of all sizes and development levels. It gives us a full view of global electricity development. This chart shows our 2-level framework with 25 indicators. You can find more detail in our full report. The report has 3 key findings. First, balance is improving. Gaps across the 4 dimensions are closing on every continent. Second, clean and low-carbon development is lagging behind everywhere. Even leading countries still have far to go. Third, Africa face a significant gap, well below the global average. European and Nordic countries lead the rankings. There is a gap of about 40 points between the top and the bottom. The gap here is not about ranking. It points us to where cooperation is most needed. From these findings, we have 3 key messages. First, we still have not achieved universal electricity access. It's our top priority and the core of SDG 7. Second, the green transition is moving forward, but progress is uneven. It needs to become more orderly. Third, key power technologies are held by only a handful of countries. Without open sharing, the gap will only grow wider. We look forward to extensive and in-depth cooperation in the future. The report is free for anyone here to use and for partners and regional institutions to refer to. This index is a starting point. We hope it helps you turn insight into action. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you.

The report has the electronic form. We also have the QR code. You can scan the QR code for the electronic version of the report. Dear guests, ladies and gentlemen, GAIDCO has consistently supported the Global South in building capacity for energy transition, having provided professional training in the energy and electricity sectors to 15,000 participants from over 100 countries. To advance this initiative with greater quality and impact, GAECO, with the support of the relevant UN bodies and international organizations, has decided to establish the GEI Academy, aiming for it to become a key force in driving global energy transition and— Can you repeat the question? Global governance. I now invite Mr. Xinbao, Chairman of GADCO, to announce the establishment of the Academy.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear guests, dear friends, here we are gathered at headquarters of the UN, witnessed by all of you. The GEI Academy is Officially launched.

各位嘉宾，Dear guests.

Ladies and gentlemen, we will now proceed to the signing of the MOU. To advance energy transition and cooperation in Southeast Asia, the GAICO has established a close partnership with UNSGAP, having first signed a cooperation agreement in 2016 and renewed it in 2021. Today, we will renew the agreement once again to further deepen practical cooperation to promote global governance. I now give— invite Mr. Xing Bao, Anguide Co-Chairman, and Ms. Almeda, Alisha Banner, SGAP Executive Secretary, to sign the New MOU on behalf of their respective entities. Give them a round of applause.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Thank you, Mr. Xing. Thank you, Ms. Alicia Habana. Thank you, Ambassador Fu Cong. Thank you, dear guests, for being here. Dear guests, ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the panel discussion. I would like to invite Mr. Madheb, Head of the UNDP Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy Team, to moderate the next session.

Thank you, Dr. Chang. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon, and it's a pleasure to moderate this discussion on Accelerating Energy System Innovation and Transition for Equity and Resilience. Throughout all this week of the High-Level Political Forum, we have heard encouraging evidence that the energy transition is gaining momentum, and renewable energy continues to expand rapidly, and for the first time, renewables now generate more than 30% of the global electricity. Yet the real question is whether this progress is keeping pace with the profound demographic and economic transformation shaping our future. This brings me to 3 main opportunities. The first one, the energy transition should be seen not as a cost, but as an investment in development. The second, digitalization, data, artificial intelligence can become powerful accelerator of the transition. The third, today geopolitical and economic challenges present an opportunity to accelerate a just energy transition. Ladies and gentlemen, let me turn to our distinguished panels and I will kindly ask each speaker to keep his intervention to around 3 minutes to leave space for dialogue. Let me bring Mr. Mahendru. Mr. Mahendru?

Yes.

Renewables now generate more than 30% of the global electricity, making energy systems increasingly decentralized and interconnected. From your perspective, how are innovations in system design and interoperability helping countries accelerate the clean energy transition while ensuring

Thank you, thank you, Mr.

Madheb. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, friends from every corner of the world, first of all, I want to thank GAIDCO, our Chinese colleagues, and the UNDP for organizing this session. For a moment, look around you. Everything in this hall that uses electricity, electronics, or software actually runs on IEC standards, and it has done so since 1906. The microphone before me, the lights above us, and the screens around the room are all made thanks to IEC standards. These international consensus standards are the very fabric of everyday life. As the World Bank states in its World Development Report 2025, standards are the hidden foundations of prosperity. This is why the phone in your pocket, built to about 100 IEC standards works at your home as well as here in New York. Yet a promise still waits to be kept. Around the world, 655 million people still wait for their first electric light, and 2 billion cook each day with— without clean fuel. Every target under SDG 7 is off track. I have sat with families for whom a single light bulb changes everything. Reaching every remote family with energy that is affordable, sustainable, and lasting is a promise this forum must keep. Keep together today. I have also learned a hard lesson. Electricity access alone is not enough. When the electricity connection fails, it leaves behind electronic waste, safety risks, and broken trust, and families slip back into smoke and darkness. When a community needs— what a community needs is not light for a few months, but power it can rely on for their entire working life. This is a question of trust. Standards and conformity assessment build that trust. Turning should comply into has complied.

Thank you.

That one shift reassures the family and the investor alike and unlocks the critical finance that electrification programs like the Mission 300 need. International consensus standards like those from the IEC make this lasting electrification possible. The world is turning from burning fuels toward manufactured technologies— solar, wind, batteries, LED bulbs. For the first time in history, the cheapest power is also the cleanest, and every one of these technologies is built to standards, the same quiet work the IEC has done for over 120 years. When a nation aligns with these international standards recognized by the World Trade Organization, 3 doors open: to global supply chains, to trusted manufacturers, and to the nation's rightful place in the clean energy economy. Standards are how nations join the world on equal and fair terms. And here lies what I value most about the IEC: fairness. Across more than 170 countries, we work by one enduring principle: one country, one vote. Whether an economy is the smallest or the largest, all stand as equals. The rules of energy transition must be written by all, whom they affect. Your voice, your priorities carry the same weight as any other. We do not merely ask this of you, we apply this to ourselves. Through the IEC Impact Alliance, we work directly with national quality institutions on ground. So allow me to close with a request and a commitment. My request is embed international consensus standards in your energy plans and in your public procurement. Build local capacity for testing and certification. And my commitment to you, the International Electrotechnical Commission, IEC, stands alongside you with equal respect for every nation, from this forum to COP31 and beyond, for standards are not our tool, they are your tool, yours to shape, yours to mandate, and yours to use. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Special Envoy for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and let me turn to my friend Stefano Marguccio, Deputy CEO of the Sustainable Energy for all. Stefano, some 655 million people in the last report that was released 3 days ago still lack electricity, and accelerating access remains a major challenge. Distributed renewable energy is already reaching millions of people, but the next step is making access affordable, productive, and financially sustainable. How are the countries moving fastest transforming electricity into platform for livelihood, public services, and local economic development? Stefano.

Thank you, Riyad. Well, what I think is energy transition must be affordable and must be also an economic driver, which means that we have to shape tariffs in a way that end users can pay for them and at the same time create a system that is somehow business-friendly. Until we are getting there, it will be very difficult for the transition to spread significantly, because let's say it plainly, it cannot work only on public money and subsidies. But of course subsidies are important to give access and develop the market, And I give you an example of something that we've been doing in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is a country with around 36% of energy access today. We created a financial facility who is subsidizing up to 60% of the private sector investment in mini-grids. But before doing that, we've been working with the government to change the law on tariffs so that for these entrepreneurs to develop these mini-grids was something that was viable. I think this is a small example. We've been now deploying around $23 million of direct renewable energy in Sierra Leone, but it's working because it's business-friendly, and I think we should think about this as, let's say, a benchmark, because otherwise we will fail to make it sustainable.

Thank you very much, Stefano. It means that you focus first on the regulatory and institutional framework in order to guarantee the investment from the private sector. Thank you very much. Let me turn to Rafael Peralta from UNEP, Director of the New York Office. Mr. Peralta, I would like to bring the environment dimension here. Global energy intensity improved by only 1.5% in 2023, while the annual improvement needed through 2030 is about 4.2%. Meanwhile, digital growth, AI, cooling, data centers, and clean technology supply chains are adding new pressure on electricity, water, land, and minerals. How are governments starting to manage this new demand so that the innovations strengthen resilience without creating new environmental or resource stress? Mr. Prado.

Thank you, Riyad, and thanks to GATECO and to the Permanent Mission of China for having us here today. UNEP perspective is very clear on this.

The starting point is that we have to stop treating climate policy and development policy as separate agendas.

We need to build clean energy, electrification, efficiency, and resilience into core of economic planning, industrial policy, urban development, and public investment strategies.

Now, how do we move in this direction?

Well, first, we have to align national climate plans with energy, transport, buildings, and industrial strategies. Countries need integrated planning that links renewables, grids, storage efficiency, and electrification, and these cannot be treated as separate sectors. Second, we must prioritize integrated solutions that deliver multiple benefits at the same time.

Thank you.

energy reached about $24.6 billion in 2024, but flows to least developed countries fell by 11%. Many countries have strong renewable resources and clear ambition, yet projects still struggle to move from plan to contract, financing, delivering bankable projects. How are better data Stronger corporate demand and new partnership model helping turn clean energy ambition into bankable projects that can get built.

Thank you, Mr. Medeb, for the question and to Gaidko for the invitation to speak today.

To my Chinese-speaking colleagues, 大家好，我叫郭思琪，很高兴认识你。I'm very pleased to see you. To all the Chinese-speaking members of the audience.

Pointing out, like other colleagues did, that electricity demand is growing now, not just because of industrialization and economic growth, but also data centers and electrification. To meet this demand, it's crucial to deliver it with energy that's clean, affordable, reliable, and secure. And while technology— technological innovation plays a big role, so does— so do our human systems, regulation, business models, financing mechanisms. And WRI has been at the forefront of testing several of these solutions on the ground. We have a vast network of colleagues in-country. And so we've done so in partnership with both energy consumers and policymakers. policymakers, and today I'll just highlight a couple of examples that hopefully illustrate the types of solutions that can help deliver this vision. So number one is new types of procurement models for electricity, so new ways of contracting for energy. There's many ways of doing that. You can install it on-site, you can go through your utility, you can contract directly with generators, And our view is that it is crucial to have a menu of options to meet all sorts of circumstances that consumers might face. One region that has made substantial progress in that regard is Southeast Asia. So, for example, I'll bring up the example of Vietnam, where until recently consumers were unable to contract for electricity directly from generators, but after years of dialogues between the private sector and the authorities, with support from organizations like WRI, the government passed regulation that allows buyers to do so. If you look at China, power purchase agreements are already available, but there are also many ways of pursuing that, different models, right? So our colleagues at WRI China partnered with Decathlon, the French apparel company, to pursue what's called an aggregated power purchase agreement, where they entered a contract with a generator but brought in several of their suppliers to do the same, thus— and suppliers who might not otherwise have been able to access that electricity. So different models, even when regulation is already in place, can also make— help us make progress. The second example, which gets more to the point of your question around finance or economics, is models that help mitigate upfront costs to consumers. So, for example, let's think about industrial heat, right? If you're an apparel company manufacturing t-shirts, you're going to have to dye that t-shirt so it looks the way you would like. Well, that process requires heat. And most of that heat nowadays is generated through coal and natural gas boilers. There are electric alternatives that hedge against fuel prices— changes in fuel prices and emissions, but they often come at an upfront cost. There are models like a clean heat as a service model where the industrial facility can make regular affordable payments to a third-party provider who will handle the upfront costs of installation as well as operation and maintenance. A similar model— a lot of people have talked about energy access today— a model that also— part of the reason that energy access remains an issue is that rural and remote communities often, they cannot afford these upfront costs. And so The pay-as-you-go model is one alternative that has been offered, much akin to the industrial example where the communities make small monthly payments to a provider who can, in turn, take the greater market risk and cost. So just a few examples to illustrate, and thanks again for the question.

Thank you very much, Mr. Konzarba, especially when you focused on both side, the consumer side, and also the investor side, and how to develop bankable projects. Let me turn to my friend, Professor Rahman. It's a pleasure to see you again after a few months ago in Beijing. Professor Rahman, President and CEO of IEEE, the global investment in electricity grid reached a record of around $400 billion in 2024. Yet grid expansion and digitalization are still not keeping pace with the rapid deployment of renewable electric vehicles and other new sources of electricity demand. From your perspective, what are the most important innovations in smart grid, digitalization, and AI that can help countries build power systems that are more reliable, Resilient and ready for the energy transition. Professor Rahman.

Thank you very much, Riyad. I'm glad you said resilient and flexible, not reliable. Not reliable, very important. Reliable means you make it so hard it rarely fails. Example is Fukushima, it failed. Failed. Resilient means it'll fail, we know that, but come back quickly from the failure. And flexible means we have other ways of doing the same thing. For example, you talk about, talk about data centers, AI data centers. They must be flexible because otherwise power company cannot provide them all that capacity. Impossible. They realize that. I live in Northern Virginia where we have 350 data centers. in one location, highest in the world. Power companies said, too much, you can't handle it. They're telling the applicants like Google, AWS, Microsoft, be flexible. What does it mean? It means when I, the power company, capacity limited, you must change your operation. Don't run LLM models at that time. Only answer questions. Do not train models at that time. That's happening, but it's not there yet. I, as an academic, pushing that idea that you must make flexibility as your planning goal. Flexibility, number one. That applies to AI, applies to talk about in the transition. I heard that term multiple times today, energy transition. When you go to COP, to them it means No coal. That's it. Energy transition. But there are other values of energy transition. One is national security and is biodiversity protection. We didn't talk about this biodiversity. I was invited by GEICO to go to China last year at Hubei Province to see how snub-nosed monkeys live. They're like pandas in China, protected species. They are moving up the value chain because of the diesel engine and noise. They can't tolerate it moving up. As they move to higher elevations, they lose the trees and the plants that they eat. They're dying. So Getco said, we'll replace diesel with solar panels. I've done that. That's transition. not coal issue here. And I saw those monkeys coming back down lower elevations. So point is, energy security, national security, biodiversity are all part of the mix. So the question then is, what can we do as academics and industry policymakers? We must have a goal. Goal is we will provide Safe environment for animals and fish to live freely, number one. Number 2, you talk about what is the issue between renewable energy integration, the 2 kinds, one off-grid, other on-grid. On-grid means you must provide technology to receive more and more solar into the grid. I was talking to the Indian grid chair last year. He said, we have 300 gigawatts of solar. There's more there than demand. They don't know how to handle it. They just do not know. China has solved that problem to some extent. They have 40% solar right now, capacity, not energy capacity. They are planning ahead with storage, with moving load around to do that. It's not easy. If you talk about off-grid, you cannot build enough solar and battery to replace all the diesel engines in 5 years. Not possible. So what do you do? You build solar and battery with given money availability such that it will give you same quality power as diesel, but longer and cheaper. So this word is longer and cheaper are very important, otherwise you are not helping the situation. There are new technologies available today to make the demand flexible. If I dim this light now in this room by 20%, you save 10% electricity. you cannot tell the difference. I dim the light. We don't do that. Do we have technologies today? IoT devices do that, but not being applied. That's where GuideCo and this— we just talked about the GE Academy— can provide that knowledge and the skilled manpower to make it happen.

Thank you. Thank you, Professor Rahman. I like the word that you use, biodiversity, flexibility, and renewable integration. Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, we are at the end of this discussion and I have a few conclusions. First of all, I would like to thank all the speakers today, but let me close by returning to 3 key messages, Dr. Chang. First, the energy transition is not a cost. It is one of the smartest investments countries can make for development. And distributed renewable energy already serves an estimated 449 million people through off-grid solar, while mini-grids reach nearly 48 million. But the greatest return comes when electricity powers business. Public services, and livelihood. Energy creates value when it creates opportunities. Second, digitalization, data, and AI are becoming essential to accelerate this transition with flexibility. Better data, digital planning, And AI can improve system efficiency, reduce investment, and help countries reduce investment risk, and help countries build stronger project pipeline, bankable. Technology is advancing rapidly. Our institution and financing model must advance with it. My third message: a just energy transition. It's the pathway to greater resilience and shared prosperity. Global energy intensity improved by only 1.5% in 2023, well below the pace required, while millions still lack access to electricity and clean cooking. At the same time, energy insecurity, debt pressure, and climate risk make the transition not only an environmental imperative, but an economic and development opportunity to strengthen energy security, competitiveness, and inclusive growth. So the message from today is clear. The year to 2030 must turn innovation into implementation through stronger planning, better data, productive energy system, Regional cooperation, finance that reduces risk where it is needed the most, security and flexibility. The opportunity is immense, and if we get it right, the energy transition will not only transform energy systems, it will transform development. Let me conclude by thanking GETCO and Dr. Chang for convening this important event. And our distinguished speakers for their insight, and all of you for joining today's discussion. Thank you very much.

非常感谢. Well, thank you very much. I thank the panelists and participants for your presence at our meeting today. We especially want I want to thank the members of the organizations, 142 of them, who have watched the proceedings online. I would also like to thank those who have worked with us over the years. I'd like to thank the UN entities, our partner organizations, and the meeting participants. And everyone for your presence here. I look forward to seeing you again at HLPF next year. I now declare the close of the meeting today. Thank you very much. We have some pandas We have some panda plush toys, so you can go and pick them up.