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The global adoption of renewable energy is not only feasible, but also irreversible and increasingly competitive, according to discussions held at the High-Level Political Forum Special Event on “Implementing the Global Plan of Action for the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All to 2030”. The UN-Energy Work Programme aims to support this transition by providing support and expertise to countries. Key goals include universal access to electricity, a threefold increase in renewables, large-scale finance, and a just transition that respects community rights and livelihoods, particularly in regions where critical energy transition minerals are mined.
Summary of Special Event on Sustainable Energy
Today’s Special Event was a successful collaboration with UN DESA, UN-Energy, and the Group of Friends of Sustainable Energy. The detailed discussion from all speakers and participants highlighted that despite global challenges, SDG 7 shines as a beacon of hope and powerful accelerator for the 2030 Agenda.
The ongoing energy security crisis and climate change have underscored the need for renewable energy. These challenges have created opportunities to increase renewable energy use, reduce geopolitical dependencies, and fast-track sustainable development. As the Secretary-General emphasized, the clean energy transition is not only viable but inevitable due to the fast-paced expansion of renewable energy.
The new era of energy is upon us, with renewable sources becoming the most competitive for electricity production globally. The goals are clear: Universal access to electricity and clean cooking by 2030, a tripling in renewable energy sources, and large-scale financing, particularly for the most vulnerable. This necessitates a just transition, respecting the rights and livelihoods of communities involved and ensuring fair value for energy transition minerals.
Our roadmap is the Global Plan of Action for the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All. This practical guide details how we can boost our efforts until 2030. I urge every Member State to take ownership of this plan and use it to form new partnerships. The UN is also intensifying its efforts such as the Climate Promise which had more than 30 UN entities support 107 countries in preparing their NDCs in the past year.
The UN-Energy Work Programme, launched today, will provide the full expertise and convening power of the UN to assist countries in meeting their energy goals. I want to recognize the leadership of the UN-Energy Co-Chairs and the Secretariat at DESA in these initiatives. The Energy Compacts serve as a platform for cooperation among governments, businesses, and civil society. Sustainable Energy for All deserves special commendation for its relentless efforts in promoting this agenda.
The clean energy transition is already underway. Now is not the time to slow down, but to press harder, converting today’s discussions into tangible action. I wish everyone successful deliberations in the remaining High-Level Political Forum.
Read the full remarks delivered at the High-Level Political Forum Special Event on “Implementing the Global Plan of Action for the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All to 2030”.
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