Excellencies, dear colleagues,
It is an honour to welcome you today for the launch of the Tracking SDG7: Energy Progress Report 2025 and the SDG7 Policy Briefs 2025.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Sustainable Energy for co-hosting this high-level event, and to our dedicated partners—the SDG7 indicator custodian agencies and the SDG7 Technical Advisory Group – for their tireless efforts. In particular, I commend IRENA’s role as the Chair of this year’s Tracking Report.
It is a great pleasure to acknowledge the participation of the UN-Energy Co-Chairs: Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi, Special Representative of the SG on Sustainable Energy for All and Mr. Haoliang Xu, Acting Administrator of UNDP.
Dear colleagues,
We meet at a time of global turbulence.
Geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate chaos, and rising inequalities are testing our shared resolve.
With just five years left to deliver on the 2030 Agenda, progress is uneven and insufficient.
Energy is key to getting the 2030 Agenda back on track. Clean, affordable, and reliable energy powers health systems, schools, jobs, and climate action.
Energy drives economic growth, fosters social inclusion, and protects our planet for future generations.
However, the findings of this year’s Tracking Report remind us that we are off track on universal energy access and the global energy transition.
Delivering on SDG7, the Paris Agreement, and COP28 outcomes, including the goal to triple renewables and double energy efficiency by 2030 requires urgent and bold action.
The SDG7 Policy Briefs launched today provide timely guidance. They highlight deep linkages between energy, health, gender equality, and decent jobs—and how accelerating the energy transition can unlock profound opportunities for people, prosperity, and the planet.
This is our moment to unite efforts and seize the opportunities ahead.
The UN General Assembly showed a strong commitment by extending the promotion of the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All until 2030.
This week, UN-Energy is meeting on the margins of the HLPF to develop a Plan of Action towards 2030 to guide and coordinate UN system efforts to support Member States.
Looking ahead, COP30 in Belém will be a critical moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to a just, inclusive, and accelerated energy transition.
Similarly, the 2026 HLPF review of SDG7 offers a key opportunity to assess progress and galvanize global action towards 2030 and beyond.
UN DESA remains fully committed to supporting Member States on this vital journey.
Let us act decisively to ensure clean, affordable energy to all and build an equitable, resilient and prosperous future.
Thank you.