Youth, Digitalization and Inclusive Energy Systems in Focus at ECOSOC Youth Forum SDG7 Plenary

On 14 April 2026, UN-Energy together with the SDG7 Youth Constituency organized a Plenary Meeting on SDG7 as part of the ECOSOC Youth Forum. The session brought together representatives from Member States international organizations, and youth constituencies to examine how digital transformation is reshaping energy systems and to reflect on how youth-led innovation can contribute to inclusive and sustained SDG 7 delivery. Discussions took place against a context of uneven and fragile progress. While global electricity access has reached approximately 92 per cent, over 666 million people remain without reliable energy and more than 2.1 billion people lack access to clean cooking solutions. Participants emphasized that access alone does not guarantee meaningful development outcomes. The central challenge is ensuring that energy systems deliver improved livelihoods, productivity, social inclusion and resilience.On 14 April 2026, UN-Energy together with the SDG7 Youth Constituency organized a Plenary Meeting on SDG7 as part of the ECOSOC Youth Forum. The session brought together representatives from Member States international organizations, and youth constituencies to examine how digital transformation is reshaping energy systems and to reflect on how youth-led innovation can contribute to inclusive and sustained SDG 7 delivery. Discussions took place against a context of uneven and fragile progress. While global electricity access has reached approximately 92 per cent, over 666 million people remain without reliable energy and more than 2.1 billion people lack access to clean cooking solutions. Participants emphasized that access alone does not guarantee meaningful development outcomes. The central challenge is ensuring that energy systems deliver improved livelihoods, productivity, social inclusion and resilience.

Read the session summary