The energy level is rising. Some 30 Global Champion ministers, major businesses, cities, youth networks and experts are all gearing up to ignite bold energy actions. The ultimate goal is to achieve clean and affordable energy for all and to improve the lives of millions of people around the globe still without access to electricity.
Preparations are intensifying for the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy taking place in September. June will be an important mobilization milestone with the Ministerial Thematic Forums to be held virtually in the week of 21-25 June.
“This year’s Dialogue is the best chance for governments, businesses and other partners to step up their commitments, if the world is to achieve clean, affordable energy for all by the 2030 deadline,” said Liu Zhenmin, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Secretary-General of the Dialogue.
At the Forums in June, governments, businesses, cities and civil society organizations are expected to start presenting their “Energy Compacts” – voluntary commitments and actions pledged to achieve the 2030 and 2050 targets.
The Energy Compacts and the preparations are tackling twin challenges. One is the transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy needed to limit emissions and warming to the 1.5 degree-level according to the Paris Agreement and the other is the nearly 800 million people who still lack access to electricity and all the benefits it brings — for healthcare, education, business and a higher standard of living.
As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to clean and affordable energy for all can create millions of new jobs, advance innovation and new technologies and spur investment, bringing greater prosperity and improved health to people around the globe.
It’s time for energy action, and everyone is invited to be part of it. Learn how your organization can submit an Energy Compact and join the conversation at the Ministerial Forums.
