UNGA79: World leaders unveil initiatives to end energy poverty

On the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, world leaders have unveiled initiatives to end energy poverty while promoting sustainable energy.

According to a statement, Sustainable Energy for All hosted the ‘Raising Ambition on SDG7’ event with partners, Africa50 and Enel Corporation, focusing on global support towards an energy transition that ends energy poverty, combats climate change and powers livelihoods.

It stated that the event showcased proven solutions to deliver progress on a just and equitable energy transition, with two global initiatives focused on mobilising finance and distributed renewable energy solutions as key levers to ending energy poverty.

It added that it was to ensure emerging and developing countries were equipped to transition their energy systems in a just and equitable manner.

The event saw key leaders, including the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations; Amina J. Mohammed; Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Oil and Mines, Birame Soulèye Diop; Brazil’s Secretary for Climate, Energy and Environment, Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago; and the Chief Executive Officer and Special Representative to the UN, Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy, Damilola Ogunbiyi, among others, calling on global leaders to increase the scale and ambition of sustainable energy investments and projects.

Corrêa do Lago, also announced the SEforALL Global Forum in Barbados taking place from March 12–13, 2025, as the first official milestone on the road to COP30.

“Simultaneously, the strategic role of Energy Compacts in advancing global energy transitions, particularly the Brazilian Government’s efforts to establish voluntary principles for a just and equitable energy transition, encouraging governments and non-state actors to turn these principles into tangible action, was highlighted.

“The principles will be captured in the G20 Just Energy Transition Compact, led by Brazil and the G20, with the support of SEforALL, marking a critical step toward a sustainable, inclusive energy transition,” the statement read.

To close energy access gaps in underserved regions, the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank were said to have entered into a partnership to bring electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.

“SEforALL is one of three implementing partners in this effort, dubbed Mission 300, that will deploy targeted investments and scalable energy solutions where they are most needed,” it was added.

The world leaders also suggested solutions to bridge energy access gaps that go beyond traditional power grids.

“The focus will remain on Africa next week as SEforALL co-hosts the G20-Africa Ministerial on October 3 aimed at fostering stronger ties between the G20 and Africa, with a shared goal of securing financing to support a just and equitable energy transition across the African continent,” it noted.