GOAL OF THE MONTH – Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
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Where We Are
Sustainable Development Goal 7 is about ensuring access to clean and affordable energy, which is key to so many aspects of life, including healthcare, education, transportation, communications, business and agriculture.
The world has made progress in expanding electricity access and renewable energy use, but significant challenges remain, especially in supporting developing nations. Meeting SDG 7 — access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all — requires increased investments in renewable energy such as wind and solar, innovative solutions, and policies that support clean energy access for all.
The Pact for the Future, adopted by UN Member States in September 2024, confirms the need to transition away from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas in energy systems to limit climate change and preserve a livable planet.
SDG 7 in Numbers
- The number of people lacking access to electricity dropped from 958 million in 2015 to 685 million people in 2022.
- International public financial flows supporting clean energy in developing countries rebounded to $15.4 billion in 2022, an increase of 25 per cent over 2021 yet still only around half the 2016 peak of $28.5 billion.
- Without accelerated progress towards clean cooking solutions such as electric stoves instead of burning wood, coal or kerosene, for instance, around 1.8 billion people will still be using polluting stoves and fuels to prepare meals by 2030.
“Renewable energy is the gift that keeps on giving. It is good for our planet, our health, and our economies.”
– António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
In Focus
New Year’s Message from António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
9 January | World Economic Situation and Prospects Report 2025
The World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 report, the UN’s flagship economic report, highlights a time of great uncertainties for the world economy, despite falling inflation, improving labour market conditions, and stabilizing GDP growth worldwide. While the world economy has exhibited remarkable resilience, the rebound in global growth is still below the pace seen before the pandemic and many developing economies – especially the group of the least developed countries – are lagging and still suffering the scarring effects of the pandemic, jeopardizing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More information on the report will be available here once the embargo is lifted on 9 January.
Global launch in New York: 9 January at 12:30pm EDT. Live on UN WebTV
2025 Key Events
10-21 March | Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69)/Beijing +30
Marking 30 years since the groundbreaking Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, this year’s session of the Commission on the Status of Women brings a crucial review of women’s rights progress worldwide. The session brings together UN Member States, NGOs, and grassroots organizations to tackle ongoing challenges like gender violence and economic barriers. What makes this gathering particularly significant is its focus on real-world solutions for issues affecting women today, from digital inequality to healthcare access.
9-13 June | UN Ocean Conference
Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica and held in Nice, France, the 2025 UN Ocean Conference will tackle the urgent actions required to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. Under the theme, “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”, relevant stakeholders will gather to build on previous Ocean Conferences and assess challenges and opportunities towards the implementation of SDG 14.
30 June-3 July | International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4)
The 2025 International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), hosted in Seville, Spain, brings together a crucial dialogue on transforming global development funding. Leaders, finance experts, civil society, and more will gather to further financial solutions needed to accelerate progress on the sustainable development goals. Special focus will be placed on helping developing nations manage debt while investing in clean energy and essential social programs.
24-23 July | High-Level Political Forum
The UN Headquarters in New York hosts this key gathering each year where nations come together to assess real progress on the Global Goals. This year’s HLPF will conduct in-depth reviews of SDG 3, SDG 5, SDG 14, and SDG 17. The theme of HLPF 2025 will be “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind”. The forum aims to turn proven successes into blueprints for global action.
21-26 September | High-level week of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly
The UN General Assembly opens each year in September, with a high-profilemoment to take stock of progress on the l 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This year will mark the 80th session of the General Assembly, a pivotal moment to reinvigorate international cooperation as agreed inthe Pact for the Future, adoped by Member States in September 2024. Learn more about the Pact for the Future and key outcomes from the 79th session here.
4-6 November | World Summit for Social Development
The Second World Social Summit, taking place in Qatar, will be an opportunity to revitalize global efforts addressing poverty, inequality, decent work, and social inclusion. Taking place 30 years after the first World Social Summit, this Conference aims to create a clear roadmap for social progress so that countries can adapt to their local needs. The expected outcome will be a political declaration focusing on social development and momentum towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
10-21 November | Climate Change Conference (COP30)
The 30th UN Climate Change Conference arrives at a defining moment for global climate action. Throughout 2025, countries will be submitting their updated national climate action plans and later in the year, December 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. COP30, taking place in Belém, Brazil, will be a crucial moment to address the urgent need to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Check out the outcomes and latest news from the last UN Climate Conference, COP29, here.
International Days and Years
21 January | Launch of the International Year of Glaciers Preservation
The UN General Assembly declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers Preservation to raise global awareness of the critical role of glaciers, snow and ice in the climate system and the economic, social and environmental impacts of the impending changes in the Earth’s cryosphere (the frozen parts of the Earth).
24 January | International Day of Education
This global celebration spotlights education’s vital role in building a better world. The day brings attention to innovative teaching methods and breakthrough programs that reach students in even the most challenging circumstances. Beyond just celebrating learning, it creates a platform for sharing proven solutions to make quality education accessible to all. This year’s observance emphasizes the urgent need to invest in education as a fundamental driver of human progress and sustainable development. Further information can be found here.
26 January | International Day of Clean Energy
The second International Day of Clean Energy aims to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet. This year’s theme, “Clean Energy for a Brighter Future”, highlights the crucial role that clean and affordable energy can play in reducing poverty, improving health, creating sustainable jobs and cities, and more. Everyone has a role to play in accelerating and scaling up the energy transition leaving no one behind. More details on this year’s celebrations can be found here.
ACTNOW for our Common Future
ActNow is the United Nations campaign to inspire people to act for the Sustainable Development Goals. The Goals can improve life for all of us. Safer cities. Equality. A Just Society. A peaceful world. These issues matter to everyone. But progress is too slow. We have to act, urgently, to accelerate changes that add up to better lives on a healthier planet. Join the campaign to learn — and do — more for #OurCommonFuture. Visit ActNow.
NDCs 3.0
As the climate crisis intensifies, the stakes could not be higher. The next (third) round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – the national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement – are due in 2025. To preserve a livable plant, they must align with limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The UN has come together to drive communication and advocacy efforts on NDCs 3.0. Learn more about this campaign here.
Awake at Night Podcast
In this episode, Cristina Duarte, Special Adviser on Africa, reflects on her role in reforming Cabo Verde’s economy, on bringing power to remote villages, and on the importance in addressing the needs and challenges faced in Africa.
Discover all the episodes and previous seasons here -> https://pod.link/1429922419