Access to electricity worldwide has increased steadily since the adoption of the SDGs in 2015, to reach 90.7% of the world's population in 2023 (up from 84.5% in 2015) while the world's population rose from 7.44bn to 8.06bn in 2023.
Hundreds of millions of people have gained access to electricity, enjoying a better life through better access to education, health, business opportunities, mobility, etc. However, some 750 million people, with 600 million in sub-Saharan Africa, still lack access.
28 Ministers from Africa, Asis and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, met last week at two Ministerial gatherings at the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Global Forum in Bridgetown, Barbados, to advance climate resilience for populations in the Global South.
In their Communiqué, Ministers underscored the importance of enhanced global cooperation to support the growing energy needs in developing countries while addressing climate vulnerability.
The Communiqué also stresses the role of regional cooperation frameworks and reiterates commitments from the Dar es Salaam Declaration (January 2025) and highlights initiatives such as Mission 300 (M300), aiming to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
UNFC and UNRMS: supporting sustainable and just energy transitions
The Communiqué references the UN Framework Classification for Resources and the UN Resources Management System - endorsed by ECOSOC - as vital mechanisms to help countries translate their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) commitments under the Paris Agreement into action.
UNFC and UNRMS are key tools in managing critical raw materials, promoting circular economy practices, and aligning financing strategies with national energy transition plans.
UNFC and UNRMS offer countries methodologies to encompass social and equity dimensions, including youth participation and workforce development, into energy transition plans, ensuring intergenerational equity and sustainable financing models.
By advocating for stronger policies, inclusive decision-making, and sustainable financing, UNECE's energy work supports equitable and resilient energy transitions.
The dialogue on just and inclusive energy transitions will continue during the 20th session of the Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and Just Transition (CMMJT), where experts will further discuss pathways to strengthen international cooperation in support of a fair and sustainable transition.
