Global Action Forum Highlights Urgency to Achieve Clean Energy Goals by 2030

Amid growing concerns about the fragile progress towards global energy targets, the three-day forum underscores the need for swift collective action to drive the energy transition. With 1.4 trillion dollars pledged towards over 200 energy compacts, the forum laid down strategic initiatives to bolster investment and innovation in clean energy.

The forum, supported by decision-makers and energy practitioners, focused on critical discussions around affordable clean energy and net zero goals. Opening with the theme energising sustainable development, day one explored distributed renewable energy technology for rural and remote regions. The session also highlighted Mission 300, an ambitious goal aimed at providing electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.

On the second day, the forum delved into investment strategies featuring a high level ministerial panel, which discussed Africa's critical mineral resources and opportunities for local development.  With the objective of creating pathways for investment, the participants explored mechanisms and policies that could unlock future energy financing in the continent.

The final day of the forum centred on accelerating a just and inclusive energy transition, with speakers focused on universal energy access, the role of digitalisation, and intersection of energy and gender equality. Discussions reflected on the importance of ensuring that the benefits of the energy transmission are equitable and sustainable across all communities.

The ENERGY-Now SDG 7 Action Forum reinforced the urgency of accelerating progress, emphasising that energy is not only a standalone goal but also crucial for achieving the broader sustainable development goals and the Paris agreements climate targets.