Marking the end of the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All 2014-2024 which was launched in April 2014 to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency globally, the Global Stocktaking on SDG7 aims to accelerate action and strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships, towards achieving clean and affordable energy for all.

This event took place in the context of global inequality with respect to access to energy, with almost two-thirds of the global population, particularly in the least developed countries, lacking any connection to electricity. Worsening climate change is another concern driving discussions, with energy transitions recognized as key to achieving the 1.5˚ C objective of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

In light of the above, the event reviewed progress achieved at the end of the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All. It also aimed to raise ambition and accelerate action towards attaining Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 (affordable and clean energy) by catalyzing innovative solutions, investments, and multi-stakeholder partnerships. The Global Stocktaking built on the High-level Dialogue on Energy convened by the UN Secretary-General in 2021, which resulted in increased momentum towards achieving SDG7, including through the creation of the Global Roadmap for Accelerated SDG7 Action and submission of Energy Compacts by governments, businesses, and other organizations. The Stocktaking aimed to encourage further voluntary commitments, including additional Energy Compacts, to support closing the energy gap and achieving the needed energy transitions.

More specifically, the Global Stocktaking considered: how ambitions can be further increased and implementation further accelerated; how multi-stakeholder partnerships can be scaled up; and what institutional arrangements are needed to continue advancing international cooperation on energy beyond the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All.

The Global Stocktaking on SDG7 took place on 19 April 2024 as part of the Sustainability Week organized by the President of the General Assembly (PGA) from 15-19 April. The PGA also convened the Stocktaking with support from the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and in collaboration with UN-Energy.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) writers for this meeting were Tomilola Akanle Eni-ibukun, Ph.D., and Deborah Davenport, Ph.D. The Digital Editor was Ángeles Estrada. The Editor was Leila Mead.