A world powered by renewables is not only possible - it can also be more affordable and better for people and the planet. But what if the world not only raised its ambitions for renewable energy, but also matched that ambition with bold, comprehensive policy measures that drive inclusive and sustainable development?
A balancing act for a safe future
Decades of reliance on fossil fuels have driven various aspects of human development - but at a steep cost to our climate. Today, the world faces a dual challenge: to equitably advance human well-being while also mitigating the devastating environmental impacts of fossil-fuel-driven growth. Achieving this balance between meeting human needs and preserving global ecological systems requires a new direction that aligns renewable energy targets with inclusive policy measures to support a just and sustainable energy transition.
With a sustainable energy portfolio spanning over 130 countries, UNDP's on-the-ground experience shows that renewables are more than just megawatts - they are a foundation for development. Clean energy is a catalytic driver of development, powering healthcare, education, while also providing a solution to the more than 80 percent of global emissions linked to energy and industrial processes. From electrifying schools and clinics in crisis settings like Afghanistan and Yemen, to supporting electric mobility subsidy reforms in Paraguay, and to advancing climate-smart agriculture in Sri Lanka and Zambia, UNDP is helping governments translate energy transition goals into real outcomes that matter for people.
As UNDP's work in fragile and developing contexts demonstrates, inclusive energy transitions require more than just technology. A full ecosystem of enabling policies and regulation, financing, institutional and human capacity and community engagement is needed to make these transitions a success. In countries like Moldova, where UNDP has helped deploy smart meters to over 18,000 homes, digital infrastructure is accelerating both energy efficiency and public trust. In Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, decentralized solar energy supported by UNDP is powering over 1,000 remote households and enabling development in communities most vulnerable to climate change.