Accelerating Energy System Innovation and Transition for Equity and Resilience to Advance Global Sustainable Development (HLPF 2026 Side Event)
The high-level thematic event brings together senior representatives of the United Nations system, international organizations, diplomatic missions, the energy sector, academia and other stakeholders to discuss how energy system innovation and transition can contribute to equitable and resilient sustainable development.
Participants will assess current progress, identify major gaps and bottlenecks, and explore practical solutions related to policy, finance, technological innovation, governance and international partnerships. The programme includes opening remarks, a high-level dialogue, the launch of the Global Electricity Development Index 2026, the establishment ceremony of the GEI Academy, the signing of a memorandum of understanding between GEIDCO and UNESCAP, and a panel discussion on actions and best practices for accelerating implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The event is hosted by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) and co-organized by the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).