Accelerating the Global Energy Transition: Advancing…

• Opening Segment Statements by: H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly; Mr. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); Mr. Francesco La Camera, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Mr. Selwin Hart, Assistant Secretary General, Special Adviser to the Secretary General on Climate Action and Just Transition
• Discussion among Member States, to be moderated by the President of the General Assembly.

2026 marks ten years since the Paris Agreement entered into force. Over the past decade, important progress has been made. More countries are adopting economy-wide climate targets, clean energy deployment is accelerating, and long-term warming projections have declined significantly compared to pre-Paris trajectories. Yet the world remains off track to keep 1.5°C within reach, and the risks associated with overshoot are increasing.

The global energy transition has now entered a decisive phase. The challenge is no longer one of direction, but of speed and scale—delivering a rapid and just transition away from fossil fuels while ensuring that all countries can benefit from the economic opportunities of clean energy and build resilience to growing climate impacts.

Stronger international cooperation and partnerships will be essential to address these challenges, mobilize finance at scale, accelerate technology deployment, and ensure that the transition is just, equitable and inclusive.