On July 15 (local time), the thematic side event on Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).
Under the theme “Advancing Clean Energy Development in the Global South: Driving Sustainable Economic Growth and Building Partnerships,” the event focused on clean energy development in the Global South. It was co-hosted by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO), the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). Mr. Xin Baoan, Chairman of GEIDCO and President of the China Electricity Council(CEC), delivered a video address. H.E. Mr. Fu Cong, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, attended and made an opening address. Keynote speeches were delivered by H.E. Ms. Rola Dashti, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA); H.E. Mr. Claver Gatete, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); and Mr. Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
In his remarks, Mr. Xin Baoan emphasized that the world is facing severe climate, environmental, economic, and social challenges. Only 17% of the 169 SDG targets are currently on track. Global South countries face an annual SDG investment gap of $4 trillion. He stressed that accelerating the green and low-carbon energy transition and meeting global energy demand through clean means is a pressing task for sustainable development.
With abundant clean energy resources and great development potential, the Global South can leverage green electricity as the core driver—by harnessing diverse clean energy sources, expanding energy supply, innovating development models, and deepening international cooperation—to foster a new pattern of clean, low-carbon, safe, efficient, and open energy development. This will open new pathways for sustainable development, safeguard energy supply, boost economic growth, and promote coordinated development across the Global South.
H.E. Mr. Fu Cong noted that as a key member of the Global South, China has built the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system, along with the most complete new energy industry chain. China remains committed to its vision of ecological protection, will continue advancing the GEI Initiative, and stands ready to support all countries—especially in the Global South—in their clean energy transition efforts, contributing to the shared vision of sustainable energy for all.
H.E. Ms. Rola Dashti highlighted that while extreme climate events challenge critical energy and power infrastructures, they also create development opportunities. Advancing cross-border power interconnection and smart grid development in the Arab region will enhance regional integration, accelerate energy transition, and drive sustainable development.
H.E. Mr. Claver Gatete pointed out that Africa holds enormous clean energy potential, yet less than 3% of global energy investment flows to the continent, leaving hundreds of millions of people in energy poverty. He called for the creation of a single African power market to achieve regional integration, accelerate energy transition, create green jobs, and ensure Africa becomes a key player in global renewable energy development.
Mr. Navid Hanif stated that two-thirds of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are lagging behind. With 600 million people still lacking access to electricity, financing remains the biggest obstacle to energy transition. Annual global investment must increase from USD 3 trillion to between USD 4.2 trillion and USD 4.5 trillion to foster a global partnership based on equity and solidarity and to fast-track sustainable energy goals.
The panel discussion featured case studies presented by H.E. Mr. Kozhoshev Arzybek, Minister for Energy and Infrastructure of the Eurasian Economic Union; Mr. Liu Hongpeng, Director of the Energy Division at UNESCAP; Mr. Denis Ulin, Director of Strategic Engagement and Coordination at UNIDO; and Prof. Bie Zhaohong, Executive Vice President of Xi'an Jiaotong University. The speakers agreed on the importance of strengthening regional energy interconnection, advancing digital innovation, and leveraging green finance to create a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the Global South while unlocking new growth opportunities.
The event was co-moderated by Dr. Cheng Zhiqiang, Executive Secretary for Cooperation of GEIDCO, and Ms. Liz Nelson, Program Manager at the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET). Over 450 participants attended the event onsite.
During the meeting, GEIDCO shared its latest research report, “Accelerating Green Energy to Drive Modernization of the Global South,” which proposes three innovative green energy development models—the “ABC Models”—centered on Achieving Energy Access, Broadening Energy Supply, and Catalyzing Energy Transition. The models offer practical and innovative pathways for the clean energy development of Global South countries, adaptable to each country’s resource endowment and development stage.
The event was livestreamed via the UN website. A 10-day GEI Thematic Exhibition opened at the UN Headquarters on July 14 and will run through July 23.