Video Message
Beijing, China
Excellencies,
Distinguished participants,
It is a pleasure to address the 2025 Global Energy Interconnection Conference. I extend my appreciation to the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization for convening this timely meeting.
We meet at a decisive moment for people and the planet.
With only five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, progress is significantly off track. There are deep divergences across the globe, with some regions making progress, while many countries risk falling behind.
Meanwhile, the climate crisis continues to intensify with increasingly severe heat waves and natural disasters.
Energy is central to tackling these challenges. Clean, affordable, and reliable energy powers our health systems, schools, and economies, while protecting our planet for future generations.
Despite challenges, we see remarkable progress. Clean energy investments reached a record high of $2 trillion in 2024, and renewables now rival fossil fuels in global installed capacity.
China, notably, accounted for nearly 20 per cent of global growth in clean energy last year. It has clearly emerged as a leader in the sustainable energy transition.
But globally speaking, this progress remains insufficient and uneven, leaving many regions and countries locked out of the energy transition.
Excellencies,
Distinguished participants,
Global energy interconnection offers a powerful path forward. By linking power grids across borders and continents, we can unlock renewable potential at scale, enhance energy security and resilience, and help deliver clean and affordable energy to all.
Last December, the United Nations General Assembly extended the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All through 2030, underscoring the global commitment to universal energy access and a just, inclusive energy transition.
The coming years are critical.
At COP30 in Brazil this November, countries can act on their commitment to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.
The review of SDG7 at the 2026 High-Level Political Forum will be another important opportunity to build momentum.
The United Nations stands ready to help countries close the energy access gap and build the resilient, inclusive and decarbonized energy systems that power sustainable development.
I wish you a successful conference.
Thank you.