Dear colleagues, 

Energy plays a pivotal role in our lives, shaping the trajectory and the pace of our civilization’s development.

Thanks to technological advancements, the future of energy is a matter of choice.

While renewable energy has seen encouraging growth, the current pace remains insufficient to meet the ambitious global target of tripling renewable capacity by 2030.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, transitioning to energy-efficient technologies could save up to US$130 billion annually by 2040. 

But this is about more than just cost savings — it is about:

• Fundamentally restructuring our economies,

• Reducing carbon dependence, and

• Unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth.

The rising demand for efficient solutions is prompting businesses, governments, and academic institutions to adopt digital technologies in the energy sector at an unprecedented scale.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already transforming the field by:

• Optimizing energy flows through smart grids.

• Seamlessly integrating renewable sources into power systems.

• Collecting and analyzing data to enhance energy management.

• Simulating energy-efficient scenarios to match seasonal demand, and

• Proactively detecting and resolving grid faults.

The adoption of digital solutions in energy, transport, and industry could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%.

However, we must also acknowledge that these technologies come with their own energy demands. 

The International Energy Agency projects that by 2026, data centers alone could consume over 1,000 terawatt-hours of electricity — equivalent to Japan’s current total consumption.

For UNDP, energy efficiency is not simply an add-on to the climate agenda — it is its very foundation. 

In Belarus, together with our national partners, we are:

• Strengthening institutional frameworks.

• Supporting research.

• Facilitating global knowledge exchange, and

• Piloting innovative solutions.

As part of the ongoing Climate Promise project, UNDP is assisting in the development of Belarus’ third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). 

Our work also includes:

• Supporting the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.

• Crafting a long-term low-carbon development strategy through 2050.

• Implementing a National Climate Change Adaptation Plan through 2040, and

• Preparing for participation in international carbon markets.

We are also working to foster a culture of environmental responsibility among citizens.

Dear colleagues, 

The energy transition is not merely about adopting new technologies. It is a complex, multi-faceted process that requires:

• A systemic approach.

• Continuous learning.

• Cross-sector collaboration, and

• Coordinated action at every level.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our partners — the Department of Energy Efficiency, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Energy, and the UN Economic Commission for Europe — for their unwavering commitment to advancing the energy agenda.

UNDP remains fully committed to working with national partners in the next cycle of government programmes — whether by deploying energy-efficient solutions across industries and households, or by advancing the climate agenda.

Thank you!