Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia

A group of people gathered under newly installed solar panels in Turkmenistan

Where we work

Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia

Our Impact

100

percent

of people have access to electricity

1 in 3

people

people experience energy poverty

93

percent

of people have access to clean cooking solutions

34

percent

of electricity comes from renewables

Our Focus

As a long-term partner in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, UNDP supports countries in developing energy and climate policies, including nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies and energy transition roadmaps. By piloting innovative technologies, business models and regulatory reforms, UNDP has created a strong foundation for attracting large-scale energy investments, reducing risks for investors and unlocking transformative change.

Addressing energy poverty is a key priority. UNDP promotes social protection measures—such as targeted subsidies, cash transfers and income-generation initiatives—to bring sustainable energy solutions to the most vulnerable populations. We help make energy transitions integral to achieving both the SDGs and low-carbon economies.

UNDP’s core areas of work include improving energy efficiency in buildings and industries, promoting renewable energy, supporting low-carbon urban development and scaling up sustainable transport. Through partnerships with UN organizations, development banks, regional organizations and donors, UNDP drives innovative solutions to energy challenges and advances resilient and equitable development.

Featured initiatives

De-Risking and Scaling-up Investment in Energy Efficient Building Retrofits in Bosnia & Herzegovina

This project aims to scale-up investment in low-carbon public buildings through the design and implementation of the National Framework for Low-Carbon Investment in Public Buildings, comprising an integrated package of policy, regulatory, technological, informational, financial and managerial solutions designed to address country-specific risks and barriers to investment. It is expected to result in a four-to five-fold increase in the level of investment in low-carbon public buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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De-Risking and Scaling-up Investment in Energy Efficient Building Retrofits in Armenia

This project aims to scale-up investment in energy efficiency building retrofits in Armenia, and reduce the overall investment risk profile of energy efficiency building retrofits to encourage private sector investment. To do so, UNDP will work to create a favourable market environment and scalable business model for investment in energy efficiency retrofits. The project will lead to significant energy savings, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while alleviating fuel poverty and creating green jobs.

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