Locations10th Anniversary of SDG 7: Making Energy Access A Reality
Forum on Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Transition
November 18, 2025
To support global efforts towards Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), the Forum on Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Transitions will take place on 28 November 2025 at the Plaza Hotel in Seoul, Republic of Korea, as part of Development Cooperation Week 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of SDG 7.
As the world approaches 10 years since the adoption of the SDG 7, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all remains one of the most critical global challenges. While progress has been made, millions of people still live without electricity or rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating. Accelerating the clean energy transition and closing the energy access gap are essential not only for climate action, but also for expanding economic opportunities, improving education, and advancing gender equality.
UNDP’s global energy portfolio spans over 390 projects across 131 countries, with a total value exceeding US$4.2 billion under UNDP’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. These initiatives have already provided 82 million people with direct access to clean or productive energy use and benefited more than 100 million indirectly. With the support from a broad range of partners, these efforts are transforming lives, powering hospitals, water systems, and sustainable mobility, while building resilience in crisis settings. Upholding its commitment to gender equality and leaving no one behind, UNDP works to ensure that energy transitions are inclusive and empowering for women, youth, and marginalized communities worldwide.
Organized by UNDP Seoul Policy Centre with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (MOFA) and the Office for Government Policy Coordination (OPC), the Forum will highlight the Republic of Korea’s best practices and global partnerships that advance SDG 7. It will also explore how inclusive and gender-responsive approaches can ensure that no one is left behind in the energy transition.
Event Details
28 November 2025, 10:00AM - 12:30PM (Seoul time, GMT+9)
Maple Hall, Plaza Hotel
Simultaneous interpretation (ENG ↔ KOR) will be provided. 한↔영 동시통역이 제공됩니다.
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 10:00-10:25 | Opening Ceremony
|
| 10:25-11:25 | Panel 1: Scaling Up Energy Access for Development: Policies, Innovation, and Cooperation This session will explore practical strategies to expand energy access in developing countries, including renewable energy solutions, innovative financing mechanisms, and public-private partnerships. It will also discuss how policy frameworks and international collaboration can accelerate progress toward SDG7.
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| 11:25-12:25 | Panel 2: Energy for Empowerment: Advancing Gender Equality through SDG7 Energy access is a key enabler of women’s empowerment and economic participation. This session will discuss how gender-responsive energy policies and inclusive programming can ensure that the benefits of the energy transition reach women and marginalized communities, fostering equity and social inclusion.
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| 12:25-12:30 | Closing Session: Summary of discussions |
