From rising sea levels and extreme weather to energy insecurity, climate change affects everyone. This is forcing us to change how we live. In this global climate emergency, UNDP is not only supporting countries to build resilience but also working to green its own operations.

In 2019, UNDP launched the Greening Moonshot Initiative, a commitment to halve greenhouse gas emissions from its global operations by 2030. Key is replacing fossil fuel-based energy across our offices with clean, renewable alternatives. What began with a focus on solar power and energy efficiency has steadily evolved into a broader, more integrated strategy that now includes renewable mobility solutions. Each dollar invested in green energy delivers triple the return to UNDP.
 

From energy to transport: Launching Moonshot for e-Mobility

UNDP’s vehicle fleet accounts for 12 percent of the organization’s operational emissions, approximately 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year. in 2022, UNDP expanded its efforts with the launch of the Moonshot for e-Mobility, an initiative supporting Country Offices (COs) transitioning from petrol-powered to electric vehicles. Led by COs in close collaboration with UNDP Green Energy Team, the initiative has grown into a global movement with over 65 UNDP offices joining to move to e-Mobility. 
 

Moonshot’s global footprint

In Nepal, UNDP’s green energy experts have replaced six out of nine of its fleet with electric vehicles. A newly installed DC fast charger allows staff to recharge vehicles in under an hour, supporting field missions without delays.

Operations Manager at UNDP Nepal, Nibedan Baidya, highlights, "The Moonshot support has been pivotal in UNDP Nepal’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. With the recent addition of an electric passenger van, our electric fleet is helping us cut 20 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Leading by example in environmental stewardship is crucial, as we need to set a standard and inspire partners and stakeholders to uphold their climate action responsibilities".

In 2022–2023, UNDP India deployed two EVs with chargers and have secured Moonshot funding for a solar carport, advancing a closed-loop energy system that minimizes emissions and grid reliance. “Through the Greening Moonshot initiative, UNDP India is driving change with electric mobility at its core, turning sustainable ambition into real-world action,” says Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India. 

In 2024, Ethiopia became the first country in Africa to ban imports of gasoline and diesel vehicles, aiming for 500,000 electric vehicles by 2030. With more than 90 percent of its electricity already generated from renewable sources, the country’s EV transition is largely powered by green energy. Building on this momentum, UNDP Ethiopia introduced two EVs and a charging station at its office, underscoring its commitment to green mobility in line with national priorities. 

Head of Experimentation at UNDP Ethiopia, Okelo Fekadu, emphasizes, “The electric vehicles from the UNDP Moonshot Initiative are helping the Ethiopia Country Office cut emissions by 6,2 tonnes of CO₂ annually, as we work to make our operations a model of environmental responsibility.” 
 

Pioneering research and innovation in e-Mobility

UNDP’s work goes beyond replacing vehicles. The UNDP Green Energy Team is helping COs unlock the full potential of e-Mobility by integrating innovations such as solar-powered charging and vehicle-grid integration (VGI). VGI is a smart energy system that  not only to allows EVs to draw energy from buildings or the grid but also to send it back when needed. In practice, EVs can act like mobile batteries, storing solar power during the day and supporting buildings or the grid during peak demand or outages. These technologies have been piloted in Namibia and are now being implemented with the Samoa Government through of the Climate Action Transport for Islanda (CAP-IT) project.

"UNDP’s e-Mobility efforts are about unlocking real energy resilience through innovations like solar-powered charging and vehicle-to-grid integration”, says UNDP Green Energy Engineer Paula Martínez Corraliza. "The Moonshot has become more than an internal initiative; it’s inspiring national-level action and building local capacity. Our 7-step approach ensures long-term, sustainable solutions, helping Country Offices turn ambition into impact.
 

The road ahead

UNDP will continue helping offices scale up e-Mobility, integrate renewable energy, and build strong partnerships. With a growing global fleet, Moonshot for e-Mobility is cutting emissions, reducing costs, and demonstrating UNDP’s climate leadership.