Commonwealth Nations Convene in London to Drive Global Transition to Sustainable Energy

Representatives from 56 Commonwealth nations across Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Pacific, and Europe will convene in London from May 24th to 26th to address the pressing need for a global shift towards sustainable energy sources.

The 3rd Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Forum, taking place next week, will serve as a platform for senior government officials, private sector actors, industry experts, and youth delegates to come together and evaluate the progress made in the Commonwealth’s energy transition. The goal is to identify actionable strategies that will enable ambitious targets to be met on the ground.

Access to energy plays a vital role in sustainable development, yet approximately 774 million people worldwide still lack electricity, with more than half residing in Commonwealth nations. Against the backdrop of climate change, energy security concerns, and the decreasing costs of renewable energy technologies, countries worldwide are actively working to transition towards low-carbon energy systems.

The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General, emphasized the significance of the upcoming discussions by stating, “Commonwealth countries are collaborating to expedite an inclusive, just, and equitable transition to low-carbon energy systems through the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition (CSET) Agenda. While the pathways to transition may vary, the adoption of clean energy systems is a shared objective, with all member countries acknowledging the interconnectedness between climate change, energy access, and sustainable development.”

The event will witness the unveiling of several milestones and new initiatives, all of which will be implemented under the CSET Agenda. This agenda serves as a collaborative platform for member countries to accelerate the global shift towards clean energy through collective action, knowledge sharing, and technical support.

The Sustainable Energy Forum will also provide an opportunity to discuss the roadmap leading up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28, scheduled to take place in Dubai, UAE, in November.

Moreover, the event will adopt an intergenerational approach, recognizing the crucial role of young people as key stakeholders in developing solutions for the energy transition.

The Forum’s proceedings will span three days, fostering critical dialogue and collaboration among attendees.