Energy is inextricably interlinked with many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty eradication, food security, clean water and sanitation, health, education, prosperity, jobs creation, and the empowerment of youth and women. Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all is fundamental to human development. A shift toward sustainable energy solutions is also essential to the achievement of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Recognizing the importance of energy for sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda established SDG 7, the first-ever universal goal on energy, with five targets on access, efficiency, renewables and means of implementation. SDG7 represents a significant milestone, especially since the Millennium Development Goals did not include an energy goal.  Energy is – for the first time – recognized as a core part of the global sustainable development agenda of the United Nations system.

At this year’s High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on sustainable development, SDG7 will be one of the goals in the spotlight. To prepare for this review, a global preparatory meeting will be held on 21-23 February 2018 at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. The event is jointly organized by UN DESA and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), and the Royal Government of Thailand.

Review of SDG7 at HLPF 2018

In 2018, the HLPF will take place under the theme “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies.” The forum is the central platform for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. In 2018, it will undertake the first global review of SDG7, along with reviews of goals 6, 11, 12 and 15, and the annual review of goal 17.

At the Forum, 48 countries are expected to undertake Voluntary National Reviews to assess progress towards achieving the goals. The 2018 HLPF will serve as a first critical milestone to take stock of progress to-date including energy’s linkages with other SDGs and to reflect on the way forward.

Global SDG 7 Conference

The aim of the Global SDG7 Conference is to prepare substantive inputs on the review of SDG7 during the HLPF in 2018. It intends to facilitate exchange of lessons, insights and experiences to-date among Member States and all stakeholders and to consider challenges and opportunities for furthering progress towards 2030. More specifically, it will provide an opportunity for participants to discuss:

• Trends and gaps toward the achievement of SDG7;
• Interlinkages between SDG7 and other SDGs;
• Means of implementation, including finance, capacity building and innovation;
• Key areas of opportunities for action by policy makers and all stakeholders on achieving SDG7 and leveraging its interlinkages with other SDGs in support of the 2030 Agenda.

The conference will consist of plenary sessions, alongside break-out interactive segments and include participation of Member States, observers, UN Agencies and representatives of civil society, private sector, and other relevant stakeholders. Side-events will also be organized on 21 February 2018.