![UN Secretary-General: “The Dawn of a Clean Energy Age is Here” New York, 21 July 2025 – United Nations Secretary-General [Name] today declared that the world is entering the dawn of a new clean energy era, urging governments, industries, and communities worldwide to seize this moment of opportunity to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. “The fossil fuel age is flailing and failing. The sun is rising on a clean energy age, and it is unstoppable,” the Secretary-General stated, addressing leaders, industry stakeholders, and civil society at UN Headquarters during the launch of a landmark report on clean energy investment, supported by the International Energy Agency, IMF, IRENA, OECD, and the World Bank. Amid global turmoil from conflict, climate chaos, and rising human suffering, the Secretary-General emphasized that the clean energy revolution is not just a shift in power but a shift in possibility, delivering economic growth, job opportunities, public health benefits, and sustainable development for all. Key highlights from the address included: Record Investments: $2 trillion was invested in clean energy globally last year, nearly $800 billion more than fossil fuels, with clean energy sectors driving 10% of global GDP growth. Rapid Cost Declines: Solar energy is now 41% cheaper and offshore wind 53% cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives, with over 90% of new renewables producing electricity at lower costs. Energy Security and Sovereignty: Renewables reduce exposure to price shocks and geopolitical risks, enabling nations to achieve energy independence. Equity and Access: The Secretary-General emphasized that renewable energy can bring electricity to the remotest villages, empowering communities and ensuring no one is left behind. Urgency for Action: Despite progress, the transition is not yet fast or fair enough. The Secretary-General urged governments to submit new, ambitious climate plans aligning with the 1.5°C limit ahead of COP30 in Brazil, doubling energy efficiency, tripling renewables by 2030, and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. Finance for Transition: A call was made for reforming the global financial architecture to increase investments in clean energy in developing countries, which currently receive only a fraction of global clean energy funding despite vast renewable potential. “The clean energy future is no longer a promise; it is a fact. But it won’t happen on its own—not fast enough, not fair enough. It is up to us to power the future for humanity,” the Secretary-General said, concluding with a call to action for governments, businesses, and citizens to build a cleaner, safer, and more equitable world. About the Event The speech was delivered at the United Nations Headquarters as part of a high-level event marking the release of a special report on the global state of clean energy investment, assessing progress since the Paris Agreement and outlining six priority actions to supercharge the clean energy transition. The Pakistan Times](https://thepakistantimes.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-Pakistan-Times-1.jpg)
New York, 21 July 2025 (kamran Raja): In a powerful call to action, the United Nations Secretary General today declared that the world is at a critical turning point to supercharge the clean energy age, urging governments, industries, and citizens to seize this historic opportunity for a cleaner, fairer, and more secure future.
Speaking under the theme A Moment of Opportunity, Supercharging the Clean Energy Age, the Secretary General highlighted that clean energy investment is now outpacing fossil fuels, with renewables providing cheaper, faster, and more secure energy solutions. The era of fossil fuels is desperately struggling and collapsing as the world moves to clean energy. “We are entering a new age where clean, affordable energy will create many economic opportunities,” he said. Last year, the world invested $2 trillion in clean energy, almost 70% more than ten years ago, and more than what was spent on fossil fuels. Clean energy sectors drove 10% of global GDP growth in 2023, with renewable jobs now outnumbering fossil fuel jobs worldwide. Renewables shield economies from price shocks and geopolitical turmoil, putting “power in the hands of people and governments.” Solar and wind can reach even the most remote communities, offering hope to the 700 million people still without electricity, particularly in Africa and South Asia.
Despite this momentum, the Secretary General emphasised that the transition is not fast enough or fair enough, with Africa receiving just 2% of global clean energy investment last year, despite holding 60% of the world’s best solar resources. Advance New National Climate Plans, Align national plans with the 1.5°C target, triple renewables capacity, and phase out fossil fuels. Build 21st Century Energy Systems: Invest in modern grids, battery storage, EV charging, and electrification across sectors. Meet Growing Energy Demand Sustainably, Power the digital and AI revolutions with 100% renewables. Ensure a Just Transition, Support workers and communities while safeguarding human rights in critical mineral supply chains. Use Trade and Investment for Transformation, Reform outdated trade rules and build resilient supply chains for clean energy. Unleash Climate Finance, Scale up investment in developing countries and reform global financial systems to reduce the cost of capital for clean energy.
The Secretary-General said that with COP30 coming soon, world leaders need to share strong, practical plans to speed up the move to clean energy, saying “We have what we need to build a better future for everyone ” Let’s make the most of them. Now is the best time for the world to act boldly for clean energy and climate safety. If we don’t act now, we will lose this chance.”