Latest news with #SustainableDevelopmentGoal
Scoop
2 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Energy Access Has Improved, Yet International Financial Support Still Needed To Boost Progress And Address Disparities
Washington, New York, Paris, Geneva, Abu Dhabi, 25 June 2025 – Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025 finds that almost 92% of the world's population now has basic access to electricity Although this is an improvement since 2022, which saw the number of people without basic access decrease for the first time in a decade, over 666 million people remain without access, indicating that the current rate is insufficient to reach universal access by 2030. Clean cooking access is progressing but below the rates of progress seen in the 2010s, as efforts remain hobbled by setbacks during the Covid-19 pandemic, following energy price shocks, and debt crises. Released today, the latest edition of the annual report that tracks progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 highlights the role of distributed renewable energy (a combination of mini-grid and off-grid solar systems) to accelerate access, since the population remaining unconnected lives mostly in remote, lower-income, and fragile areas. Cost-effective and rapidly scalable, decentralised solutions are able to reach communities in such rural areas. Decentralised solutions are also needed to increase access to clean cooking. With an estimated 1.5 billion people residing in rural areas still lacking access to clean cooking, the use of off-grid clean technologies, such as household biogas plants and mini-grids that facilitate electric cooking, can provide solutions that reduce health impacts caused by household air pollution. Over 2 billion people remain dependent on polluting and hazardous fuels such as firewood and charcoal for their cooking needs. Notable progress was made in different indicators. The international financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy grew for the third year in a row to reach USD 21.6 billion in 2023. Installed renewables capacity per capita continued to increase year-on-year to reach a new high of 341 watts per capita in developing countries, up from 155 watts in 2015. Yet regional disparities persist, indicating that particular support is needed for developing regions. In sub-Saharan Africa – which lags behind across most indicators – renewables deployment has rapidly expanded but remains limited to 40 watts of installed capacity per capita on average which is only one-eighth of the average of other developing countries. Eighty-five percent of the global population without electricity access reside in the region, while four in five families are without access to clean cooking. And the number of people without clean cooking access in the region continues to grow at a rate of 14 million people yearly. The report identified the lack of sufficient and affordable financing as a key reason for regional inequalities and slow progress. To build on the achievements to date and avoid any further regressions on access to electricity and clean cooking due to looming risks in global markets, the report calls for strengthened international cooperation of public and private sectors, to scale up financial support for developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Urgent actions include reforms in multilateral and bilateral lending to expand the availability of public capital; more concessional finance mobilisation, grants, and risk mitigation instruments; improvement in risk tolerance among donors; as well as appropriate national energy planning and regulations. Key findings across primary indicators Almost 92% of the world's population now has access to electricity, leaving over 666 million people without electricity in 2023, with around 310 million people gaining access since 2015. Eighteen of the 20 countries with the largest electricity access deficits in 2023 were in sub-Saharan Africa. The greatest growth in access between 2020 and 2023 occurred in Central and Southern Asia, with both regions making significant strides towards universal electricity access, reducing their basic access gap from 414 million in 2010 to just 27 million in 2023. Little to no change was observed in access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking between 2022 and 2023. Although the number of the world's population with access to clean cooking fuels and technologies increased from 64% in 2015 to 74% in 2023, around 2.1 billion people remain dependent on polluting fuels and technologies. If current trends continue, only 78% of the global population will have access to clean cooking by 2030. In 2022, the global share of renewable energy sources in total final energy consumption (TFEC) was 17.9% as TFEC continued to increase gradually, while installed renewable energy capacity reached 478 watts per capita in 2023, indicating almost 13% growth from 2022. But progress is not sufficient to meet international climate and sustainable development goals. In addition, global efforts must address significant disparities. Despite progress in expanding renewable capacity, least developed countries and sub-Saharan Africa had only 40 watts per capita in installed renewables capacity, compared to developed countries which had over 1,100 watts installed. Global energy efficiency experienced sluggish progress in recent years. The global trend shows that primary energy intensity, defined as the ratio of total energy supply to gross domestic product, declined by 2.1% in 2022. Although it is an improvement of more than four times the weak 0.5% improvement rate of 2021, it is insufficient to meet the original SDG 7.3 target. Going forward, energy intensity needs to improve by 4% per year on average. International public financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy increased by 27% from 2022, reaching USD 21.6 billion in 2023. However, the report reveals that the developing world received fewer flows in 2023 than in 2016, when commitments peaked at USD 28.4 billion. Despite gradual diversification, funding remained concentrated, with only two sub-Saharan African countries in the top five recipients. Debt-based instruments drove most of the increase in international public flows in 2023, accounting for 83% in 2023, while grants made up only 9.8% of flows. The report will be presented to decision-makers at a special launch event on 16 July 2025 at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, which oversees progress on the SDGs. QUOTES Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency ' Despite progress in some parts of the world, the expansion of electricity and clean cooking access remains disappointingly slow, especially in Africa. This is contributing to millions of premature deaths each year linked to smoke inhalation, and is holding back development and education opportunities. Greater investment in clean cooking and electricity supply is urgently required, including support to reduce the cost of capital for projects.' Francesco La Camera, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency ' Renewables have seen record growth in recent years, reminding the world of its affordability, scalability, and its role in further reducing energy poverty. But we must accelerate progress at this crunch time. This means overcoming challenges, which include infrastructure gaps. The lack of progress, especially on infrastructure, is a reflection of limited access to financing. Although international financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy grew to USD 21.6 billion in 2023, only two regions in the world have seen real progress in the financial flows. To close the access and infrastructure gaps, we need strengthened international cooperation to scale up affordable financing and impact–driven capital for the least developed and developing countries.' Stefan Schweinfest, Director, United Nations Statistics Division ' This year's report shows that now is the time to come together to build on existing achievements and scale up our efforts. Despite advancements in increasing renewables-based electricity, which now makes up almost 30 percent of global electricity consumption, the use of renewables for other energy-related purposes remains stagnant. While energy intensity improved in 2022, overall progress remains weak, threatening economic growth and the energy efficiency goals agreed upon at COP28. The clock is ticking. The findings of this year's report should serve as a rallying point, to rapidly mobilize efforts and investments, so that together, we ensure sustainable energy for all by 2030.' Guangzhe Chen, Vice President for Infrastructure, World Bank 'As we approach the five-year mark to achieve the SDG7 targets, it is imperative to accelerate the deployment of electricity connections, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where half of the 666 million people lacking access reside. As part of the Mission 300 movement, 12 African nations have launched national energy compacts, in which they commit to substantial reforms to lower costs of generation and transmission, and scale up distributed renewable energy solutions. Initiatives such as this unite governments, the private sector, and development partners in a collaborative effort. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, World Health Organization ' The same pollutants that are poisoning our planet are also poisoning people, contributing to millions of deaths each year from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, particularly among the most vulnerable, including women and children,' said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. 'We urgently need scaled-up action and investment in clean cooking solutions to protect the health of both people and planet—now and in the future.' About the report This report is published by the SDG 7 custodian agencies, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO) and aims to provide the international community with a global dashboard to register progress on energy access, energy efficiency, renewable energy and international cooperation to advance SDG 7. This year's edition was chaired by IRENA. The report can be downloaded at Funding for the report was provided by the World Bank's Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
State govt revives plan to eliminate child labour by '30
1 2 Ranchi: The state department of labour, employment, training, and skill development and the child protection society, with the technical support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Bal Kalyan Sangh, on Thursday revived a draft state Action Plan for Elimination of Child Labour by 2030. The draft, which integrates learnings from the 2012–16 plan and responds to the present legal and socio-economic contexts, aims to serve as a roadmap for the next five years. The plan is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7, which targets to end child labour in all its forms by 2030. Department secretary Jitendra Kumar Singh said, "The state saw a 78% decline in child labour between 2001 and 2011, surpassing national average. Our task now is to build a coordinated, multi-stakeholder response. The draft will undergo consultations before submission to the state cabinet for approval. The labour department will be the nodal agency for its implementation." The national project coordinator with the ILO, Narasimhan Gadiraju, said, "While the framework remains similar to earlier plans, this draft reflects upon legal advancements, including the ratification of ILO Conventions 138 and 182, post 2016. It provides a clearer definition of a child and places the responsibility squarely on the state govt for execution and periodic review. Jharkhand had over 91,000 child labourers as per the 2011 Census." The chief technical advisor with the ILO, Giovanni Soledad, said, "The reduction in child labour from 160 million in 2020 to 138 million in 2024 in Asia and the Pacific region is a positive trend. There is, however, a need to accelerate efforts with greater investment in education and social protection to meet the target by 2030." Joint labour commissioner Pradip Lakra said, "The labour department cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. We are now strengthening our presence at the block level and increasing the number of field staff to boost identification, rescue, and rehabilitation mechanisms."
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Over 660 Million People Still Lack Electricity
Israa Farhan A new global report released Wednesday by the World Health Organization and partner agencies has revealed that more than 666 million people around the world still lack access to electricity, despite energy now reaching nearly 92% of the global population. Published on the United Nations News platform, the report highlights that while there has been progress in energy access since 2022, the current pace remains far too slow to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of universal access by 2030. The findings also show that energy poverty continues to be heavily concentrated in rural areas, with an estimated 1.5 billion people still lacking access to clean cooking technologies. Over two billion people remain reliant on harmful and polluting fuels such as wood and coal for cooking, increasing the risk of serious health problems and environmental damage. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), said that despite progress in some regions, the global push to expand access to electricity and clean cooking remains disappointingly slow—particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, home to 85% of the world's population without electricity. The report identified a lack of affordable and sustainable financing as a key factor behind regional disparities and the sluggish pace of progress. Although public international financial flows to support clean energy in developing countries have risen since 2022, they were still significantly lower in 2023 than in 2016. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘11 times more efforts needed to eliminate child labour by 2025'
Lucknow: Over 64% of child labour is concentrated in agriculture, while the remainder works as domestic help or are engaged in small-scale industries, revealed the recently released report on child labour by the International Labour Organisation and Unicef. This report was presented at an official programme marking the culmination of a weeklong campaign on child labour. The report also underscored that, at the current pace of progress, the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of eliminating child labour by 2025 cannot be achieved. To meet this goal, efforts need to be made 11 times faster. The findings are significant, considering that the state has pledged to make UP a child labour-free state by 2027. "Our department, together with all other departments and key stakeholders, will make concerted efforts to achieve the target of making UP a child labour-free state by 2027 by effectively implementing the State Action Plan," said Labour and Employment Minister Anil Rajbhar. Labour commissioner, UP, Markandey Shahi, highlighted that the labour department identified and rehabilitated over 11,000 child labourers last year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Principal secretary, labour, Dr MK Shanmuga Sundaram, stressed inter-departmental coordination and said: "Child labour is not just a social issue but a global challenge." Programme manager, Unicef, Amit Mehrotra, said: "There is a need for robust, disaggregated data on child labour and adolescent labour, both girls and boys, in hazardous and non-hazardous employment."
Al Etihad
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Zayed reaffirms UAE commitment to supporting refugees worldwide
19 June 2025 17:26 ABU DHABI (WAM)His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, has reaffirmed the UAE's commitment, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to supporting and advocating for refugee issues worldwide, drawing global attention to their humanitarian conditions and strengthening their ability to overcome exceptional noted the pivotal role the UAE plays in alleviating the plight of refugees and addressing the root causes of displacement through comprehensive development and humanitarian efforts, made possible by the guidance of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of a statement marking World Refugee Day, observed annually on 20th June, Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE recognised early on the impact of instability, lack of development and the spread of conflict on the increasing prevalence of displacement. For this reason, the country has allocated a significant portion of its national income to supporting less developed regions and has worked to promote social peace by championing the values of tolerance and stressed that by advancing global development goals, the international community lays a strong foundation for inclusive partnerships that can support the most vulnerable societies and help stabilise their conditions.H.H. Sheikh Hamdan affirmed the UAE's unwavering dedication to safeguarding and supporting refugees, alleviating their suffering and preserving their dignity. He called on the international community to step up efforts to curb the refugee crisis and ensure better living conditions for those praised the initiatives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak 'The Mother of the Nation', Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent, particularly the Fund for Refugee Women, which she established to empower female refugees economically, socially and psychologically. This initiative, he said, has transformed programmes targeting women in developing other key UAE contributions in this area, he highlighted the distance learning initiative and the UAE Digital School, which has been implemented in several host countries to ensure access to education for refugee children. The initiative offers flexible, smart educational tools that help overcome the obstacles created by displacement, in line with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal: ensuring inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all, including refugees.H.H. Sheikh Hamdan explained that the UAE's efforts stem from a long-standing system of values and goals aimed at helping refugees overcome hardship, regain their productivity, and support host communities by sharing the burden of increasing refugee flows. This includes launching development projects to meet refugees' healthcare, education, livelihood and basic service also underscored the key role of the Emirates Red Crescent in advocating for and protecting refugees, noting that the organisation has established and managed many refugee camps in several countries. Despite the expanding scope of displacement, he said, the Red Crescent has consistently delivered high-quality services and demonstrated solidarity with affected populations.H.H. Sheikh Hamdan also commended the efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in assisting millions of refugees and displaced persons in dozens of countries, ensuring their basic needs are met. He expressed appreciation for the partnership between the UNHCR and the Emirates Red Crescent, which helps prevent the worsening of humanitarian conditions in many regions. He added that the Red Crescent places high importance on strengthening cooperation with international humanitarian organisations and continually seeks to expand collaboration and share expertise.
