Advancing SDG7 in Asia and the Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is a key player in global energy consumption and a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for over half of both, worldwide. As around three-quarters of those GHG
emissions come from energy, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) is vital in addressing the climate change crisis.

Energy is also intertwined with many other SDGs, including poverty reduction, food security, health, education, gender equality and water access. Indeed, energy is linked to two-thirds of the 169 SDG targets, underlining the crucial role it plays in sustainable development. Expanding access to clean energy in line with SDG7, for
example, can deliver improved health outcomes, create jobs and reduce poverty and inequality.

The latest data shows, however, that despite significant progress, the pace of transition to clean energy is uneven and incremental across the Asia and the Pacific region, highlighting the need for scaled-up technical and financial support.

A just energy transition is also critical, with disadvantaged economies requiring particular focus to ensure all nations benefit from clean and sustainable energy. This is especially important as some countries lack the necessary policies, capacities or financing mechanisms to support accelerated progress. This may leave vulnerable economies behind in the energy transition process.

A just transition is also critical in ensuring that all individuals in the communities of a nation have an equal opportunity to access the energy services and technologies that they require to meet their needs. To this end, regional cooperation can play a crucial role in facilitating commitments and efforts to advance SDG7 in the region. This is particularly so, given current geopolitical shifts and the energy market turmoil of 2022 and 2023. With recent setbacks challenging many economies, increased and targeted support is needed to ensure a sustainable energy future for all.

Advancing SDG7 in Asia and the Pacific