Report – 2021 SDG7 TAG Policy Briefs: Leveraging Energy Action for Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals

The SDG7 Policy Briefs are released annually in support of the deliberations at the High-level Political Forum, contributing also to the High-level Dialogue on Energy in September, and the implementation of the Decade of Action to deliver the SDGs and the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All 2014-2024. The Briefs are compiled by the multi-stakeholder SDG7 Technical Advisory Group, composed of 40 experts from Governments, UN and international organizations, and other stakeholders.

This year, the compilation of Policy Briefs places a special focus on the interlinkages of SDG7 with all other SDGs. It underlines that decisive action on sustainable energy can catalyse progress towards all the other SDGs, as well as towards global climate protection targets. Indeed, the Policy Briefs note how energy is essential to all other SDGs, including ending poverty and hunger, running healthcare facilities, improving gender equality, and providing access to education, clean water and sanitation. Energy is also key to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, creating employment and reducing inequalities. Moreover, it can help to promote sustainable production and consumption, build sustainable cities, and create a blue ocean economy. It even has an essential role in the challenge of building and maintaining peace, justice and strong institutions. Importantly, energy is indispensable for effective climate action.