In preparation for the in-depth review of SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) at the 2026 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) convened an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) to assess global progress, identify solutions to accelerate implementation, share lessons learned and good practices, and strengthen coordination ahead of the 2026 HLPF review.

Describing SDG 7 as “a beacon of progress,” the SDG 7 EGM concept note highlights that “nearly 92% of the global population has access to basic electricity, up markedly over the past decade, while clean cooking access has increased from about 64% to 74%.” At the same time, around 666 million people still lack electricity access, and 2.1 billion use dirty fuels for cooking. Investments in clean energy also remain unbalanced, with Africa, which is home to 60% of the world’s best solar resources, receiving only 2% of global clean energy investment, according to the note.

The EGM explored practical pathways to accelerate equitable energy transitions. Discussions focused on, among other areas, expanding energy access and affordability, scaling renewable energy and energy efficiency, mobilizing finance and strengthening investment environments, and enhancing cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity development. Participants also reflected on how integrated approaches can generate co-benefits across other SDGs.

Participants also explored ways to accelerate the implementation of the updated Global Plan of Action for the Extended Decade of Sustainable Energy for All, which contains a set of measures to be taken by Member States and other stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the energy-related goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda. Among other recommendations, the updated Global Plan calls for rapidly accelerating the global clean energy transition, dramatically scaling up finance and investments, and harnessing innovation, technology transfer, capacity building, and data to ensure no one is left behind.

Organized by DESA’s Division for Sustainable Development Goals, with the support of UN-Energy, the EGM took place from 25-26 March 2026. It was hosted by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

HLPF 2026 will focus on the theme, ‘Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all.’  In addition to SDG 7, it will carry out in-depth reviews of SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals). 

HLPF 2026 will also be an opportunity to build on the Pact for the Future, the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the Seville Commitment and Platform for Action from the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), the Second World Summit for Social Development, and the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) to find ways to accelerate delivery of the SDGs. [Expert Group Meeting on SDG 7 in preparation for HLPF 2026] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on DESA Briefing on 2026 EGMs’ Outcomes]