About

UNECE work on sustainable energy is run under the auspices of the respective Committee and based upon the deliverables of its six subsidiary bodies - groups of experts. These expert groups play a pivotal role in connecting researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. They generate outcomes tailored to the needs of UNECE member States, focusing on enhancing decision-making capabilities through the provision of data, tools, and skill enhancement. The close collaboration between the expert community and member States is core for converting knowledge into robust political commitments and practical contributions towards establishing resilient, carbon-neutral energy systems within the region. This synergy is instrumental in driving forward UNECE's sustainable energy agenda.

Key areas of work

Group of Experts on Cleaner Electricity Systems

Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and Just Transition

Group of Experts on Gas,

Group of Experts on Renewable Energy

Group of Experts on Energy Efficiency,

Expert Group on Resource Management.

IN FOCUS

2023 Accomplishments

Did you know that in 2023, the UNECE Committee on Sustainable Energy and Regional Advisory Services:

• Organized the 32nd session of the Committee, 6 expert group annual meetings, 27 Bureau meetings, and more than 55 workshops, trainings, and webinars, reaching more than 4,050 professionals, nearly a third of which were women?
• Finalized more than a dozen papers, guidance documents, case studies and reports and a carbon neutrality toolkit 2.0 that support decision making on how to build resilient and carbon neutral energy systems?
• Conducted 45 missions in 12 member States - that involved more than 100 days of on-site support and 100+ meetings, workshops and trainings - resulting in the training of more than 1700 experts?  
• Developed cross-thematic knowledge and produced reports and policy briefs on a number of topics, including building resilient energy systems, sustainable hydrogen production pathways, sustainable resource management, critical raw materials, energy connectivity, the role of women in the energy transition, etc.
• Organized special events and high-level dialogues on a range of topics, including building resilient energy systems, critical raw materials, climate finance, energy connectivity and digitalization of energy systems
• Launched a strategic partnership of UN Agencies (ECE, ESCAP and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)) active in Central Asia. The 3nd Almaty Energy Forum highlighted concrete actions to accelerate just energy transition and design and build resilient energy systems in Central Asia.
• Continued collaborating with the UN Working Group on Transforming the Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development, co-chaired by the Regional Economic Commissions, UNDP and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Through activities like these, UNECE promotes international policy dialogue and cooperation, and builds capacity on sustainable energy among governments, energy industries and other stakeholders to improve access to affordable and clean energy for all and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint of the energy sector in the region.

Learn more about these accomplishments here.

HIGHLIGHTS