World Leaders Unite to Advance a Just and Equitable Energy Transition

In a significant move to address climate change and energy disparities, ministers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific gathered at the SEforALL Global Forum in Bridgetown, Barbados, to renew their commitment to a unified and equitable energy transition. On March 18, 2025, these leaders not only pledged to explore collaborative opportunities but also emphasized the need for increased climate financing that supports transformative energy agendas across the Southern Hemisphere. The discussions during the forum included a ministerial meeting focused on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), highlighting the urgency of mobilizing financial resources to aid both energy transition efforts and climate resilience initiatives. Countries represented included Antigua and Barbuda, the Dominican Republic, Fiji, the Maldives, as well as various Pacific island nations. This meeting culminated in the issuance of a Call to Action, calling for comprehensive Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and robust National Adaptation Plans that prioritize equitable distribution of climate funding as well as local capacity building and job opportunities. Ministers recognized the pivotal role of the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) initiative as a catalyst for investment and a roadmap for sustainable growth and energy infrastructure development in these regions. The urgency of transitioning to clean energy sources aligns closely with the commitments made in the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming while promoting sustainable development. "Both ministerial meetings underscore the necessity of joining forces to eliminate energy access gaps, drive economic development, and ensure that energy transitions in developing nations are congruent with global climate goals," stated Senator Honorable Lisa Cummins of Barbados. She highlighted that transitioning from commitments to concrete action is crucial for instituting lasting change worldwide. Further reinforcing the cooperative spirit, Hon. Wale Edun of Nigeria echoed the sentiments by stressing the imperative to ensure that energy transition plans respect the unique needs of each nation while fostering participation in diversified supply chains. Pakistan’s Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, Muhammed Ali, proclaimed that the push for clean energy should not only focus on sustainability but also promise future generations a greener, more resilient nation through innovation. The meeting also featured strong endorsements for a just energy transition from influential global figures, including Damilola Ogunbiyi, who emphasized the importance of closing energy access gaps, accelerating clean energy transitions, and setting more ambitious national commitments. Meanwhile, Fijian Ambassador Amena Yauvoli reflected on the dire impacts of climate change faced by island nations, calling for urgent global action to solidify their stake at COP30 in Brazil later this year. Additionally, sentiments from Francesco La Camera of the International Renewable Energy Agency pointed towards renewable energy transitions as key equalizers, particularly for SIDS, aiming to enhance their economic and technological resilience. The forum concluded with a pivotal consensus on the necessity to expand climate investment funding, thus translating collective ambitions into tangible impacts. "The Climate Investment Funds are ready to support emerging and developing nations in accelerating actions on climate change by facilitating transitions towards clean technologies, energy access, and climate resilience," added Tariye Gbadegesin, the CEO of the Climate Investment Funds. This confluence of global leaders marks a critical step towards an inclusive, resilient energy future that prioritizes sustainability and collective progress, laying the groundwork for meaningful global dialogue and cooperation leading into future international climate conferences.