#United States #Clean Energy #New York #Global Energy Alliance #Agnes Dasewicz

Introduction

As the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet celebrates five years since its inception at COP26, it is embarking on a new chapter under the leadership of Agnes Dasewicz as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2027.

Leadership Transition

Dasewicz transitions into this pivotal role from her previous position as Chief Program and Investment Officer, marking a significant first as the organization appoints a leader from within its ranks. She will succeed Woochong Um, whose tenure has significantly strengthened the Alliance's strategic foundation and positioning for future growth.

Importance of the Appointment

This appointment comes at a crucial juncture for the global energy landscape, characterized by geopolitical strife and dwindling development budgets that could leave emerging economies behind. Since its launch at COP26 in Glasgow, the Global Energy Alliance has made significant strides, aiming to improve energy access for over 90 million people, create or upgrade more than 3 million jobs, and mitigate nearly 300 million tons of carbon emissions. Dasewicz’s extensive background will be instrumental as the Alliance pushes to enhance these efforts, reshaping the energy systems in partnership with various countries to ensure that clean energy fuels economic growth and job creation.

Board of Directors' Confidence

Ravi Venkatesan, Chair of the Board of Directors, expressed strong confidence in Dasewicz's leadership capabilities. He mentions that her unique blend of investment insight, global experience, and partnership-building expertise equips her well to guide the Alliance in its next five years. The groundwork established under Um’s leadership provides a solid foundation for Dasewicz to expand and accelerate the Alliance's objectives toward transforming energy systems and fostering economic possibilities in emerging markets.

Agnes Dasewicz’s Vision

Dasewicz’s career spans decades of strategic financial leadership and economic development, including a notable role at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Her previous engagements included senior positions at USAID and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), along with co-founding an impact investment fund. Since joining the Global Energy Alliance in 2025, she has been pivotal in its investment strategies, collaborating closely with governments, financial institutions, and philanthropic organizations while effectively mobilizing investments to drive energy transformation.

Recent initiatives led by the Alliance have produced groundbreaking results, such as pioneering battery storage projects in India and Malawi, modernizing electricity grids and influencing similar efforts in comparable markets. Through programs across the Brazilian Amazon, various African nations, and Southeast Asia, clean energy has been harnessed to unlock economic opportunities and guide national energy policies.

Commitment to Energy Access

Dasewicz is a founding partner of Mission 300, an ambitious initiative by the World Bank and African Development Bank. It aims to provide electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. The Alliance’s mission is increasingly about equipping nations to form critical partnerships and develop the capabilities and finances essential for large-scale energy system transformations.

Closing Thoughts

Expressing her commitment to the organization, Dasewicz stated, "It is a great honor to lead Global Energy Alliance through this transformative phase at such a crucial time. Access to affordable and reliable electricity will play an essential role in determining which economies thrive and which may be left behind. We have a clear strategy, outstanding partners, and the potential to achieve impactful outcomes on a large scale. My goal is to build on the momentum we have established, affirming what functions efficiently, building sustainable local collaborations, and hastening the overall transformation of energy systems globally. As we move forward, I look forward to working alongside our talented team and global partners to facilitate this progress."

Former CEO's Legacy

Um, the outgoing CEO, remarked on the privilege of leading the Global Energy Alliance and emphasized his pride in the collective achievements realized through teamwork and partnerships. With the groundwork laid during his leadership, transitioning to Dasewicz’s stewardship is poised to foster the future impact and growth of the Alliance, continuing the commitment to sustainable energy and economic empowerment for communities worldwide.

About the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet is a global non-profit organization focused on forging public, private, and philanthropic coalitions to accelerate clean energy initiatives and economic opportunities. Founded in 2021 by The Rockefeller Foundation, IKEA Foundation, and Bezos Earth Fund, the Alliance is dedicated to providing the necessary technical and financial infrastructure to make clean energy investments feasible and scalable across developing nations. By focusing on two key pillars—Grids of the Future and Powering Opportunity—the Alliance seeks to address historical market segregation and foster economic development through clean energy accessibility. Currently, with over 130 active projects across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the Global Energy Alliance is on a robust trajectory toward achieving its objectives of providing clean energy access, creating jobs, and reducing carbon emissions significantly.

For further information on the Global Energy Alliance and its initiatives, visit www.energyalliance.org.