Background The target of inclusive and sustainable industrialization is a key aim of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9. It is also indispensable in achieving the SDG7 goal of affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. Indeed, a correlation analysis published in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Industrial Development Report 2024-indicated that among all the SDGs, SDG9 had the strongest correlation with SDG7, underscoring the strong interlinkage between industrial and energy goals. In this context, ‘green industrialization’ is key. The term refers to an energy-centred transformation that both encompasses the decarbonization of industry and the growth of clean and green industries. Such an industrialization pathway offers enormous potential for emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) in particular, especially in enabling their delivery of climate and developmental goals. Green industrialization seeks to address global inequalities and empower countries and regions by leveraging their specific energy technology pathways, resources and strengths. Green industrialization also aims to empower local communities, create quality jobs and protect the environment within a just and inclusive energy transition. At the same time, while industry was once mainly seen as part of the climate problem, it is now being increasingly recognized as a key part of the solution to climate change, economic development and the achievement of SDG7. This is because the industrial sector makes a direct contribution to sector-wide decarbonization by rolling out low-carbon technologies and energy efficient processes. This contribution is not only limited to decarbonization, either. Industry also carries the energy transition forward by manufacturing and distributing green technologies. It also advances the transition by supplying innovative digital and service-based solutions that can improve energy costs, energy efficiency and access to modern energy services. View PDF: SDG7 Policy Brief on Industry Innovation and Infrastructure.pdf

Background To be published 26 Jan 2026 2026 Partnership Snapshot

Background Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all is the aim of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7). This goal is therefore a driving force in human development and well being, strengthening institutional trust and peacebuilding. At the same time, energy poverty is closely linked to fragility, instability, marginalization and weakened political systems. SDG16 aims to combat all these while also strengthening institutional trust and peace building. The synergies between SDG7 and SDG16 are therefore clear, with the Global Platform for Action (GPA) on Sustainable Energy in Displacement Settings a good example of this common interest. The GPA was launched in 2018 and is steered by its 15 members. These include both United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). By building partnerships to scale renewable energy in humanitarian and displacement contexts, the GPA also improves livelihoods, reduces emissions and strengthens institutional trust. This policy brief sets out the linkages between SDG7 and SDG16 further, while presenting the following recommendations to strengthen their synergies and achievements. View PDF: SDG7 Policy Brief - Interlinkages with SDG16_0.pdf

Background To enable the decoupling of economic growth from resource use and emissions, progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 and SDG12 must be advanced together. Unsustainable production and consumption increase energy demand, material extraction and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reinforcing a negative link between economic growth and resource use. At the same time, access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy enables more resource-efficient production, cleaner value chains and more sustainable economies. The decoupling of economic growth from resource use and emissions is therefore key; it is also in urgent need of acceleration, as the required growth of global energy intensity and material efficiency are well above the current rate of progress. View PDF: SDG 7 and SDG 12 Clean Energy_0.pdf

Background Coming soon STI Solutions Book