Renewables are indispensable for building resilient economies and societies. They cut energy costs, create jobs and tackle global challenges like inequality, energy access and resource scarcity. As countries prepare updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the lead up to COP30, renewables must take centre stage in driving economic development and climate action.
Unlocking the full potential of renewables demands bold, system-wide transformation. Policies, investments and collaboration across sectors are essential to integrate renewables into supply chains, transport and buildings. Equitable solutions must ensure developing countries have a seat at the table. The COP28 target to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030 signalled ambition; now, we need fair, grounded strategies to deliver results.
REN21’s Global RENdez-vous: Building Resilient Economies and Societies with Renewables series brings together governments, civil society and industry leaders to explore how renewables can foster resilience while advancing prosperity for people and the planet. Each dialogue is accompanied by a strategic intelligence brief, offering actionable insights into renewables’ role in addressing global challenges.
Join REN21 in shaping a renewables-based future. Access briefs and watch the sessions below to learn how you can be part of the solution.
Registration for the upcoming sessions is now open!
See registration links below.
Global RENdez-vous Session 1: Renewables for Climate Resilience
22 January 2025 – The session explored the role of renewable energy in building climate resilience, with examples from different regions.
Key takaways from the session show that climate resilience requires immediate action and a holistic approach, with the energy sector as a cornerstone of adaptation. In Southeast Asia, decentralised renewable energy systems are proving vital during disasters, providing essential services such as light and communication. Africa’s climate-dependent economies demand equitable, context-specific solutions, while in Latin America, adapting infrastructure to withstand floods, droughts, and hurricanes is critical. Across all regions, integrating adaptation and mitigation strategies is essential to building a sustainable, resilient future.
Global RENdez-vous Session 2: Renewables for Social and Societal Resilience
29 January 2025 – This session looked at the social and societal benefits of renewable energy, including its potential to create local value for communities, improve lives, and advance equitable societies.
Key takeaways include ensuring universal energy access, especially for vulnerable communities, prioritising locally driven, nature-centric solutions, addressing gender disparities in access and employment, fostering community ownership of context-specific renewable projects, and pushing for stronger policies and global cooperation to accelerate the transition.
Global RENdez-vous Session 3: Renewables for Economic Resilience
4 February 2025 – The final event of the series will focused on renewable energy as a driver of sustainable economic development and local value creation, including trends in job creation and local supply chains. The session touched upon the challenges and opportunities of building economic resilience with renewables while preserving climate, and societal benefits (from the two previous dialogues).
