Meeting Together Matters
Reconnecting in person made a tangible difference. Across plenaries, workshops and informal exchanges, members and partners from around the world shared insights, challenged assumptions, and worked on concrete proposals. This gathering wasn’t just about reflecting on progress — it was about driving it.
With a clear focus on REN21’s Vision 2030 and renewable-based economies, participants collectively shaped how our strategy moves from concept to implementation. What stood out most was how the network’s diversity — spanning regions, sectors and expertise — translates into real-world impact when harnessed together.
Context: Why Our Work Matters
As REN21’s newly appointed President Ramón Méndez Galain observed in his first Steering Committee meeting, renewable energy today is more than a future vision. It is already the most cost-effective and reliable development pathway for many countries — lowering and stabilising energy costs, expanding access, creating jobs, and strengthening energy security. And yet, in parallel, narratives challenging renewable solutions are re-emerging, often protecting fossil-dependent systems with misleading claims.This paradox underscores why REN21’s role is essential: we counter disinformation with credible data, connect actors across silos, and ground the transition in lived realities.
If REN21 did not exist in today’s context, it would need to be created.” — Ramón Méndez Galain, REN21 President
Turning Strategy into Action
- Systems Change for Renewable-Based Economies: Through our Change Programme on Thought Leadership for Systems Change — facilitated with partners from Climate-KIC — participants explored how systems evolve and how to influence them. Workshops mapped relationships and identified leverage points for coordinated action.
- Member Spotlights: Members shared inspiring examples of their work advancing renewables, sustainable cities, energy security, and equitable prosperity. These real-world stories helped clarify where REN21’s collective intelligence and network can add the most value.
- Deep Dive Workshops: Two key areas were the focus of hands-on dialogue:
- Renewables-Based Economies — especially from the perspective of developing countries, emphasizing women’s participation, local capacity, inclusive narratives and finance grounded in local realities.
- Integrated, Demand-Led Planning for Energy Security — examining how transport, industry, storage and community-based actions strengthen system resilience. Participants highlighted how demand-side actors are essential partners in shaping renewable-based systems.
Together, these workshops generated concrete ideas for collaboration throughout 2025 and beyond.
Strengthening Leadership for the Road Ahead
The gathering also marked the election of REN21’s new Bureau for 2025-2027, whose leadership will guide the network as it continues to advance Vision 2030 and position renewables at the core of resilient, inclusive economies.
Looking Forward
More than a theme, The Power of Many reflects how REN21 works — and why it matters. In a time of geopolitical uncertainty and competing narratives, the network’s collective intelligence, regional diversity, and practical experience are essential. The conversations and collaborations in Paris will directly inform REN21’s priorities and way of working in the months ahead, shifting ideas into delivery.
Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, openness and commitment — the momentum is real, and the work continues.
