As the 2030 deadline for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaches, global leaders are convening in Bridgetown, Barbados, for the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Global Forum. Scheduled from 12 to 13 March 2025 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Center, the Forum aims to intensify efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
Theme and Objectives
Under the theme “Sustainable Energy for Equity, Security and Prosperity,” the Forum seeks to catalyse actions and investments necessary for countries to meet their energy access, climate, and development objectives. This sixth edition of the SEforALL Global Forum is notably the first to be held in the Latin America and Caribbean region, underscoring the area’s commitment to sustainable energy transitions.
Distinguished Participants
The event is expected to gather over 900 high-level representatives from governments, businesses, development institutions, civil society, and youth organisations. Confirmed speakers include:
- H.E. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
- H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone
- Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General
- Hon. Doto Biteko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Tanzania
- H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President and Climate Envoy for Azerbaijan
- Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President-Designate, Brazil
- H.E. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nigeria
- Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group
- Dr. Armstrong Alexis, Deputy Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Tariye Gbadegesin, CEO of the Climate Investment Fund
- Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund
Barbados: A Commitment to Sustainable Energy
Co-hosting the Forum, the Government of Barbados, led by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, reaffirms its dedication to the SDGs and a clean energy future. Senator Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy and Business, stated, “Barbados is committed to a sustainable energy transition within our borders and beyond. That is why we are proud to partner with Sustainable Energy for All on this Global Forum, which will be a pivotal moment in the fight for climate justice and ensuring developing countries are supported with their energy transition efforts.”
Forum Highlights
The Forum will feature two Ministerial Roundtables designed to foster collaboration, ambition, and increased investment for energy transitions in developing economies and emerging markets. Key announcements are anticipated, including the launch of the Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Fund, aimed at accelerating financing for clean energy projects. Additionally, countries are expected to present their energy transition and investment plans, outlining their commitments and strategies to achieve SDG7.
Recognising Innovation
A notable segment of the Forum is the inaugural Energy Heroes Award, which will honour groundbreaking initiatives that have made significant impacts in advancing sustainable energy solutions. The award aims to showcase how innovative ideas are translating into real-world applications, thereby inspiring further advancements in the sector.
Looking Ahead to COP30
The Forum also serves as a critical platform ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The COP30 Presidency is expected to unveil a roadmap to guide enhanced climate finance leading up to the global climate talks later in the year, reinforcing the Forum’s role in shaping the future of sustainable energy and climate action.
Conclusion
As the world accelerates efforts to meet the 2030 Global Goals, the SEforALL Global Forum in Barbados represents a pivotal moment for stakeholders across sectors to collaborate, innovate, and commit to a sustainable energy future that is equitable, secure, and prosperous for all.