Date: Monday, 26 January 2026; 3rd Annual Day
Sponsor: United Nations
Objectives:
The International Day of Clean Energy is observed annually with the following objectives:
- To underscore that universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all is fundamental to poverty eradication and the realization of the 2030 Agenda.
- To acknowledge the necessity of increasing the proportion of renewable and clean energy sources, in order to substantially reduce adverse health effects and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- To promote the implementation of energy-related goals and targets within the 2030 Agenda in alignment with the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All.
- To highlight the significance of education, academia, technology, and entrepreneurship in developing innovative solutions to address energy challenges and advance energy sustainability.
Inception:
The first International Day of Clean Energy was held on 26 January 2024.
History:
On 25 August 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/77/327, designating 26 January as the International Day of Clean Energy. This marks a significant step towards our commitment to a sustainable future. This day celebrates clean energy and its crucial role in achieving a fair and inclusive energy transition.
The date was chosen to coincide with the founding anniversary of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), an intergovernmental organization established in 2009. IRENA aids countries in their energy transitions, fosters international cooperation, and provides insights on clean energy technology, innovation, policy, finance, and investment.
Background:
- Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) account for nearly 90% of global CO2 emissions. (UN)
- Clean and renewable energy sources (wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, and geothermal) generate only power about 29% of the world’s electricity. (UN)
- In 2022, over 50% of the global population in developing and emerging countries received just 15% of global investments in renewables. (UN-Energy)
Official website:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/clean-energy-day
