Previous Year Question

The United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All is a global initiative of the United Nations (UN). On 21 December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 67/215, declaring 2014–2024 as the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All. Its objectives were to expand access to clean, affordable, reliable, and modern energy for everyone and promote sustainable energy use. Earlier, the United Nations had designated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

The initiative originated from the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) campaign launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2011. Its three major objectives were Universal Access to Modern Energy Services, doubling the global rate of improvement in Energy Efficiency, and doubling the share of Renewable Energy in the global energy mix. The initiative aimed to reduce Energy Poverty, promote economic development, and improve environmental sustainability.

Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) is closely associated with this initiative. Among the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. It promotes Clean Cooking Technologies, solar and wind energy, energy efficiency, and investment in clean energy infrastructure. The initiative plays an important role in addressing climate change, improving public health, and supporting socioeconomic development.

Current Status (October 2026): The original Decade covered 2014–2024, but the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 79/211 on 19 December 2024, extending the initiative until 2030. The extension aims to accelerate international cooperation, investment, renewable energy expansion, and improvements in energy efficiency to achieve SDG 7. International institutions, including the World Bank, support energy-related projects, but the Decade itself was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.