UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed at the P4G Summit in Hanoi, VietNam | Image Source: United Nations

At an international summit in Hanoi, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed urged world leaders, businesses, and communities to work together and invest more in climate solutions to secure a better future for all.

Speaking at the P4G Summit, which focuses on green growth and sustainable development, Mohammed said that while some progress has been made since the launch of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement in 2015, major gaps remain.

Millions Still Without Basic Energy Access

Mohammed pointed out that 750 million people still live without electricity, and 2 billion have no access to clean cooking options. She also highlighted how air pollution from fossil fuels continues to harm children around the world.

Despite these challenges, she shared reasons for hope—such as global cooperation, new partnerships, and growing economic incentives for clean energy. “Every dollar spent on climate adaptation can return up to 10 times the investment,” she said.

Clean Energy Is Growing Fast, but More Is Needed

The deputy chief noted that renewables made up over 92% of new power added globally in 2024, and clean energy now powers more than 40% of the world’s electricity. Falling costs for solar, wind, and batteries are helping drive this shift.

Countries like Viet Nam are already leading by example, moving away from coal and building a cleaner energy future while also improving access and affordability.