GN-SEC Featured in UNIDO's Climate Solutions Week Publication

The Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC) and its regional centres are prominently featured in the new UNIDO publication "Climate Solutions Week: Powering Prosperity, Security and Stability", highlighting the growing role of regional cooperation in advancing sustainable energy, climate resilience and green industrialisation across developing countries.

Regional cooperation at the heart of the energy transition

The publication captures the key outcomes and discussions of the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF) 2026, which brought together global leaders, policymakers, development partners, investors and industry representatives under the theme "Powering Prosperity, Security and Stability".

At a time of increasing climate impacts, energy insecurity and economic uncertainty, the Forum underscored the critical role of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate resilience in driving sustainable development and long-term prosperity. The publication highlights how regional cooperation is becoming an essential pillar of the just energy transition, particularly for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The GN-SEC was recognised for its contribution to promoting regional approaches that accelerate the deployment of sustainable energy solutions through South-South and triangular cooperation. Over more than a decade, the network has supported the establishment and strengthening of regional sustainable energy centres that serve as platforms for policy dialogue, capacity development, project facilitation, knowledge management and investment promotion across multiple regions.

Today, the GN-SEC platform connects regional centres across Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America-Caribbean and other developing regions, creating opportunities for countries to share experiences, develop joint initiatives and address common challenges through collaborative solutions. This regional model has become increasingly important as countries seek to build more resilient energy systems, expand energy access and advance climate action while fostering sustainable industrial development.

From dialogue to action

A central message emerging from IVECF 2026 was the need to move beyond commitments and accelerate practical implementation. The Vienna Call to Action, developed through consultations with IVECF stakeholders, highlights regional integration, multilateral cooperation and South-South and triangular partnerships as important mechanisms for translating global ambitions into tangible results.

This approach lies at the core of the GN-SEC model. Through its regional centres, the network helps translate shared challenges into practical cooperation, supporting not only the energy transition but also economic diversification, job creation, climate resilience and sustainable industrial development. 

“Cross-border power trade and harmonised regional markets for renewable energy and energy efficiency products and services are essential for resilient, competitive and green industries of the future."

Launch of the Global Programme on Climate-Resilient Renewable Energy Systems in SIDS (G-RES)

One of the major announcements showcased during the Forum was the launch of the Global Programme on Climate-Resilient Renewable Energy Systems in SIDS (G-RES), a global programme under the GN-SEC platform. The programme represents an important step forward in supporting SIDS in addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, energy security and economic vulnerability.

By accelerating investment in climate-resilient renewable energy systems, G-RES aims to strengthen energy security and independence, support climate adaptation and enhance resilience across key sectors of island economies. The programme responds to the growing recognition that SIDS require tailored solutions that combine renewable energy deployment with resilience-building measures capable of withstanding increasingly frequent climate-related shocks and extreme weather events.

Building on the GN-SEC model of regional, south-south and triangular cooperation, G-RES will draw on the expertise and networks of regional institutions, including CCREEE, PCREEE, SIDS DOCK and other GN-SEC regional centres working across SIDS. This will help connect global support with regional expertise and national implementation, while strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange among SIDS regions.

A decade of building regional sustainable energy ecosystems

The recognition of GN-SEC in the publication reflects more than ten years of efforts to establish and strengthen regional sustainable energy institutions throughout the Global South. Since its inception, the network has championed regional ownership, peer-to-peer learning and South-South cooperation as effective mechanisms for accelerating sustainable energy transitions.

Through the collective work of its regional centres and partners, GN-SEC has contributed to creating stronger regional ecosystems that support renewable energy and energy efficiency markets, strengthen institutional capacities and foster innovation. The network continues to demonstrate that regional collaboration can help countries transform shared challenges into shared opportunities while advancing sustainable industrial development objectives.

Looking ahead

As the world seeks to accelerate progress towards climate and development goals, the role of regional institutions and partnerships will become even more important. The inclusion of GN-SEC in the Climate Solutions Week publication demonstrates the growing international recognition of regional cooperation as a powerful instrument for delivering sustainable energy solutions where they are needed most. 

GN-SEC looks forward to continuing its collaboration with governments, regional organisations, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector to advance an inclusive, resilient and sustainable energy transition across developing regions worldwide.