26 January marks the International Day of Clean Energy – an opportunity to recognize the diligent efforts of UN field missions to reduce their environmental footprint, even in the most challenging contexts.
The transition to clean energy remains a key priority for UN peacekeeping and special political missions, not only to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel costs, but also to enhance operational resilience—especially in areas where fuel transportation poses significant security risks.
Missions have already made impressive strides in integrating clean energy, with solar and hydro now accounting for 10% of their total electricity consumption.
Key approaches driving change include:
- Connecting to local grids that incorporate renewable energy
- Installing on-site renewable energy systems at mission camps
- Outsourcing renewable energy supply to private sector and local utilities to drive investment in sustainable energy infrastructure
With approximately 40 renewable energy projects currently underway, UN missions are on track to more than double their global renewable energy share.
At the United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC), our Environmental Technical Support Unit, along with other teams from the Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM), works closely with field missions to advance these goals. From planning, budgeting, and target-setting to implementation and performance monitoring, we are committed to fostering a more sustainable future for all. Together, we're turning the global vision for clean energy into reality.
UN Photo / Ahmed Abdulkarim
Learn more about the Environment Strategy for Peace Operations 2023-2030 in our 30th anniversary publication Of Service: Stories of Solutions and Impact 1994-2024 (p.12 - 15).