UN Secretary-General Calls on Countries to Join the “Revolution in Renewable Energy”

April 21, 2026 Climate and environment

“The conflict in the Middle East has provoked the most serious energy crisis in the life of an entire generation,” he said in his video address to the participants of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue, which opened in Berlin on Tuesday.

“And this proves one fact: fossil fuel not only destroys our planet – it holds the economy hostage,” added the UN head.

Investment growth

The Secretary-General presented arguments in favor of investments in renewable energy: last year they reached 2.2 trillion dollars – twice as much as investments in fossil fuels.

He emphasized that “renewable energy sources are the cheapest, fastest, and most reliable new source of energy,” opening the way to real energy security. Guterres stated that it is necessary to act in three directions.

Fair trade

“First, we must respond to the energy crisis without exacerbating the climate crisis,” he noted, reminding that the world has just experienced the hottest 11 years on record and that “every key climate indicator is in a critical state.”

Secondly, it is necessary to create an infrastructure “capable of delivering clean energy to every home,” expanding power grids, distribution systems, and modern energy systems.

Finally, the international community must mobilize funding, especially for developing countries, since “without support, recovery will be slower, less fair, and less secure.”

Fulfill the undertaken obligations

He noted that for developing countries the cost of financing clean energy is two to three times higher than for developed economies. “Nevertheless, many developed countries are exempt from their obligations to finance climate and development measures,” he added.

The UN chief called for climate justice, strongly recommending that countries replenish multilateral climate funds and mobilize 1.3 billion dollars annually by 2035 to support developing countries.

“Make the right choice”

He also emphasized the inevitability of a significant increase in funding for adaptation measures “as a matter of survival.”

Although communities on the front lines of the climate crisis have made the smallest contribution to its emergence, it is precisely they who suffer the greatest losses.

“Adaptation saves lives, protects sources of income, and strengthens the economy,” he said. “And every dollar invested today allows for a multiple reduction in future losses.”

Addressing the international community, the Secretary-General warned: “We can repeat the mistakes of the past, or we can start a revolution in the field of renewable energy.”

He called on leaders to “make the right choice” for climate stability, energy security, and a future livable world.

Climate talks

The Petersberg Climate Dialogue is an international conference annually held by Germany to advance negotiations ahead of United Nations climate conferences. The two-day meeting involves ministers and high-level representatives from approximately 40 countries.

According to the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the discussions are focused on three key priorities: the implementation of the Paris Agreement, international climate finance, and geopolitical resilience.

The next UN Climate Conference – COP-31 – will be held in November this year in Antalya, Turkey.

The UN Framework Convention Secretariat supports the Petersberg Dialogue as part of the broader multilateral climate process.

It is noted that the informal dialogue “allows the parties to seek solutions to complex issues outside the framework of official negotiations.”

Moreover, “such an exchange of views helps to determine points of contact before the intersessional climate negotiations in Bonn in June and facilitates the preparation of decisions for SB-31.”