Accelerating the Transition to Clean Energy: A Global Call and Dialogue with Business in Belarus
We Are on the Threshold of a New Era
A Global Call and Accelerated Transition to Clean Energy
On 22 July 2025, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, delivered a global address at the UN Headquarters titled “A Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the Clean Energy Age”. In his speech, he stated: “Fossil fuels are running out of road . The sun is rising on a clean energy age.” The UN Secretary-General also explained why the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is unstoppable and outlined the vast benefits it will bring to people and economies.
The UN Secretary-General emphasized that clean energy is already the most accessible and economically advantageous option today, with investments in this sector reaching record levels. He noted that abandoning fossil fuels is not only an ecological necessity but also the greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century. The global clean energy boom confirms this: in 2023 alone, clean energy sectors drove 10% of global GDP growth, and clean energy sector jobs (employing almost 35 million people worldwide) now outnumber fossil fuel jobs.
The transition to renewable energy, Mr. Guterres stressed, will ensure energy security and reduce dependence on geopolitically unstable fuel markets. However, simply scaling up green capacity is not enough to realize these benefits. It is necessary to modernize energy grids, increase investments in energy storage systems, and strengthen cooperation among states, businesses, and technology leaders.
The Secretary-General’s address coincided with the publication of a new report, prepared with the support of UN agencies and partners. The report highlights progress made since the Paris Agreement and the benefits of accelerating a just energy transition. Renewable energy sources have nearly matched fossil fuels in total installed capacity and provide about a third of all electricity worldwide, with almost all new power capacities commissioned in 2024 coming from clean energy.
Belarus: Business on the Path to Clean Energy
In the Republic of Belarus, the topic of clean energy is gaining increasing relevance.
On 22 July 2025, the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, in partnership with the UN Global Compact Network in Belarus, organized a special event to discuss the role of business in supporting and accelerating the transition to sustainable energy.
This open dialogue on the UN platform for climate action included discussions on sustainable business practices in Belarus, a live broadcast of the UN Secretary-General’s speech, and an interactive Q&A session.
Representatives of responsible Belarusian businesses—companies participating in the UN Global Compact Network and applying green practices—climate and ESG experts, as well as UN agencies’ representatives in the country, took part in the event.
Opening the meeting, UN Resident Coordinator Rasul Baghirov said:
“Investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency strengthen competitiveness, attract green investments, and open access to new markets. The adoption of clean technologies stimulates innovation and helps businesses meet their climate commitments, making them more sustainable and prepared for future challenges.”
The event served as a platform for exchange of experiences and presentation of best business practices in climate innovation and green investments. Executives and experts from companies operating in renewable energy, industry, and the financial sector shared their achievements and insights.
A representative of JSC “Sber Bank” highlighted alarming climate change trends globally and in Belarus and described how the company assesses its carbon footprint — direct and indirect GHG emissions categorized into three Scopes (1, 2, and 3), implements “green office” practices, and embraces sustainable financing principles.
The director of LLC “A-Leasing” shared experience in the application of digital financial tools and the successful issuance of social and green bonds in the country.
A representative of IOOO “REMONDIS” emphasized that, despite growing global waste consumption, only about 10% of waste is recycled. The company focuses on waste recycling, sorting, and composting activities in Belarus.
The Group of Companies “ProLiv” presented its environmental initiatives aimed, among other things, at reducing fuel consumption by adapting to individual driving behaviours.
A1 Telecom Group announced the holding’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. The company also shared information about innovative projects launched in Belarus, including the construction of two solar parks in the Gomel region.
During the open discussion, participants addressed barriers to widespread adoption of green technologies in Belarus and explored possible joint solutions to accelerate the clean energy transition — from improving the regulatory framework to expanding financing access and developing necessary infrastructure.
In conclusion, Rasul Baghirov emphasized:
“This is a moment we must seize — together. The energy revolution cannot be achieved by governments alone. It is driven by companies, entrepreneurs, and investors — those who think strategically, act decisively, and are unafraid to be pioneers.”
The UN’s dialogue with Belarusian business representatives and the Secretary-General’s special address confirmed that the world stands on the brink of a major energy transformation driven by innovation, partnership, and responsibility to future generations. Belarus, endowed with significant renewable energy potential, can become a regional model of sustainable development and climate responsibility. Ensuring the transition to clean energy is not only the country’s contribution to global climate efforts but also the key to a thriving economy and improved quality of life for every citizen.
The UN in Belarus calls on the government, businesses, international partners, and civil society to unite their efforts and seize this moment of opportunity to build a sustainable, safe, and just energy future for Belarus and the entire world.
Watch the full UN Secretary-General’s address here https://webtv.un.org/
Video message from Rasul Baghirov, the UN Resident Coordinator: “Belarus on the Path to a Clean Energy Era and a Sustainable Future” - https://youtu.be/bQ_LStDVK3U
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