The SDG7 Policy Briefs are released annually in support of the deliberations at the High-level Political Forum, contributing also to the High-level Dialogue on Energy in September, and the implementation of the Decade of Action to deliver the SDGs and the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All 2014-2024. The Briefs are compiled by the multi-stakeholder SDG7 Technical Advisory Group, composed of 40 experts from Governments, UN and international organizations, and other stakeholders.

This year, the compilation of Policy Briefs places a special focus on the interlinkages of SDG7 with all other SDGs. It underlines that decisive action on sustainable energy can catalyse progress towards all the other SDGs, as well as towards global climate protection targets. Indeed, the Policy Briefs note how energy is essential to all other SDGs, including ending poverty and hunger, running healthcare facilities, improving gender equality, and providing access to education, clean water and sanitation. Energy is also key to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, creating employment and reducing inequalities. Moreover, it can help to promote sustainable production and consumption, build sustainable cities, and create a blue ocean economy. It even has an essential role in the challenge of building and maintaining peace, justice and strong institutions. Importantly, energy is indispensable for effective climate action.
This document was prepared in support of the review of the SDGs at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum 2021. The views expressed in this publication are those of the experts whose contributions are acknowledged and do not necessarily reflect those of the United Nations or the organizations mentioned in this document.
This document, including the Policy Briefs and the Summary for Policymakers, was developed under the auspices of the multi-stakeholder SDG 7 Technical Advisory Group, convened by UN DESA. Under the leadership and able facilitation of two co-facilitators of the group, Sheila Oparaocha and Hans Olav Ibrekk, the members of the group have demonstrated exemplary commitment and a true spirit of multi-stakeholder collaboration.
3. Strengthening Interlinkages 27
3.1. Interlinkages between Energy and Poverty (SDG 1) 28
3.2. Interlinkages between Energy and Zero Hunger (SDG2) 38
3.3. Interlinkages between Energy and Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) 47
3.4. Interlinkages between Energy and Education (SDG 4) 56
3.5. Interlinkages between Energy and Gender Equality (SDG 5) 64
3.6. Interlinkages between Energy and Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) 69
3.7. Interlinkages between Energy and Economic Growth and Employment (SDG 8) 76
3.8. Interlinkages between Energy and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) 87
3.9. Interlinkages between Energy and Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10) 99
3.10. Interlinkages between Energy and Sustainable Cities (SDG 11) 108
3.11. Interlinkages between Energy and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) 117
3.12. Interlinkages between Energy and Climate Action (SDG 13) 124
3.13. Interlinkages between Energy and Sustainable Use of Land (SDG 15) 133
3.14. Interlinkages between Energy and Peaceful and Inclusive Societies (SDG 16) 141
3.15: Energy and Sustainable Development through Global Partnerships (SDG 17) 149
4. Regional Perspectives 153
4.1. Advancing SDG7 in Africa 154
4.2 Advancing SDG7 in Asia and the Pacific 166
4.3 Advancing SDG7 in the Arab region 174
4.4 Advancing SDG7 in the ECE region 182
4.5 Advancing SDG7 in Latin America and the Caribbean 188
4.6 Advancing SDG7 in LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS 197