World Leaders Gather in New York to Drive Urgent Action on Renewable Energy
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of Kenya William Ruto, and Prime Minister of the Bahamas Philip Davis will headline the second edition of the Global Renewables Summit (GRS25), taking place on 22–23 September in New York alongside the UN General Assembly and Climate Week NYC.
The Summit will open with the High-Level Session on Renewable Energy Abundance, hosted by Climate Group, Fortescue and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA). The session will feature a powerful lineup of speakers from government, business, and international organisations, including:
H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya
Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas
Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President-designate
H.E. Francesco La Camera, Director-General, IRENA
Bruce Douglas, CEO, Global Renewables Alliance
Dr. Andrew Forrest AO, Executive Chairman, Fortescue
Highlighting the EU’s commitment to accelerating the global energy transition, H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission stated: “In Europe, we know decarbonisation and prosperity go hand in hand. Already, half of our electricity comes from renewables and investments are up 63% this year alone. But the clean power transition can only succeed with truly global benefits. Europe is placing it at the core of our international agenda, pushing to turn the global targets on renewables into reality. We are ready to work with all partners who share our ambitions. And I am glad to count on the support of the Global Renewable Alliance in this effort.”
Underscoring Africa’s determination to lead on clean energy, H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, remarked: “Africa’s vision for climate-positive growth and development is anchored in renewable energy. The Nairobi Declaration of 2023 set a target of 300 GW by 2030, and we reaffirmed this in Addis Ababa earlier this month. Yet our current trajectory falls short of our vast potential and of the pace seen globally. We are determined to change that. Our homegrown financial institutions have now committed to mobilise $100 billion to fuel green industries and unlock Africa’s market potential - a historic milestone that signals Africa’s resolve to lead with action. But we cannot achieve this transformation alone. Our strength lies in integration - within Africa and with partners who share our vision of a more inclusive, prosperous, and climate-secure global economy.”
Speaking from the perspective of a climate-vulnerable nation, Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas emphasised: "As a leader on the frontlines of climate change, I’ve watched the tides rise higher each year, felt the storms grow stronger and witnessed first-hand the steady advance of a warming world. This isn’t just about weather: it is a direct assault on the intrinsic rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, about recognizing that we are interconnected, our fates intertwined. Our collective response to this global crisis will determine the fate of generations to come. The time is up; the climate crisis demands our full attention now."
Reaffirming the role of the next COP Presidency, Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President-designate, noted: “The COP30 Presidency is committed to support the implementation of the global goal of tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, as approved by all countries in the GST, at COP28. This is essential to accelerate the energy transition.”
Building on its landmark debut in 2024, this year’s Summit will spotlight the remarkable progress already driving the global renewables boom, from breakthrough investments to record levels of deployment. It will also serve as a springboard for the next wave of political commitments and private sector leadership.
H.E. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), emphasised the economic case for renewables: “IRENA data confirms that more than 90% of new renewable projects are now cheaper than any fossil fuel alternatives. Yet, as the custodian agency tracking progress towards the global goal of tripling renewables by 2030, we must call for far greater ambition. Renewables are not just clean, they are smart economics, unlocking huge opportunities. Every dollar invested pays back in economic growth, more jobs and security of supplies.”
The high-level opening will be followed by numerous roundtable dialogues focused on urgent priorities including national energy plans, energy security, unlocking capital for emerging markets, expanding grids and storage, and accelerating green industrialisation. The Summit will spotlight front runners and feature success stories, high-impact policy dialogues, and announcements from public and private sector leaders - demonstrating how solutions already transforming economies can be scaled to unlock even greater opportunities for growth, resilience, and energy security.
“Renewables are already delivering jobs, security and growth in all markets. What we need now are bold policies and clear investment signals to accelerate this renewables revolution,” said Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance. "The Global Renewables Summit is where governments, business leaders and investors join forces to lead the race towards global energy abundance.”
With COP30 fast approaching, the Global Renewables Summit will be a pivotal moment to turn global ambition into national action, mobilising investment, policy and partnerships to scale renewables at unprecedented speed.
The Summit is convened by the Global Renewables Alliance in partnership with the European Commission, the COP30 Presidency, the Governments of Bahamas and Kenya, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Together, these partners are making the Summit a key milestone on the road to COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
International Renewable Energy Agency | https://www.iaea.org/
