World Leaders Convene In New York For Global Renewables Summit 2025 To Accelerate Urgent Action On Renewable Energy

The second edition of the Global Renewables Summit (GRS25) will bring together some of the world’s most influential leaders in renewable energy and climate action on 22–23 September in New York. Taking place alongside the UN General Assembly and Climate Week NYC, the event will serve as a crucial platform for driving global momentum on clean energy ahead of COP30. Headlining the summit are President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of Kenya William Ruto, and Prime Minister of the Bahamas Philip Davis.

The opening High-Level Session on Renewable Energy Abundance hosted by Climate Group, Fortescue, and the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) will feature prominent voices from government, business, and international organizations. Among the confirmed speakers are Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President-designate; H.E. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA; Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance; and Dr. Andrew Forrest AO, Executive Chairman of Fortescue.

President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the European Union’s leadership in the clean energy transition, highlighting that half of Europe’s electricity already comes from renewables and investment levels have surged by 63% this year. She emphasized that global cooperation is vital: “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.”

President William Ruto of Kenya reiterated Africa’s ambition to drive renewable energy development. Referencing the Nairobi Declaration of 2023 and Africa’s 300 GW renewable energy target by 2030, he stressed the importance of collaboration: “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.”

Representing a climate-vulnerable nation, Prime Minister Philip Davis of the Bahamas shared a stark reminder of the human dimension of the crisis: “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. The time is up; the climate crisis demands our full attention now.”

Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President-designate, confirmed the next COP Presidency’s commitment to the global renewable energy goals: “Tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, as approved at COP28, is essential to accelerate the energy transition.”

Building on its successful debut in 2024, GRS25 will spotlight record-breaking renewable energy investments, deployment milestones, and the economic opportunities that clean energy creates. H.E. Francesco La Camera of IRENA stressed that renewables are already the most cost-effective energy option: “More than 90% of new renewable projects are now cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. Renewables are not just clean—they are smart economics, unlocking huge opportunities. Every dollar invested pays back in growth, jobs, and security of supply.”

The summit will feature numerous roundtables and dialogues on urgent priorities such as strengthening national energy plans, improving energy security, mobilizing capital for emerging markets, expanding grids and storage solutions, and driving green industrialization. It will highlight leading examples of policy innovation and private sector leadership, offering success stories and practical solutions that can be replicated globally.

Bruce Douglas, CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, emphasized the importance of decisive action: “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. The Global Renewables Summit is where governments, business leaders, and investors join forces to lead the race towards global energy abundance.”

Convened by the Global Renewables Alliance in partnership with the European Commission, the COP30 Presidency, the Governments of the Bahamas and Kenya, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the summit is expected to serve as a key milestone ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. By mobilizing political commitment, investment, and partnerships, GRS25 will help transform global ambition into tangible national actions and accelerate the scaling of renewable energy worldwide.