Global Renewables Summit 2025: From Vision to Action

This September, New York will host not only the UN General Assembly and Climate Week NYC but also a landmark gathering on clean energy: the Global Renewables Summit 2025 (GRS25). On 22–23 September, world leaders, business executives and climate advocates will come together with a single shared mission to accelerate the shift to renewable energy and turn ambition into reality.

A Chorus of Global Voices

The summit will feature an impressive lineup of leaders such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis. Despite representing very different regions, their messages converge: renewable energy is no longer optional it is the foundation of prosperity, security and justice.

Von der Leyen underlined Europe’s determination, noting that half of the EU’s electricity already comes from renewables and investments are growing at record levels. But, as she reminded, this transition can only succeed if it benefits the whole world. Europe, she stressed, is committed to working with partners to transform global targets into tangible results.

From Africa, President Ruto painted a picture of ambition backed by action. With the Nairobi Declaration setting a target of 300 GW by 2030 and African institutions pledging $100 billion for green industries, the message is clear: Africa wants to lead, not follow.

Prime Minister Davis brought the perspective of a nation living on the climate frontlines. Rising seas and stronger hurricanes are no longer distant threats they are present realities for the Bahamas. His words reframed climate change not just as an environmental crisis but as a human rights issue, one that will shape the fate of generations to come.

The Agenda: Capital, Policy and Collaboration

Beyond powerful speeches, the summit will host high-level sessions and roundtables on national energy plans, expanding grids and storage, mobilising capital for emerging markets, and advancing green industrialisation.

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, captured the economic case: today, over 90% of new renewable projects are cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. Renewables, he reminded, are not only clean but also the smartest economic choice creating jobs, boosting growth, and securing supply.

Building Momentum Towards COP30

This year’s summit builds on the momentum of its debut in 2024 but carries even higher stakes with COP30 on the horizon. As Global Renewables Alliance CEO Bruce Douglas put it: “What we need now are bold policies and clear investment signals to accelerate this renewables revolution.”

GRS25 is not just another conference it is a launchpad for turning global ambition into national action. By mobilising investment, aligning policy, and fostering partnerships, the summit could mark the beginning of a new era: one where renewable energy abundance drives resilience, prosperity, and a fairer future.

🔑 In short: The Global Renewables Summit 2025 is shaping up to be a defining moment in the global clean energy journey. Leaders from across continents are uniting around a common vision: renewables as the cornerstone of growth, security, and justice in the 21st century.