COVID-19 has changed the global landscape. Business-as-usual no longer exists and organizations are having to adapt the way they carry out their work. SEforALL has not only changed “how” we work, but also “what” we work on.
Recognizing the critical role energy plays in combatting the pandemic and catalyzing an economic recovery, we have adjusted our existing programs and launched new initiatives to support the global COVID-19 response.
Chilling Prospects: Tracking Sustainable Cooling for All 2021 explores the impact of COVID-19 on access to cooling. It finds that a dramatic expansion in cold chain equipment will be necessary to guarantee equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. While it is evident that the pace of vaccination is uneven and inequities are likely to be exacerbated in the coming months, support for sustainable cold chains represents an opportunity to address immediate equity considerations and deliver a lasting impact in support of the economic and social recovery from the pandemic.
The Recover Better with Sustainable Energy series sets out key policies and enabling measures that countries should take as part of an ambitious ‘recover better’ strategy that will deliver resilient economic growth, new jobs, and sustainable energy for all over the long-term.
Our ongoing work on Powering Healthcare has been refocused on coordinating the energy and health sectors to ensure that the power needs of health facilities and emergency health infrastructure are well understood and being met with appropriate energy solutions. We are compiling resources and news that will support collaboration between the energy and healthcare sectors to deliver power when and where it is needed.
The enterprises providing off-grid electricity connections and clean cooking solutions are experiencing severe disruptions due to COVID-19, with many suspending operations and some at risk of collapsing. We are working with partners to provide a data-driven perspective on the impacts and support needed by these enterprises, as well as to helping coordinate and target support so they can continue to operate and expand.
Recommendations and data
Virtual events and webinars
News and opinion
Photo: UNDP Bangladesh/Fahad Kaizer