Achieving SDG 7 in the Arab region requires significant advancements in renewable energy and in decoupling regional growth from energy consumption, which can be achieved by improving energy efficiency and energy use productivity, while protecting the climate and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations. This is a key challenge for all Arab countries in the coming decades. Conflict and instability have created additional long-term challenges to progress under SDG 7 in a number of Arab countries. Moreover, the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the multifaceted vulnerabilities of the Arab region associated with energy system sustainability and the ability to support socioeconomic growth and development in challenging and uncertain environments.

This policy brief provides the progress achieved towards achieving SDG 7 in the Arab region, along with the required policy actions over the coming four years and towards 2030.