ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL1.CCS/2026/Policy brief.5
Country: Arab region, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Kingdom of Bahrain, Union of the Comoros, Republic of Djibouti, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, State of Kuwait, Lebanese Republic, State of Libya, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Kingdom of Morocco, Sultanate of Oman, State of Palestine, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Republic of Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Yemen
Publication Type: Policy briefs
Cluster: Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability
Focus Area: Natural resource sustainability
Initiatives: Arab Centre for Climate Change Policies
SDGs: Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Keywords: Sustainable energy, Algeria, Arab countries, Armed conflicts, Bahrain, Comoros, Digital technology, Djibouti, Egypt, Electricity, Energy efficiency, Energy services, Gulf states, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Recommendations, Regional cooperation, Renewable energy sources, Resilience, Rural-urban differentials, Saudi arabia, Somalia, State of palestine, Sudan, Syrian arab republic, Tunisia, United arab emirates, Yemen
SDG 7 in the Arab region: progress, gaps and priorities
July 2026
The Arab region has expanded access to modern energy, yet progress remains insufficient to achieve SDG 7 by 2030. Remaining gaps are concentrated in least developed and conflict-affected countries, highlighting the need for targeted financing and context-specific delivery models. Efforts must move beyond basic access to ensure energy services are reliable, affordable, resilient and sustainable, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This includes deploying least-cost electrification strategies that combine grid expansion with decentralized renewable solutions, and addressing stalled progress in clean cooking through improved affordability, access and supply chains.
Structural challenges persist, including a low share of renewable energy and slow gains in energy efficiency. These challenges can be addressed by scaled-up investment in infrastructure, regulation and innovation, accelerating investment in renewable energy, modernizing grids and storage systems, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and expanding access to finance for both public and private actors. The region’s energy transition depends on stronger governance and integrated planning and financing frameworks that enable long-term transformation, while ensuring inclusive and sustainable development.
Related content
Natural resource sustainability
The Arab region has expanded access to modern energy, yet progress remains insufficient to achieve SDG 7 by 2030. Remaining gaps are concentrated in least developed and conflict-affected countries, highlighting the need for targeted financing and context-specific delivery models. Efforts must move beyond basic access to ensure energy services are reliable, affordable, resilient and sustainable, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This includes deploying least-cost electrification strategies that combine grid expansion with decentralized renewable solutions, and addressing stalled progress in clean cooking through improved affordability, access and supply chains.
Structural challenges persist, including a low share of renewable energy and slow gains in energy efficiency. These challenges can be addressed by scaled-up investment in infrastructure, regulation and innovation, accelerating investment in renewable energy, modernizing grids and storage systems, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and expanding access to finance for both public and private actors. The region’s energy transition depends on stronger governance and integrated planning and financing frameworks that enable long-term transformation, while ensuring inclusive and sustainable development.
