Eco-delegate Demir Çolak spearheads an international panel calling for a fair and sustainable energy future.
Ankara, Türkiye’s capital city, hosted this year’s International Clean Energy Day on 26 January with a panel discussion centred on the theme ‘An Urgent Call: A Fair and Inclusive Transition to Clean Energy’. The event welcomed educators and students from across the globe to discuss solutions to the pressing energy and environmental challenges of our time.
The discussion was moderated by high school student and eco-delegate Demir Çolak from Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in Ankara. In his opening remarks, Demir underlined the vital role of education in shaping sustainable energy policies. “Education is the key to driving a fair and inclusive transition to clean energy. As young people, we must fight with all our strength to ensure a sustainable future,” he stated.
Hosted at the Temelli Cultural Centre, the panel also celebrated the first anniversary of International Clean Energy Day, which was introduced by the United Nations to coincide with the founding date of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Panellists discussed the necessity of speeding up the renewable energy transition, improving energy access, and addressing global energy poverty.
Addressing energy poverty as a global concern
The event spotlighted the harsh realities faced by those without access to electricity, revealing that 685 million people worldwide still live without it, with the majority residing in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Demir highlighted troubling predictions for the future, noting that two billion people are expected to rely on polluting fuels for basic needs by 2030. “Countries must prioritise affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy systems. Investments in renewable energy and clean technology are not just necessary but urgent,” he said.
Expert insights: Global action needed
UNESCO’s Çelebi Kalkan, representing Türkiye’s Greening Education Partnership, spoke about the critical role of international cooperation. “Global cooperation is essential for supporting energy transitions and overcoming barriers to sustainable development,” he explained.
CleanTech consultant Pınar Ünsal pointed to the need for energy equity within clean energy initiatives. “Reducing emissions is critical, but clean energy solutions must also improve access to reliable energy sources for underprivileged communities. Without addressing these disparities, we risk leaving the most vulnerable behind,” she added.
Renewable Energy Consultant Serhat Şahin called attention to the sluggish progress in energy transitions. “In 2022 alone, the number of people without electricity increased by 10 million. Fossil fuels, as major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, threaten the very future of our planet. It is imperative to accelerate the adoption of wind energy and other clean technologies,” he said.
Türkiye’s role in global efforts
The panel also highlighted Türkiye’s environmental priorities. A World Economic Forum study showed that 77% of Türkiye’s population is concerned about climate change, placing the country among the top four globally for environmental awareness. Panellists urged the adoption of inclusive policies to ensure long-term benefits for people and the planet.
The event concluded with a powerful message of hope and urgency. With participants from around the world uniting in Ankara, the discussion emphasised the shared responsibility of achieving clean energy goals. Moderator Demir Çolak summed up the collective mission: “The fight for clean energy is not just a necessity; it is our responsibility as stewards of the future.”