Students and educators, led by eco-delegate Demir Çolak, come together to champion a sustainable clean energy future.
Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, took centre stage for this year’s International Clean Energy Day, celebrated on 26 January with the theme ‘An Urgent Call: A Fair and Inclusive Transition to Clean Energy’. The event gathered students and educators from across the world to address the critical challenges of clean energy and sustainability.
Moderated by Demir Çolak, a student at Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in Ankara and an eco-delegate, the panel opened with a powerful statement on the transformative role of education. “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,” Demir declared.
Held at the Temelli Cultural Centre, the panel marked the inaugural anniversary of International Clean Energy Day, established by the United Nations to coincide with the founding of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Discussions explored the urgency of expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and tackling energy poverty.
Confronting the global challenge of energy poverty
Speakers highlighted the severe issue of energy access, pointing out that 685 million people globally remain without electricity, with over 80% of this population residing in Sub-Saharan Africa. They discussed how dependence on fossil fuels continues to entrench poverty in these regions.
Demir shared worrying statistics during the session, stating that two billion people are expected to rely on polluting fuels for everyday necessities, such as cooking, 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 stressed.
Experts and UNESCO underline global cooperation
Experts called for immediate international cooperation to support energy transitions. Çelebi Kalkan, a representative of UNESCO’s Greening Education Partnership in Türkiye, emphasised the collective nature of these efforts. “Global cooperation is essential for supporting energy transitions and overcoming barriers to sustainable development,” he said.
Adding her insights, Pınar Ünsal, a CleanTech and Wind Energy Policy Consultant, outlined the importance of addressing energy inequality. “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 stated.
Echoing the sense of urgency, Serhat Şahin, an Electrical Engineer and Renewable Energy Consultant, warned about the slow pace of change. “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 asserted.
Türkiye’s pivotal role amid public concern
The panel also examined Türkiye’s position in addressing the climate crisis. A World Economic Forum survey revealed that 77% of Türkiye’s population views climate change as a pressing issue, placing the nation among the top four globally for environmental concern. Panellists called for decisive and inclusive policies to benefit both people and the planet.
This year’s International Clean Energy Day became both a celebration and a call to action. The event united global voices to highlight the importance of transitioning to renewable energy. In his closing remarks, Demir Çolak left attendees with a poignant message: “The fight for clean energy is not just a necessity; it is our responsibility as stewards of the future.”