Powering Progress: UN Efforts for Energy Access in Guinea

The transformative power of energy access is undeniable. It is more than just keeping the lights on—it’s a catalyst that accelerates progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly for women and youth in rural communities. To address this critical need, the UN in Guinea is working with the government to support rural electrification initiatives and improve the living conditions of communities.

Recognizing the multifaceted impact of energy access, the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) has prioritized listening to the voices of young people to help design solutions that work for present and future generations. Youth consultations, in collaboration with UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, participating young leaders highlighted that the conflicts around access to resources, particularly electricity, constitute, along with political conflicts, the two major challenges to peace and security in Guinea. This includes establishing platforms for dialogue and knowledge sharing, such as the consultation mechanism for technical and financial partners (COMEX). 

Through its agricultural support project, the UN Office of Project Services (UNOPS), is harnessing solar energy for irrigation, demonstrating the potential of clean technologies to boost productivity and reduce emissions. The World Food Programme (WFP) is also integrating renewable energy into school canteens, allowing them to generate income and cover school expenses.