Students and educators, led by eco-delegate Demir Çolak, collaborate to address clean energy challenges.
Türkiye’s capital city, Ankara, served as the focal point for this year’s International Clean Energy Day, observed on 26 January. The panel discussion, themed ‘An Urgent Call: A Fair and Inclusive Transition to Clean Energy’, brought together students and educators from across the globe to address the urgent need for a sustainable energy transition.
The event was moderated by Demir Çolak, a high school student from Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in Ankara and an eco-delegate. In his opening address, Demir highlighted the importance of education in achieving clean energy and sustainability goals. “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 said.
Held at the Temelli Cultural Centre, the panel also marked the first anniversary of International Clean Energy Day, established by the United Nations to coincide with the founding date of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The discussions focused on the urgency of expanding renewable energy, improving efficiency, and addressing the global issue of energy poverty.
Highlighting energy poverty as a critical global challenge
Participants shed light on critical energy issues, including the stark reality that 685 million people globally still live without electricity, with over 80% of them in Sub-Saharan Africa. Panel speakers highlighted how the reliance on fossil fuels perpetuates poverty and hampers development in these regions.
Demir also shared alarming statistics, noting that by 2030, two billion people are projected to continue using polluting fuels for essential needs like cooking. “Countries must prioritise affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy systems. Investments in renewable energy and clean technology are not just necessary but urgent,” he said.
UNESCO and experts call for action
Experts from various fields reinforced the need for collective global action. Çelebi Kalkan, a member of UNESCO’s Greening Education Partnership in Türkiye, emphasised the importance of international collaboration in advancing clean energy policies. “Global cooperation is essential for supporting energy transitions and overcoming barriers to sustainable development,” he stated.
Adding to the discourse, Pınar Ünsal, a CleanTech and Wind Energy Policy Consultant, highlighted the dual benefits of clean energy. “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 remarked.
Serhat Şahin, Electrical Engineer and Renewable Energy Consultant, sounded an urgent alarm regarding the slow pace of global energy transition. “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 as public concern hits high levels
The event also spotlighted Türkiye’s position in the global energy landscape. According to a World Economic Forum survey, 77% of Türkiye’s population is concerned about climate change, ranking the country fourth globally for public anxiety on the issue. Panellists urged decisive action, stressing the importance of fair and inclusive policies for the benefit of people and the planet.
International Clean Energy Day 2025 served as both a celebration and a rallying cry. By uniting voices from different parts of the world, the panel underscored the urgency of transitioning to clean energy. As moderator, Demir Çolak left attendees with a powerful reminder: “The fight for clean energy is not just a necessity; it is our responsibility as stewards of the future.”
