The Global Platform for Action on Sustainable Energy in Displacement Settings (GPA) is the global initiative to promote actions that enable sustainable energy access and use in displacement settings, as laid out in the Global Plan of Action Framework.

The GPA strives to remove barriers to energy access in humanitarian settings by providing a collaborative agenda for energy, development, and humanitarian partners to deliver concrete actions of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) for displacement contexts. It promotes and contributes to the humanitarian sector's transition to renewable energy, which will increase efficiency and reduce costs and carbon emissions. Hosted by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the GPA Coordination Unit galvanises collective action towards the GPA's realization.

Vision

Displaced persons, host communities, and associated humanitarian response mechanisms have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services by 2030.

Mission

Delivering collective change on energy in displacement settings by providing supporting services to mainstream sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy access for crisis affected communities and those that serve them.

How did the GPA come about?

January 2018: Berlin ‘Energy for Displaced People’ conference

120 practitioners from humanitarian and development organizations, the private sector, governments, academia, not-for-profit organizations, and others involved in the provision of fuel and energy to displaced people were brought together to kick off the development of the Global Plan of Action (GPA) Framework.

January-June 2018: Steering Group

A Steering Group made up of 12 key stakeholders working in the energy and humanitarian sector drafted the GPA Framework.

9-18 July 2018: High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

The non-binding GPA Framework was introduced with many recommendations for the sector on how to realize energy access for displaced populations.

Early 2019: Work Plan

The recommendations from the GPA Framework were translated into a Work Plan with activities across five thematic areas.

April 2021: GPA transitioned to Global Platform for Action on Sustainable Energy in Displacement Settings

The GPA has adopted an update on its' Vision and Mission. Read more on the updated TOR.

Last updated: 16/01/2024