Eco-delegate Demir Çolak leads students and educators in addressing the challenges of clean energy.
Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, played host to a global panel discussion on 26 January to celebrate International Clean Energy Day. Themed ‘An Urgent Call: A Fair and Inclusive Transition to Clean Energy’, the event brought together educators and students to address pressing global energy challenges and promote sustainable solutions.
Moderated by Demir Çolak, a high school student from Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in Ankara and an eco-delegate, the event began with a strong message about the importance of education in energy transitions. “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 stated.
The panel, held at the Temelli Cultural Centre, also marked the first anniversary of International Clean Energy Day, an initiative established by the United Nations to coincide with the founding date of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Discussions explored the urgency of renewable energy adoption, enhancing energy efficiency, and resolving the challenge of global 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.”