Meet GN-SEC at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF) 2026

The Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC) will take an active role at the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum 2026, held 9–10 April 2026 at the historic Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria. The Forum brings together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and development partners to accelerate sustainable energy and climate action worldwide.

A Global Platform for Action

Co-organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Austria’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the Austrian Development Agency, and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), the Forum will advance the theme “Powering Prosperity, Security and Stability.”

The event highlights inclusive solutions supporting just energy transitions, climate-resilient energy systems, and green industrialization, with a focus on the needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Over two days, participants will engage in 12 high-level sessions, expert dialogues, and partner-led side events, generating insights on how green industrialization, just energy transition, and climate resilience can contribute to security, stability, and shared prosperity.

A Sustainable Energy Transition More Urgent Than Ever

Current global oil price escalations highlight once again the economic vulnerability of many energy-importing developing countries. Volatile fossil fuel markets strain national budgets, threaten energy security, and disrupt economic stability.

Rapidly deploying climate-resilient renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions is essential—not only to meet climate goals but also to safeguard economic resilience, support inclusive and sustainable industrial development, and promote social well-being.

Countries across the Global South face increasing pressure to diversify their energy mix and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. In this context, regional, South–South, and triangular cooperation—the core of the GN-SEC approach—plays a pivotal role.

Regional Cooperation in Action

Regional collaboration enables countries to overcome shared challenges and accelerate the deployment of climate-resilient renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions. Through the GN-SEC platform, countries benefit from:

• Overcoming common barriers together, reducing costs through joint solutions
• Scaling up investments by bundling regional project pipelines
• Sharing policy innovation and technical expertise across countries
• Creating integrated regional markets through harmonised policies, regulations, and standards
• Developing green economic corridors linking renewable energy, critical minerals, and industrial value chains
• Reducing technology costs through economies of scale
• Rolling out innovative technologies and business models in several regions simultaneously, accelerating climate-resilient renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions while strengthening energy security

Meet the Ten Regional Centres of GN-SEC

GN-SEC comprises ten operational regional sustainable energy centres across Africa, the Arab region, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Endorsed by over 120 Ministers of Energy and Heads of State, the network supports 41 of 46 LDCs and 35 of 39 SIDS, making it one of the most influential regional cooperation platforms globally.

Working “from the region for the region,” the centres accelerate climate-resilient energy transitions:

• ECREEE (ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) – www.ecreee.org [3] – driving mini-grids, clean cooking, and enabling policies in West Africa
    
• SACREEE (SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) – www.sacreee.org [4] – accelerating climate-resilient renewable energy investment and industrial development in Southern Africa
   
• EACREEE (East African Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Efficiency) – www.eacreee.org [5] – advancing sustainable energy industries, innovation, and climate-resilient solutions in East Africa
    
• CEREEAC (Central African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) – www.cereeac.org [6] - supporting access to climate-resilient renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions in Central Africa
   
• RCREEE (Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) – www.rcreee.org [7] – advancing markets for climate-resilient renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions across the Arab region
   
• CCREEE (Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) – www.ccreee.org [8] - promoting climate-resilient renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions across the Caribbean
   
• CECECO (Clean Energy Centre for the ECO Region) – www.cececo.org [9] - strengthening clean and climate-resilient energy cooperation among ECO member states
   
• PCREEE (Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) – www.pcreee.org [10] – supporting climate-resilient, low-carbon energy systems across Pacific SIDS
   
• REEECH (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Capability for the Hindu Kush Himalaya) – www.icimod.org [11] – supporting access to climate-resilient renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions in the Himalayan region
   
• SICREEE (SICA Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) – www.sicreee.org [12] – strengthening regional cooperation and private sector engagement in Central America

A Moment to Shape Global Energy and Climate Pathways

The GN-SEC centres will advocate for a Vienna Call to Action that puts regional cooperation at the heart of an accelerated energy and climate transition, ensuring that shared solutions, joint investments, and cross-regional collaboration drive climate-resilient renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment. IVECF 2026 offers GN-SEC a unique opportunity to amplify regional voices, share best practices, and forge partnerships for climate-resilient sustainable development.

Join GN-SEC at IVECF 2026

GN-SEC invites partners, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage with its regional centres during the Forum, explore collaboration opportunities, and help accelerate a just, inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable global energy transition.

Learn more and register:

www.ivecf.org [13]  
www.gn-sec.net [14] [14]