Global Leaders Unite to Launch Declaration Showcasing Commitment to Sustainable Lifestyles and Fair Access to Clean Energy

[Busan, 25 August 2025] – The CEM Campaign on Sustainable Lifestyles, Fairness, and Access to Clean Energy Technologies proudly announces the launch of its landmark Declaration on Sustainable Lifestyles and Fairness, unveiled today at the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting (CEM16) in Busan, Republic of Korea.

Building upon the momentum that was generated by India’s G20 presidency and global Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Mission, this global declaration reinforces a shared global commitment to promoting sustainable lifestyles and individual climate action as essential pillars of the clean energy transition. The declaration was strongly championed under the leadership of the European Commission, whose pivotal advocacy played a key role in advancing this initiative.

At its core, this non-binding and voluntary declaration reflects a unified commitment by CEM member countries, partners, and stakeholders to advance a just, inclusive, and people-centred energy transition. It recognizes the urgent need to promote sustainable behaviours and lifestyle choices globally, ensuring equitable participation and benefits for all individuals and communities – particularly vulnerable groups, youth, and women. In support of this vision, the declaration calls for coordinated, sustained efforts across all levels of government, cities, civil society, and the private sector to drive equitable clean energy transitions and safeguard the planet for future generations.

Developed through an extensive collaborative process among global partners, the declaration sets forth eleven guiding principles structured around three core pillars:

• Policy Leadership: Governments commit to leading by example through the development and implementation of policies that incentivize sustainable living and equitable access to clean energy technologies. They will actively share best practices and report progress to encourage collective action.

• Empowering Individuals and Communities: The declaration emphasizes the role of education and community engagement in raising awareness about the environmental and social benefits of sustainable lifestyles. It calls for the active involvement and empowerment of cities, social partners, youth, and women to adopt energy-efficient behaviors and technologies.

• Systemic Transformation: Recognizing the need for broad change, the declaration advocates for the transformation of entire sectors to promote sustainable resource use. It prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and fairness in meeting basic energy needs for all.

Endorsers of the declaration commit to align their policies with its principles and actively participate in a global community of practice to exchange proven and effective policies. By openly sharing progress and lessons learned, they aim to enhance transparency, foster collaboration, and collectively accelerate the adoption of sustainable behaviours.

Already at its launch, the declaration received endorsements from a diverse group of global signatories, including some of the world’s most populous countries – The European Union, China, India, and Norway – whose combined populations total over 3 billion people, representing nearly 40 % of the global population. Other countries such as Brazil, Finland, Spain and leading international organizations such as the Global Covenant of Mayors, Hot or Cool Institute, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), SDG7 Youth Constituency, and Clean Cooking Alliance have also endorsed the declaration, bringing substantial influence and reach. Their collective commitment highlights the declaration’s significant potential to advance sustainable lifestyles and equitable clean energy transitions on a truly global scale.

The launch of the declaration at the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM16) marks a pivotal first step towards establishing global champions and fostering a community of practice worldwide. In the coming months, the campaign will intensify its efforts by welcoming new members and expanding its international reach. Additional endorsements are anticipated at COP30, where the initiative will further strengthen global collaboration and reaffirm the shared commitment to advancing sustainable, equitable, and inclusive pathways to clean energy.

The launch of the Declaration was welcomed with strong messages of support from CEM members:

“We need to help people embrace sustainable lifestyles. By combining clean energy, innovation, and fairness, we can ensure that everyone—including the most vulnerable— can make sustainable choices while safeguarding our planet for future generations.”
– Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness

“Governments must continue working to facilitate widespread access to clean technologies and sustainable lifestyles, setting an example in the public sphere and implementing active policies to ensure a fair and inclusive ecological transition.”
– H.E. Sara Aagesen Muñoz, Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Spain

“China supports the campaign on Sustainable Lifestyles, Fairness and Access to Clean Energy Technologies. We are willing to work with all partners to promote fair access to clean-energy technologies, foster science-based and sustainable lifestyles, and raise public awareness and engagement on energy and environmental issues. We look forward to deepening open collaboration with partners, and contributing our knowledge and strength to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
– H.E. Yin Hejun, Minister of Science and Technology, People´s Republic of China

“Sustainable societies and equitable access to clean energy are key pillars of the energy transition. Governments must commit to this goal, adopt effective policies, and create the conditions that enable businesses, municipalities, communities, and individuals to contribute meaningfully to a just, inclusive, and people-centred transition.”
– H.E. Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and the Environment, Finland

“Building sustainable communities and ensuring equitable access to clean energy are central to India’s energy transition. This will ensure a just, inclusive, and people-centered shift towards renewable energy—aligning with the vision of the LIFE Mission (Lifestyle for Environment), where every citizen actively contributes to environmental conservation and a sustainable future for all.”
– H.E. Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, India

“I fully support the CEM lifestyle declaration. Changes in lifestyle and consumption patterns are an integral part of the global energy and climate solutions. Managing the energy transition requires a just transition, where people have the possibility to take green choices in their everyday lives.”
– H.E. Terje Aasland, Minister of Energy, Norway

“For South Africa, and the African continent, the clean energy transition is not just about new technologies. It is about justice, fairness, and creating real opportunities for our people. This Declaration on Sustainable Lifestyles speaks directly to our national and continental priorities along with our vision as this year’s G20 president: Making sure women, young people, workers, and vulnerable communities are empowered, not left behind. Our priorities under G20 include unequivocal support for Mission300, and action plans for just transitions, sustainable industrial hubs, and clean cooking.

Under the CEM umbrella, we are proud to stand with partners around the world to drive inclusive solutions that protect the planet while building jobs, skills, and dignity. A just transition must be a shared transition, that is the only way we will achieve lasting progress.“

– H.E. Samantha Graham-Maré, Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, South Africa

Alongside governments, CEM partners also voiced their strong support for the Declaration:

“As the level of government closest to citizens, mayors and city leaders have an essential role in driving a just, inclusive, and people-centered clean energy transition – one that not only accelerates climate action, but also ensures every individual shares in the benefits of a sustainable future.” – Andy Deacon, Co-Managing Director, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy

“Tackling the ever evolving global energy challenge requires all of us. At Sustainable Energy for All, we’re committed to ending energy poverty, and ensuring an accelerated energy transition that is built out on the principles of justice, inclusion, and sustainable lifestyles. From individuals to industries to governments, collective action turns ambition into reality. The time to unite for a clean energy future is now.” – Kanika Chawla, SEforALL Chief of Staff and Director of External Programmes

“Clean cooking is a direct pathway to fairness in the energy transition, yet too many communities remain sidelined by outdated methods and inequitable access. With this Campaign, we now have another critical opportunity to align climate goals with social justice. By ensuring clean, efficient cooking technologies are affordable and accessible for all, especially the most vulnerable, we not only reduce harmful emissions, but also deliver real improvements in health, livelihoods, and dignity. At the Clean Cooking Alliance, we stand committed to advancing clean cooking as a cornerstone of a just and inclusive energy transformation.” – Jillene Connors Belopolsky, Chief of Staff and Chief External Affairs Officer, Clean Cooking Alliance

“The 1.5-Degree Lifestyles report shows that we cannot achieve environmental goals without addressing the dominant consumption patterns and lifestyles. The legitimacy of any radical transformations rests on fairness and prioritising the wellbeing of citizens.” – Dr. Lewis Akenji, Executive Director, Hot or Cool Institute