UN supports Philippines to strengthen energy security and accelerate energy transition

As global energy markets remain volatile amid geopolitical tensions, climate change and economic uncertainty, the United Nations system is supporting the Philippines to strengthen its energy security while accelerating a just and sustainable energy transition, according to a new analysis published by the UN in the Philippines.

The article, Energy security: Nine ways the UN is supporting the Philippines, outlines how 11 United Nations agencies, funds and programmes are working with the Government, development partners and stakeholders across the country to help ensure access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all Filipinos while reducing vulnerability to global shocks.

Energy security has become a defining development challenge for the Philippines. The country remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, exposing households and businesses to global price spikes, supply disruptions and inflationary pressures. At the same time, climate change is increasing extreme weather risks that threaten energy infrastructure and undermine long-term growth.

“The Philippines’ energy future cannot be separated from global developments, but it is precisely in this context that multilateral cooperation becomes an advantage,” said Arnaud Peral, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines. “Through our collective expertise and presence on the ground, the UN is supporting the country to diversify its energy mix, protect consumers from volatility, and accelerate the transition to clean, resilient and inclusive energy systems.”

Coordinated UN support across the energy sector
The article highlights nine interlinked areas where the UN system is delivering added value through coordinated action.

These include policy and regulatory support, helping national agencies align energy planning, climate commitments and development priorities, including through long-term energy roadmaps consistent with the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution and sustainable development goals.

UN agencies are also supporting the scale-up of renewable energy, including solar, wind, geothermal and other clean energy sources, to reduce import dependence while unlocking investment, innovation and decent jobs.

Strengthening power grids, energy infrastructure and system resilience is another priority, particularly in disaster‑prone areas. The UN is supporting efforts to climate‑proof energy facilities and improve planning so that power supply can be restored quickly after typhoons, floods and earthquakes.

Ensuring equitable energy access remains central to UN engagement. This includes supporting off-grid and decentralized energy solutions for remote islands, rural communities and underserved populations, contributing to poverty reduction, improved health services and inclusive growth.

The UN is also helping mobilize sustainable energy finance, supporting access to concessional funding, private capital and innovative financing mechanisms to make clean energy investments viable and affordable.

Recognizing the interconnections between energy, food, water and climate, UN agencies are promoting integrated approaches that reduce emissions, strengthen adaptation and avoid trade‑offs between development goals.

Other areas of support include data and evidence-based planning, strengthening national energy statistics and modelling; capacity-building and skills development to prepare the workforce for a low-carbon economy; and regional and global cooperation, ensuring the Philippines benefits from international best practices, technology transfer and policy dialogue.

“What the UN brings is not just individual projects, but a system-wide approach that connects energy security with climate action, economic resilience and social inclusion,” Mr Peral said. “This is essential for a country facing both development opportunities and increasing climate risks.”

Delivering impact through partnership
The UN’s energy work in the Philippines supports the country’s development priorities and complements national efforts to lower electricity costs, reduce emissions and improve competitiveness. By working across agencies, the UN is able to provide technical advice, convening power, financing support and on‑the‑ground implementation in a coherent and coordinated manner.

More information available
Journalists and stakeholders are encouraged to consult the full article, Energy security: Nine ways the UN is supporting the Philippines, for detailed examples, agency contributions and case studies:
https://philippines.un.org/en/313794-energy-security-nine-ways-un-supporting-philippines

Media contact:

Maria Jorica Pamintuan - maria.pamintuan@un.org