The best things in life are the connections made by energy. The oven that bakes lasagna to perfection. The nightlight that illuminates your bedroom. The weekly video call with your best friends. 

Billions of people around the world never experience these connections. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) make them happen—but energy is needed first. When we invest in solar energy for global partnerships, we unite the planet in search of a brighter tomorrow. 

What is Goal 17? 

Sustainable Development Goal 17 is a framework outlining how the other 16 SDGs will be achieved. Through global collaboration among governments, organizations, private sectors, and public society, we can solve the world’s greatest challenges.  

How Does Solar Energy Achieve Global Partnerships? 

Solar energy fosters global partnerships for sustainable development in four primary ways. 

• Finance. With funding, it becomes possible for developing countries to reach climate-positive targets and empower global sectors. Every year, $100 billion is pledged toward renewable energy projects in developing countries. This investment boosts economies, enabling people and the planet to prosper—a key aspect in all the SDGs. 

• Capacity building. When communities gain knowledge and resources, they adapt to the world and contribute their skills. Solar energy requires capacity building. Locals are trained to install systems, which improve the efficiency of shared spaces, encouraging communities to succeed and partake in decision-making. 

• Technology Transfer. Developed countries share solar technologies with developing nations, helping them leapfrog into the clean energy transition. This allows for greater capacity building and uplifts the global goals collectively. 

• Collaboration. The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) works with other organizations to implement sustainable energy solutions and improve livelihoods. Partnerships with non-profits like the Rape Hurts Foundation and BarefootLaw means more people now experience the life-changing impacts of energy. 

Looking Forward: Solar Energy for Global Partnerships  

The Sustainable Development Goals are our society’s best chance for peace, equality, and harmony. Solar energy plays a role in achieving the 16 action-based goals and enables Goal 17 to unite them all. When global stakeholders harness the sun, they foster innovative partnerships that transform billions of lives, forever.