The Global Platform for Action on Sustainable Energy in Displacement Settings (GPA) is a global initiative aiming to ensure SDG 7—access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all—is inclusive of humanitarian and displacement contexts. Hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the GPA Secretariat convenes a global network of over 100 partners working collectively toward this shared objective. It is financially supported by the IKEA Foundation and the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), and receives in-kind support from NORCAP and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform. The GPA is advised by a group of 14 global humanitarian and development partners, including UNHCR, IOM, WFP, FAO, UNDP, UNEP-CCC, Mercy Corps, Practical Action, SNV, GIZ, NORCAP, MECS, SEforALL, and the Clean Cooking Alliance.

Vision

Displaced persons, host communities, and associated humanitarian response mechanisms have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services.

Mission

Delivering collective change on energy in displacement settings by providing supporting services to mainstream sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy access for crisis affected communities and those that serve them.

How did the GPA come about?

January 2018: Berlin ‘Energy for Displaced People’ conference

120 practitioners from humanitarian and development organizations, the private sector, governments, academia, not-for-profit organizations, and others involved in the provision of fuel and energy to displaced people were brought together to kick off the development of the Global Plan of Action (GPA) Framework.

January-June 2018: Steering Group

A Steering Group made up of 12 key stakeholders working in the energy and humanitarian sector drafted the GPA Framework.

9-18 July 2018: High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

The non-binding GPA Framework was introduced with many recommendations for the sector on how to realize energy access for displaced populations.

Early 2019: Work Plan

The recommendations from the GPA Framework were translated into a Work Plan with activities across five thematic areas.

April 2021: GPA transitioned to the Global Platform for Action on Sustainable Energy in Displacement Settings

The GPA has adopted an update on its' Vision and Mission. Read more on the updated TOR.

Last updated: 18/05/2026