Green Energy for All: Ensuring Renewable Energy is Inclusive and Equitable

The transition to renewable energy must be inclusive, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind. The Global Disability Green Initiative (GDGI) is at the forefront of this movement, championing policies and strategies that integrate accessibility into climate action. By fostering collaborations with key stakeholders, GDGI is driving conversations and shaping initiatives that make sustainability equitable for all.

Strengthening Partnerships for Inclusion

On February 28, 2025, GDGI participated in the Council for Renewable Energy Nigeria's (CREN) Annual General Meeting at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja. This gathering of industry leaders and sustainability experts provided a crucial platform for knowledge sharing and advocacy. The event marked a step forward in integrating disability inclusion into renewable energy initiatives, ensuring that sustainable development policies consider the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

Furthering these efforts, on March 4, 2025, Mrs. Angelina Ugben, President of GDGI, visited the UN House in Abuja, where she engaged with Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian, Mr. Mohammed Malic Fall. This engagement reinforced GDGI’s mission and opened avenues for collaboration with the United Nations to drive disability-inclusive environmental policies. Mrs. Ugben expressed her appreciation for the warm reception and emphasized the importance of global solidarity in fostering a sustainable and inclusive future.

Driving Impact: GDGI’s Core Areas of Focus

1. Influencing Climate Policies

GDGI is dedicated to ensuring that climate adaptation plans and environmental policies recognize the needs of disabled communities. The organization actively pushes for:

• Accessible disaster preparedness and response frameworks.
• Financial support for inclusive infrastructure.
• Legislation that embeds accessibility into climate resilience strategies.

2. Green Infrastructure with Universal Design

Sustainable cities should be accessible cities. GDGI advocates for:

• Public transportation systems that cater to all abilities.
• Green building regulations that consider accessibility.
• Inclusive urban spaces where persons with disabilities can move freely and safely.

3. Opening Doors to Green Jobs

The green economy presents opportunities, but accessibility barriers must be dismantled. GDGI promotes:

• Training programs that equip persons with disabilities for renewable energy careers.
• Employment policies that prioritize inclusivity.
• Support for entrepreneurs with disabilities in eco-friendly ventures.

4. Advancing Sustainable Assistive Technologies

Innovation is key to accessibility and sustainability. GDGI collaborates with developers to create assistive technologies that are:

• Environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.
• Powered by renewable energy sources.
• Designed to reduce the carbon footprint of mobility aids and adaptive devices.

5. Climate Resilience and Emergency Preparedness

Disaster response must be inclusive to protect the most vulnerable. GDGI is advocating for:

• Emergency evacuation plans that integrate accessible transportation.
• Climate-resilient housing solutions for persons with disabilities.
• Disaster risk reduction policies that include disabled voices in decision-making.

A Call to Action

GDGI’s work highlights the urgent need for intersectionality in climate action. Sustainability efforts must not only focus on environmental protection but also on social equity. The organization remains committed to bridging the gap between climate policy and disability rights, ensuring that the green transition is one that benefits everyone.

As the global community advances toward a more sustainable future, GDGI is turning advocacy into tangible action. By building stronger partnerships, shaping inclusive policies, and promoting equitable access to renewable energy, the movement toward climate justice is becoming truly universal. A greener world should be accessible to all, and GDGI is leading the way to make that vision a reality.