From 6–8 November 2025, the Global Sustainable Education & Leadership (G-SEL) Network brought together academics, policymakers, energy experts and changemakers at the University of East London — with a glittering awards dinner held at the House of Lords to close the event. The three-day programme blended practical workshops, technical sessions and high-level panels focused on “The Intersection of Innovation, Sustainability & Equity for Energy Access,” and delivered a clear message: equitable energy transition must be both technological and social.
What the conference set out to do
Organisers positioned G-SEL 2025 as a hub for cross-sector collaboration: to share research, showcase financing and policy tools, and accelerate partnerships that can expand sustainable energy access in the Global South. Programs across the three days included hands-on workshops, keynote lectures, technical presentations, and networking sessions intended to move conversations toward actionable outcomes.
Standout moments and themes
- People-centred energy solutions. Several sessions emphasised that technologies (solar, microgrids, storage) are necessary but insufficient without community-driven models and inclusive finance. Panels repeatedly returned to equity — who benefits, who pays, and how governance structures must change.
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration. Academics from the University of East London worked alongside practitioners, diplomats and private-sector representatives to bridge research and implementation. Workshops on financing tools and ESG integration were especially well attended.
- Recognition and awards. The closing Awards Night at the House of Lords celebrated leadership and innovation in sustainability — signalling that the conference aimed not just to discuss ideas, but also to spotlight proven initiatives and people driving change.
Notable speakers & hosts
The programme featured a mix of local and international voices: university vice-chancellors, diplomats, UN and industry representatives, and high-profile moderators. Sessions were opened with remarks from local officials and led by academics from UEL and invited global experts. (For the full agenda and speaker list, the conference programme is available in the organisers’ published agenda.)
House of Lords dinner — a memorable close
Holding the Awards Night and dinner at the House of Lords gave the conference a uniquely ceremonial close. The setting underscored the policy and diplomatic dimension of sustainable energy debates — placing grassroots innovations and technical solutions in the same room as legislators and senior diplomats. The event mixed formal awards with opportunities for delegates to build cross-border partnerships over an elegant reception.
Why G-SEL 2025 matters
- It connects research with implementation. Workshops at UEL focused on practical tools — from financing mechanisms to ESG approaches — that organisations can take home and apply.
- It centres equity in energy conversations. Rather than treating technology as neutral, the conference asked who benefits from energy access and how to design inclusive policies.
- It builds networks across sectors and geographies. The mix of academic, diplomatic and industry attendees — capped by the House of Lords ceremony — makes it easier to convert dialogue into funding and policy commitments.
Takeaways for practitioners and delegates
- Embed equity metrics into project design from the outset.
- Pair technical pilots with community engagement and local financing models.
- Use convenings like G-SEL to test cross-sector partnerships and seek follow-on funding or pilot sites.
Where to find more
The G-SEL Network’s site and event pages host the conference agenda, speaker bios and post-event materials for delegates and the wider public. For those who missed the sessions, the organisers have shared highlights and recordings across their channels.
