Energy solutions for wellbeing: galvanising collective action to transform energy services in informal settlements and camps

There are more than one billion people living in informal settlements and camps around the world. At the same time, the global displacement crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with more than 122 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, placing even greater pressure on an already insufficient humanitarian response.

Informal settlement and camp residents face systemic barriers in accessing basic services, such as housing, water and sanitation. Electricity access is a significant challenge, with energy delivery models failing to consider these populations’ aspirations and unique vulnerabilities.

This includes discrimination and inequality, inadequate housing, limited access to city infrastructure, greater exposure to hazards and restricted income-generation opportunities. Additionally, in most cases local actors are excluded from decision making and planning processes.

This paper calls for a transformative approach to energy planning and delivery that focuses on a more holistic and context-based understanding of wellbeing, recognises communities as drivers of change, and fosters collective action among residents, local institutions, governments, service providers and international organisations.