The Global Energy Districts Programme (GEDP) is an international initiative led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Our mission is to promote the development and implementation of energy districts in urban and industrial environments across developing countries. 

Energy Districts are infrastructure solutions that enable the centralized production and distribution of multiple energy services—such as cooling and heating—through a network of pipelines.  By centralizing energy production, they achieve:

• Higher energy efficiency and lower environmental impact, operating with cleaner energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and, in many cases, eliminate the use of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) found in traditional air-conditioning systems.
• Reduced energy consumption and costs, extending equipment lifespan and minimizing maintenance needs. In essence, Energy Districts represent a modern, sustainable, and efficient way to cool and heat cities, large urban areas, and industrial developments.

GEDP works under three strategic pillars:

• Global cooperation and standards – fostering knowledge exchange and technical guidelines.
• National implementation – supporting countries in integrating Energy Districts into policies and developing pilot projects.
• Regional partnerships – working with local and regional organizations to accelerate sustainable urban and industrial development.

GEDP seeks to promote this concept globally and support beneficiary countries in its implementation by fostering regulatory frameworks and public policies, as well as developing capacities and enabling conditions that facilitate the growth of Energy Districts in developing countries.