Like Switzerland, many countries around the globe are investing in the transition to clean energy. Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga strongly believes that the public should benefit from the opportunities offered by the energy transition, a position she sets out to promote in the commission.

In Switzerland, voters can express their opinion on energy and climate legislation at the ballot box. This far-reaching co-determination is unique; opportunities for direct participation are much more limited in other countries. As a member of the new global commission, Ms Sommaruga will work to ensure that politicians seek democratic acceptance for their climate policy ambitions.

The new commission brings together key figures from around the world. It has set itself the goal of drawing up a set of key recommendations in time for the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. Ms Sommaruga will take part in the new commission's first video conference in March.

The commission was convened by Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA. It is chaired by the Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen and currently has around 20 members.

Federal Councillor Sommaruga to sit on global commission on energy future