Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia-Herzegovina Ljiljana Lovric led the delegation of BiH’s at the 10th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) from 10th to 12th January in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates).
Numerous high-level meetings have been organized on the sidelines of the Assembly. Bosnia -Herzegovina participated in the Assembly as a member of IRENA, the BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations stated in a press release.
The 10th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) got underway this morning, bringing together decision makers from 150 countries. In total, more than 1,500 delegates will participate in the meeting held annually by the world’s lead intergovernmental organisation for the energy transformation.
The 10th Assembly represents a curtain-raiser to a decade in which the world must achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations and adopt a climate safe energy path. Renewable energy is recognised as playing a central role in the achievement of several goals including energy access (SDG 7), climate safety (SDG 13), sustainable economic growth (SDG 8) and sustainable cities (SDG 11). A report published yesterday by IRENA found that jobs in renewables could reach 40 million by 2050 under a climate-safe energy scenario.
In opening remarks addressing his first Assembly, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera, said: “We have ten years left to fulfil the commitment set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This period will also be decisive for the ability to hold the line on rising global temperatures. Transitioning to clean energy systems is at the heart of these global agendas. And renewable energy increasingly plays a major role in national development and climate strategies.”
He continued: “We have renewable energy at our disposal today to make the future more predictable, more prosperous, more inclusive, and more secure. But it is now that we need to make the right decisions, so that the benefits of accelerated deployment can unfold worldwide. We enter the next decade with confidence because of your support and active engagement.”
He concluded: “United behind IRENA’s mission, we are setting the stage for success.”
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.
IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.
With a mandate from countries around the world, IRENA encourages governments to adopt enabling policies for renewable energy investments, provides practical tools and policy advice to accelerate renewable energy deployment, and facilitates knowledge sharing and technology transfer to provide clean, sustainable energy for the world’s growing population.
With more than 180 countries actively engaged, IRENA promotes renewable resources and technologies as the key to a sustainable future and helps countries achieve their renewable energy potential.
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) today confirmed the allocation of approximately USD 105 million for eight renewable energy projects in developing countries in the seventh cycle of the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility.
The announcement marks a record level of funding for any cycle since the facility was launched and will provide funding for projects in Antigua and Barbuda, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cuba, the Maldives, Nepal, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The announcement was made during the 10th IRENA Assembly and brings cumulative funding to date to US$350 million, in line with the commitment made by ADFD across seven funding cycles to IRENA recommended projects.
“Overcoming investment needs for energy transformation infrastructure is one of the most notable barriers to the achievement of national goals,” said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA. “Therefore, the provision of capital to support the adoption of renewable energy is key to low-carbon sustainable economic development and plays a central role in bringing about positive social outcomes.