The 5th general assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) convened on Saturday, 17th January 2015 in Abu Dhabi, with a focus on the development of renewable energy. More than 1200 delegates from more than 170 countries and representatives from 50 organizations participated in this 2 day Assembly. The Assembly is the Agency’s ultimate decision-making authority and convenes annually with representatives from member states and organizations.
The Maldivian delegation attending the assembly at Abu Dhabi Sustainable Week is headed by the Minister of Environment and Energy Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim. Other members of the delegation include Minister of State for Environment and Energy Mr. Abdul Matheen Mohamed, Director General of Ministry of Environment and Energy Mr. Ahmed Ali and Mr.Musab Abdulla, Charge’ d’ Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Maldives in Abu Dhabi
In his address in the high level plenary session of the assembly Mr.Thoriq Ibrahim stressed the importance of renewable energy and urged the policy makers and leaders to take the lead to make energy policies that create space for the renewable energy technologies and quickly transform from fossil fuel based energy production to renewable based energy generation. In addition, he briefed the session on the activities carried out by the Maldives in transforming the energy sector of the country. He also stressed on the important role of IRENA in pushing the countries in transforming their energy sector toward renewable energy. Beside from the plenary, Minister also actively participated in Ministerial round table on Power Sector Transformation and The Role of Renewable Energy in Energy Security and shared the Maldives experience in transforming its energy sector.
Maldives served as the vice president at the 4th Assembly of IRENA. The Assembly is IRENA’s ultimate decision-making authority and is made up of one representative from each Member. It convenes annually to discuss and decide upon issues such as the work programme, the budget, the adoption of reports, applications for membership and potential amendments to Agency activities.
IRENA in the past have supported Maldives in formulating Maldives Renewable Energy Road Map and has provided funding under IRENA-ADFD Project facility to develop Waste-to energy facilities in three region of the country.
As the IRENA Assembly coincides with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2015, the delegates are also taking part in the activities of Abu Dhabi Sustainable week from 19-21 January 2015.
Maldives participates in 5th Session of the Assembly of IRENA
