ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The UAE today announced the formal ratification of its headquarters agreement with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), confirming IRENA’s position as the global hub for renewable energy, and the first international organisation headquartered in the Middle East.
The announcement was made during the first day of the annual IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of ministers and officials from 150 countries. It formally accords IRENA all the rights, privileges and protections of an international organisation.
The agreement also highlights the UAE’s emergence as a global centre of excellence for renewable energy. Abu Dhabi is home to Masdar, the renewable energy city, and this week is hosting thousands of industry leaders and policy makers for Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).
“I want to thank the UAE’s leadership for their support of IRENA’s HQ ratification, which represents a major milestone for the future of the Agency,” said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE’s Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change and CEO of Masdar. “The UAE now has its first fully fledged international organization – reflecting and enhancing our position as a global hub for the energy industry.”
“The ratification of our headquarters agreement, and the presence of a record breaking number of ministers and policy makers at the 2013 Assembly, marks IRENA’s coming of age,” said Adnan Amin, IRENA Director General. “What began as a visionary idea in 2009 has truly taken form. The renewable energy era is upon us.”
Note to Editors
IRENA is mandated by 159 countries and the European Union to promote the sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, and to serve as the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange. Formally established in 2011, IRENA is the first major international organization to be headquartered in the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Taking place January 13-17, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) will attract an anticipated 30,000 participants from 150 countries to Abu Dhabi for what will be the largest gathering on sustainability in the history of the Middle East. A significant platform for international dialogue and cooperation, ADSW will tackle the world’s most pressing energy, water and environmental challenges. ADSW will unite world leaders, policy makers, thought leaders, experts, scientists, business and academia.
*Source: ME NewsWire