Fiji Backs Renewable Energy Push
Fiji is among the countries attending high-level discussions to accelerate renewable energy deployment in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management and Meteorological Services Jone Usamate is leading Fiji’s delegation at the 9th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
More than 1200 participants from 160 countries, international organizations, private sector and civil society are trying to tie sustainable development goals (SDGs) and global climate objectives during the discussions.
The 9th IRENA Assembly features several key discussions on critical issues related to the advancement of renewable energy, including two ministerial roundtables on “Catalysing Off-Grid Renewable Energy Deployment Towards Universal Electricity Access” and on the “Transformative Impact of Innovation in the Renewable Energy Sector”.
The Assembly will also decide on the selection of a new Director-General for IRENA. IRENA’s Director-General, Adnan Z. Amin, at the opening of the Assembly stated that, “renewable energy presents a tremendous economic and social opportunity to industrialized and developing economies alike”. “IRENA’s almost-universal membership is an indication that renewable energy is truly a global undertaking and a key policy priority for countries all over the world.
“Their ability to navigate this transition is strengthened through engagement with the Agency and by bringing together policymakers from the whole world, the IRENA Assembly provides a truly unique platform for strengthening international cooperation on energy transformation.”
This Assembly presents an opportunity for Fiji to continue the momentum set forth during its COP23 Presidency as well as focus attention on the integrated nature of renewable energy and climate change, and more importantly the transition efforts by Fiji towards 100 per cent dependence on renewable energy. Approximately 125 heads of states and governments and ministers are engaged at this year’s Assembly, making it the largest number of ministerial level participants the Agency has ever had.