Rwanda officially passed the leadership of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly to Slovenia at the start of the 15th IRENA Assembly, held in Abu Dhabi on January 12, 2025.
This two-day event marks the first international energy meeting of the year, gathering over 1,500 delegates from IRENA’s 170 Member States, including ministers, high-level officials, CEOs, and youth leaders, all united by the theme: “Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition – The Way Forward.”
During the assembly, key discussions will focus on tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, enhancing ambition in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), supporting transitions in emerging economies, and leveraging innovative financial flows for developing countries.
These efforts are aimed at making significant progress toward sustainable energy goals in the face of rapid global transformations, including geopolitical shifts and technological advancements like artificial intelligence.
Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore of Rwanda, the outgoing president of the 14th IRENA Assembly, handed over the leadership to Slovenia’s Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Energy, Bojan Kumer. In his remarks, Minister Gasore highlighted that Rwanda’s role in leading IRENA was both an honor and a responsibility, particularly at a time when the transition to renewable energy has become a central pillar of global efforts to tackle climate change.
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera emphasized the urgency of maintaining renewable energy as a global priority. “The world is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by a shifting geopolitical landscape and technological breakthroughs such as artificial intelligence,” he said. “Amid these changes, renewables must remain a top global priority as the most effective way to keep climate and sustainable development goals within reach.”
Minister Kumer stressed the importance of collaboration, saying, “No country, regardless of its size, can achieve this transition alone. The energy transition is a shared responsibility, requiring unity and collective action.” He reiterated Slovenia’s commitment to fostering dialogue and partnerships to drive global decarbonization efforts.
The assembly also marks the beginning of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), running from January 12 to 18, where global leaders will continue to collaborate on sustainability initiatives. Additionally, Pre-Assembly Day meetings held on January 11 provided an opportunity for high-level discussions that will shape the future of the energy transition.
As Slovenia assumes leadership of IRENA, the 15th Assembly sets the stage for crucial collaborations aimed at accelerating the renewable energy transition, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for all.
