- IRENA closed its 16th Assembly with a record level of global participation and approval of its 2026–2027 work programme.
- Leaders reaffirmed the energy transition as irreversible and urged the accelerated deployment of renewable energy.
The 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) concluded on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, following three days of high-level discussions focused on advancing the global energy transition.
More than 1,500 ministers, senior government officials, CEOs and institutional partners attended the Assembly, demonstrating IRENA’s central role in shaping international energy policy and cooperation.
Opening the meeting, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera declared that the global shift to renewable energy had become irreversible. “The energy transition is unstoppable, and nothing can reverse it,” he said, urging governments to reinforce renewable energy strategies.
He added that future economic competitiveness will depend on countries’ ability to move electrons and molecules at the lowest possible cost while delivering clean, safe and affordable energy services. He said nations that accelerate their transitions will gain long-term productivity and competitiveness advantages over those that hesitate.
A high-level dialogue titled “Reimagining Energy Futures: Bold Visions for Shared Prosperity” provided IRENA Members with a platform to outline positive and forward-looking scenarios for the energy future. Ministers and leaders discussed the limitations of conventional transition approaches. They explored how renewable energy can act as a catalyst for inclusive development, structural transformation and resilience in both developed and developing countries.
During the dialogue, La Camera noted that geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related risks had pushed energy security back to the forefront of national and global agendas. He said energy had re-emerged as a defining factor of stability.
The dialogue set the tone for subsequent ministerial meetings and technical sessions, which addressed geothermal energy, green industrialisation, artificial intelligence and digitalisation, renewable energy for agri-food systems and sustainable aviation fuels. The Assembly also hosted nearly 20 official side events.
Members strongly reaffirmed their support for IRENA’s mandate. They adopted the evaluation of the Agency’s Medium-Term Strategy 2023–2027 and approved its Work Programme and Budget for 2026–2027.
Closing the Assembly, La Camera highlighted IRENA’s continued expansion despite pressure on global multilateral cooperation. “IRENA now reaches 171 Members, a testament to the relevance of our mandate and the shared conviction that cooperation on renewables has tangible value,” he said. He added that the Agency will continue to guide the global energy transition toward a more secure, inclusive and sustainable future.