- The 16th IRENA Assembly convened global leaders to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and advance a just and inclusive energy transition.
- Delegates reaffirmed that multilateral cooperation, financing reforms, and access to technology are essential drivers of shared prosperity and climate resilience.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) opened the 16th session of its Assembly under the theme “Powering Humanity: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity” on Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Abu Dhabi. This marks the first international energy meeting of the year. The Assembly convened more than 1,500 participants, including global leaders and energy decision-makers, to advance cooperation and accelerate the global energy transition.
The outgoing President of the 15th Assembly, H.E. Bojan Kumer, Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy of Slovenia, formally opened the session and reaffirmed IRENA’s role in facilitating multilateral collaboration on renewable energy deployment worldwide.
The incoming President of the 16th Assembly, H.E. Joel Santos Echeverría, Minister of Energy and Mines of the Dominican Republic, emphasised the importance of a just, inclusive, and results-oriented transition that supports climate resilience, energy security, and sustainable development, particularly in developing countries and Small Island Developing States.
Delivering host country remarks, H.E. Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates, noted rising geopolitical and climate pressures and stressed that renewable deployment continues to gain momentum despite global uncertainties.
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera welcomed a record 1,524 participants from 139 countries, underscoring the strength of global engagement. He reported that 92 per cent of newly installed power capacity last year was renewable and described renewables as solutions for climate change, competitiveness, development, and energy security.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in video remarks, stated that the clean energy transition is “unstoppable and irreversible,” citing record investment levels and urging the development of stronger infrastructure to align with a 1.5°C future.
H.E. Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighted the rapid growth in renewable capacity and called for scaled-up financing, stronger partnerships, and reforms to international financial mechanisms to support the transition.
Following the opening, a High-Level Dialogue titled “Reimagining Energy Futures: Bold Visions for Shared Prosperity” gathered ministers, institutional leaders and private sector executives to reflect on future energy systems and the need for an inclusive global transition.
Representing the incoming Presidency, H.E. Betty Soto, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Energy Transition of the Dominican Republic, emphasised that renewable energy delivers both economic opportunities and climate ambition, while underlining the ongoing financing and access challenges faced by developing countries.
Panellists emphasised the importance of accessible capital, regional collaboration, and technology transfer in strengthening resilience and accelerating renewable energy deployment, particularly in regions facing structural barriers.
Youth representatives called for meaningful participation in policy processes, noting that young people often face limited access to decision-making spaces despite significant capacity and innovation potential.
Closing the session, H.E. Betty Soto emphasised that multilateralism remains essential for achieving climate outcomes, economic development, and shared prosperity. She reaffirmed that inclusive approaches and sustained cooperation are necessary to accelerate renewable energy deployment and ensure that benefits reach all communities.