Abu dhabi: The thirty-first Council meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) started today in a hybrid format. Over 300 government representatives are attending the meeting at IRENA Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, both in person and virtually.

According to Emirates News Agency, over the course of two days, the Council will review progress on the Agency’s work and discuss collective priorities for the next phase of the global energy transition. Central to this will be programmatic discussions on strengthening energy security through renewables, as well as the role of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, and electrification, in accelerating the renewable-based energy transition globally.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera emphasized the impact of changes in the global energy landscape, noting their effect on entire economies, particularly in vulnerable communities. He highlighted the critical timing of the Council’s convening as IRENA’s Membership discusses priorities for advancing the transition, focusing on energy security, resilience, and the growth of digital economies.

In her role as Chair of the 31st IRENA Council, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, underscored the interconnectedness of energy security, economic stability, and food security. She emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts on renewables, asserting that IRENA’s role is crucial in this complex global landscape.

The Council will also address several administrative and institutional matters, including evaluating progress on IRENA’s 2026-2027 Work Programme and Budget and initiating the development of the Medium-term Strategy 2028-2032.