Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – January 12, 2026 — The 16th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly opened in Abu Dhabi on January 11, 2026, bringing together over 1,500 participants—including ministers, high-level delegates, CEOs, investors, and youth representatives—from 171 member states and 139 countries. The event, running through January 12 (with related meetings from January 10), is held under the theme “Powering Humanity: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity“ and marks the first major international energy gathering of the year, kicking off the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (January 11–15).
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera delivered opening remarks, welcoming a record 1,524 participants and highlighting the unstoppable momentum of renewables. He noted that 92% of newly installed power capacity last year was renewable, with renewables now dominating the global energy landscape as a solution for climate action, competitiveness, development, and energy security. “The greatest measure of success in the renewables-based energy transition will not be in the megawatts we install, but in the lives we empower and transform for the betterment of humanity,” La Camera stated, emphasizing the shift from centralized fossil-fuel systems to decentralized, renewable-powered models that enhance resilience and inclusion.
Incoming Assembly President H.E. Joel Adrián Santos Echavarría, Minister of Energy and Mines of the Dominican Republic, stressed the need for a just, inclusive, and results-oriented transition, particularly for developing countries and small island developing states. He linked it to climate resilience, energy security, economic stability, and sustainable futures, reaffirming global commitments to tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
Host representative H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, underscored the sector’s strengthened progress amid challenges, with communities embracing clean technologies at record pace. She called for continued ambition and collaboration.
The assembly’s agenda includes regional energy transitions, grid infrastructure, digital innovation (including Artificial Intelligence), finance mobilization, sustainable aviation fuels, and renewables’ integration into agri-food systems and green industrialization. A new IRENA report outlines 40 systemic innovations to build resilient power systems, expand access, and drive local development through combined technological, policy, regulatory, and business approaches.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a video message urging massive investment to modernize energy systems and keep the transition on track amid risks of temporary temperature overshoot. The event aligns with the UAE Consensus from COP28, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and Paris Agreement goals.
This gathering positions renewables as central to global power, security, and inclusive growth amid rising fossil fuel tensions, with delegates focusing on concrete actions for an equitable energy future.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as sessions conclude and outcomes are released.
