Global leaders gather to discuss energy transition challenges at 13th IRENA Assembly

BY KELECHUKWU IRUOMA

Over 1,000 leaders from Africa and other continents have gathered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to discuss the way forward to address critical energy transition challenges during the 13th IRENA Assembly.

The 13th IRENA Assembly, which forms part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) hosted by Masdar, will enable heads of state, policy makers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs from around the world to discuss the most pressing issues and opportunities on the road to net zero.

ADSW, which hopes to accelerate sustainable development and advance economic, social, and environmental progress, will focus on a wide range of critical topics, including food and water security, energy access, industrial decarbonization, health, and climate adaptation.

The event is coming less than a year after Nigeria launched its Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which requires funding of about $1.9 trillion by 2060 to implement.

With the theme “World Energy Transitions – The Global Stocktake” the 13th IRENA Assembly will provide opportunities for impactful dialogue ahead of the critical Global Stocktake that will take place at COP28 in UAE.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer, Masdar, said, “More than ever, it is critical that the world’s leaders across business, government, and civil society come together to address the most pressing issue of our time; climate change.”

“That is why Masdar, as host of ADSW, is bringing together leaders from around the world at the ADSW Summit 2023. We look forward to hosting one of the most impactful and significant ADSW Summits to date while marking the first physical ADSW since 2020.”