UAE and IRENA Drive Gender Equity and Clean Energy Transition

The UAE, in collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), hosted a special session of the Women in Diplomacy and Renewables Talk initiatives on the International Day of Clean Energy. The event, held at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Sustainability and Innovation Centre, coincided with the 16th anniversary of IRENA’s founding and reinforced the global commitment to universal clean energy access and achieving climate goals outlined during COP28.

The session focused on advancing gender equity in diplomacy and energy leadership while fostering inclusive dialogue to address the global energy transition. Attendees included Permanent Representatives to IRENA, diplomats, and energy leaders, who shared progress updates, best practices, and strategies for future initiatives. Discussions also centered on themes to shape gender equity and energy transition dialogues ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

In her opening address, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna bint Abdulla Al Dahak, emphasized the importance of inclusive collaboration in achieving clean energy goals. “This session highlights the critical role of gender equity in driving sustainable development. Empowering women in the global energy sector unlocks its full potential,” she said.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera expressed gratitude for the UAE’s partnership in accelerating the global energy transition. “While renewables are growing at record rates, the distribution remains uneven, leaving the Global South behind. Urgent global action is required to address systemic barriers such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory challenges, and insufficient investment,” he stated.

Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, UAE Permanent Representative to IRENA, highlighted the significance of the partnership. “By championing gender equity and energy leadership, we bring diverse perspectives to tackle the climate and energy challenges of our time,” she said.

The event concluded with a tour of DEWA’s Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park developed under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. Delegates explored cutting-edge renewable energy and efficiency technologies showcased at the site.