16th IRENA Assembly Concludes With Record 1,500+ Global Leaders, Highlighting Renewables As Key To Energy Security And Economic Competitiveness

The 16th session of the IRENA Assembly concluded after three eventful days, bringing together a record participation of over 1,500 ministers, government officials, CEOs, and partners from around the world. The turnout underscored IRENA’s central role in global energy discussions and its influence on shaping the renewable energy agenda. Opening the session, Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, emphasized the unstoppable nature of the energy transition.

He stated that countries must strengthen their renewable energy strategies, not only to address climate goals but also because renewables provide the most resilient, economically sound pathway for development, security, decarbonization, and competitiveness. He noted that the future competitiveness of economies will depend largely on their ability to deliver clean, safe, and affordable energy at the lowest cost, adding that fast-moving countries will gain lasting advantages over those that hesitate.

The high-level dialogue, titled “Reimagining Energy Futures: Bold Visions for Shared Prosperity,” offered a platform for members to share forward-looking perspectives on energy. Decision-makers reflected on the limitations of traditional energy approaches and discussed how renewable energy can act as a catalyst for inclusive development, structural transformation, and long-term resilience in both developing and developed nations.

During the Assembly, La Camera highlighted that in a world affected by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and growing climate risks, energy has re-emerged as a key factor for national security and global stability. The discussions set the stage for developing a shared international agenda and priorities for a sustainable energy future. In addition to plenary discussions, the Assembly hosted nearly 20 side events covering topics such as geothermal energy, green industrialization, artificial intelligence and digitalization, renewable energy for agri-food systems, and sustainable aviation fuels. Participants could follow all sessions on demand through the Assembly live-blog.

The IRENA Membership expressed strong support for the Agency’s mandate and approved the Medium-Term Strategy 2023-2027, as well as the Work Programme and Budget for 2026-2027. Official documents and further details are available on irena.org. Concluding the session, La Camera noted that even in times when multilateralism faces challenges, IRENA continues to grow, now reaching 171 Members. He emphasized that this growth reflects the global recognition of IRENA’s mandate and the shared belief that international cooperation in renewable energy delivers tangible value. It reinforces IRENA’s unique role in guiding the global energy transition toward a more secure, sustainable, and inclusive future.