International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Opens Its Thirty-First Council Meeting In Abu Dhabi With Over 300 Government Representatives

The thirty-first Council meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency opened today in Abu Dhabi, bringing together more than 300 government representatives in a hybrid format. Delegates are participating both in person at IRENA Headquarters and virtually, reflecting the Agency’s ongoing commitment to inclusive and collaborative decision-making

.Over the two-day session, Council members will review the progress of IRENA’s current work streams and assess the collective priorities that will shape the next stage of the global energy transition. Discussions will centre on how renewable energy can reinforce energy security at a time of heightened global uncertainty, as well as the expanding role of emerging technologies.

Issues such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation and the growing electrification of energy systems are expected to feature prominently, given their increasing influence on how countries plan and deploy renewable energy solutions.IRENA’s Director-General noted that the rapid shifts occurring across the global energy landscape are affecting far more than the traditional energy sector.

Entire economies, particularly those in vulnerable regions, are being reshaped by the changes in supply dynamics, technology adoption and climate impacts. Against this backdrop, the Council meeting is taking place at a pivotal moment, as members define priorities ranging from system resilience and energy security to the decarbonisation of end-use sectors and the rise of digital economies that depend on clean, reliable power.

The Chair of the thirty-first Council emphasised the interconnectedness of today’s global challenges. Energy security, economic stability and food security are increasingly linked, creating a complex operating environment for policymakers. She underscored that accelerating renewable energy deployment has never been more essential, and highlighted IRENA’s role as a stabilising and forward-looking institution during a period of significant transition.

Ensuring that IRENA continues to lead effectively will require strategic foresight, careful planning and sustained commitment from its members.In addition to the programmatic discussions, the Council will also examine several institutional and administrative matters.

Delegates will review progress on the implementation of the Agency’s 2026–2027 Work Programme and Budget and begin shaping the Medium-term Strategy for 2028–2032. This strategic planning process will guide IRENA’s future direction as countries work to accelerate renewable energy adoption while navigating a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.