UAE And IRENA Lead Discussions On Gender Equity In Energy Transition Initiatives

The UAE, in partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), recently held a special session for the Women in Diplomacy and Renewables Talk initiatives. This event celebrated the International Day of Clean Energy and marked IRENA's 16th anniversary. It reinforced global dedication to universal clean energy access and achieving climate goals set during the UAE Consensus at COP28.

Dr. Amna bint Abdulla Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasised the importance of gender equity in sustainable development. She stated, "On International Day of Clean Energy, and as we mark IRENA's 16th anniversary, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to a just and inclusive clean energy transition. This collaborative session on the subject of Women in Diplomacy and Renewables underscores the importance of gender equity and inclusion in driving sustainable development. By empowering women and ensuring their participation, we unlock the full potential of the global energy sector. We are proud to host this important dialogue and to work alongside IRENA and other nations to accelerate the global shift towards clean energy."

The event took place at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) Sustainability and Innovation Centre. It aimed to promote gender equality in diplomacy and energy leadership while encouraging innovative discussions on global energy transition. The gathering included Permanent Representatives to IRENA, diplomats, and energy leaders who reflected on programme progress, shared best practices, and refined future strategies.

Participants also discussed themes for upcoming sessions and ways to boost momentum for gender equity dialogues before COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to IRENA, remarked on this collaboration: "The UAE's enduring partnership with IRENA reflects our shared commitment to fostering vital conversations that drive real change. By championing gender equity and energy leadership, we're not just expanding representation – we're unleashing diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to tackle our world's most existential climate and energy challenges."

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera expressed gratitude towards the UAE for its role in advancing global energy transition efforts. He noted, "I thank the United Arab Emirates for their steadfast partnership in accelerating the global energy transition as we celebrate this year’s International Day of Clean Energy. This day not only marks the anniversary of IRENA's founding on 26 January 2009, but it also serves as a clear reminder of the potential of renewables to address climate change, foster sustainable development, reduce pollution, and shape a clean energy future for all."

Despite significant growth in renewable energies worldwide, La Camera highlighted uneven distribution globally. He stressed urgent action is needed to overcome structural barriers like infrastructure gaps, regulatory issues, technical capacity limitations, and insufficient investment levels.

Exploring Renewable Technologies

The session concluded with a tour of DEWA’s Sustainability and Innovation Centre. Delegates explored advanced technologies related to renewable energy at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park—the largest single-site solar park globally developed under an Independent Power Producer model.

This initiative underscores how collaboration can drive meaningful change by addressing critical challenges within both gender equity frameworks as well as broader environmental contexts.

With inputs from WAM