In celebration of International Day of Clean Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) hosted two key events: the ‘Renewables Talk’ and ‘Women in Diplomacy’. The gatherings, held at DEWA’s Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, were organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment alongside the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Opening the event were prominent figures including Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA; and Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA. A number of high-profile guests and delegations, including Dr Nawal Al Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to IRENA, were also in attendance.
These events, which stemmed from the UAE’s Permanent Mission to IRENA in collaboration with the agency, serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, aimed at enhancing communication and cooperation between member states and energy sector partners. Their primary goal is to push forward the global energy transition, focusing on sustainability, equity, and achieving net-zero emissions.
The ‘Renewables Talk’ provided a valuable opportunity for IRENA, its permanent representatives, and diplomats in the UAE to come together, share expertise, and discuss the latest developments in the renewable energy sector. Meanwhile, the ‘Women in Diplomacy’ event highlighted the crucial role women play in shaping the future of renewable energy, promoting knowledge sharing and fostering partnerships to accelerate the global energy transition.
In her remarks, Al Dahak underscored the urgency of collective action in addressing the escalating climate crisis. She pointed out that 2024 is set to be the first year where global temperatures surpass 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The Minister stated, “Collective action to tackle the rising climate crisis has never been more important. With 2024 confirmed as the first calendar year that average global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we are demonstrating in the UAE that action is the only answer. Clean energy solutions offer the world a pathway to long-term, low-carbon energy security. In the UAE, we are driving this change through our national target to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and with several major projects in clean energy both at home and abroad, including in the Global South.”
She went on to stress the importance of not only celebrating clean energy’s progress but renewing global commitment to accelerating the energy transition and ensuring that no one is left behind. “Today, as we mark International Day of Clean Energy, we must not only celebrate the progress and opportunities of clean energy but also renew our collective commitment to act urgently to accelerate the global energy transition, ensuring no one is left behind as we deliver a future where clean energy powers progress, drives equity, and safeguards our planet for generations to come,” she added.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer also reflected on DEWA’s role in advancing Dubai’s clean energy future, highlighting the importance of the Sustainability and Innovation Centre. “We aim to establish Dubai as a global beacon for renewable and clean energy, sustainability and innovation, propelled by the ambitious initiatives and transformative achievements of our nation. These aspirations are aligned with the UAE’s pivotal role in advancing global climate action and securing a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Al Tayer.
Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, praised the UAE’s steadfast commitment to clean energy and gender equality. “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to IRENA for their steadfast partnership in these initiatives, and to DEWA for hosting us today. We are delighted to celebrate this year’s International Day of Clean Energy. It not only marks the anniversary of the foundation of IRENA on 26th January 2009. It also is a clear reminder about the role of renewable energy as a key enabler for prosperous lives and livelihoods and commitment to gender equity in the energy transition. With renewables we have an opportunity to address climate change, foster sustainable development, reduce pollution and shape a clean energy future for all.”
The UAE continues to make significant strides towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, and these events served as an important reminder of the ongoing efforts and the critical partnerships needed to achieve global climate goals.