Abu Dhabi : One of the world's biggest producers of traditional energy vying to be home to an agency that aims to wean the world away from the very same seemed paradoxical to many at first.
The UAE's bid to host Irena (International Renewable Energy Agency) met with criticism from many quarters.
The UAE leadership, however, remained steadfast. Unprecedented diplomatic efforts and lobbying were launched to win the support of nations by convincing them of the UAE's high level of commitment towards renewables. The prudent move was to diversify into other sources of energy with the mission of retaining the UAE's global position as a top energy producer.
It all culminated in the country's winning the bid to host Irena last June. The UAE thus became the first developing country to host a major international organisation with Abu Dhabi becoming its home.
As the first Irena summit begins at its headquarters today, it marks another step ahead. After its founding phase, Irena enters into its active phase now.
Contribution
Leaders and policymakers from 139 signatory nations as well as several non-member nations will attend the Preparatory Commission for Irena.
During the meeting, the members will decide on the projects Irena will be focusing on this year and its budget. They will vote on the allocation of the agency's $15 million (Dh55 million) budget, which is the contribution of the members.
As the agency completes the first year since its formation this month, it has managed to bring nations together for the cause of renewable energy, said Hélène Pelosse, Irena's Interim Director-General.
"We started with 60 members. With growing interest in renewables, the numbers have grown steadily. More members are expected to join shortly," she said ahead of the meeting.
Irena's mission is to promote the adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. It aims to serve as a platform for the exchange and development of renewable energy knowledge.
On January 6, the Czech Republic became the 139th country to sign up. Non-member nations attending the meeting as observers include China, she said.
This is the third session of the Preparatory Commission since Irena was set up.
The first session was held in Germany to establish the agency. The second was held in Egypt, where Pelosse was elected and Abu Dhabi was chosen to host the interim headquarters.
Loans
The meeting will also decide on granting loans of $50 million, provided by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, to developing countries to establish renewable energy projects. The fund had pledged to administer grants of $350 million in the next seven years. The interim financial and staff regulations and rules will be chalked out as well.
The Preparatory Commission acts as the main decision-making body until the entry into force of the statute after 25 ratifications. The current number of ratifications is nine.
In 2011, Irena will move into its permanent headquarters at Masdar City, the world's first carbon-neutral, zero-waste city completely powered by renewable energy.
One of Irena's goals is also to reach gender parity.
"We have committed to hiring 50 per cent women, and hopes to be the first international governmental organisation to reach gender parity," Pelosse added.
