The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared the 26th of January as the International Day of Clean Energy, in honor of the founding of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
IRENA’s Leading Role
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera commended the UN and its Member States, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Panama, for their decision to establish an International Day of Clean Energy. He emphasized that since IRENA’s inception in 2009, the energy transition has taken center stage in combating climate change, promoting human welfare, and driving a crucial and systemic shift towards increased energy access, reduced inequalities, improved energy security, and prosperous and resilient economies and societies.
UNGA’s Acknowledgement
The 193 Member States of the UNGA acknowledged IRENA’s leading role in accelerating the global transition to renewables-based energy by selecting the 26th of January as the International Day of Clean Energy.
IRENA’s Enthusiasm
IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera expressed his enthusiasm for the UN resolution, stating that it serves as proof of IRENA’s significant contributions to the fight against climate change.
By creating an International Day of Clean Energy, the UN emphasizes inclusivity and encourages traditional and non-traditional actors to showcase their contributions to sustainable energy systems. This accelerates progress towards the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
UN Resolution Highlights Need for Unified Global Approach to Energy Issues
As COP28 approaches in Dubai, the UN resolution emphasizes the need for a unified global approach to energy issues. This approach aligns with IRENA’s 1.5°C scenario and the COP28 agenda, which calls for increasing the share of renewables and clean energy by 2030 for a just and sustainable energy transition.
IRENA Calls for Tripling of Annual Renewable Power Capacity Additions
IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook calls for a tripling of annual renewable power capacity additions from around 300 gigawatts (GW) to 1000 GW on average until 2030 globally. Launching an International Day of Clean Energy reminds the world of its commitment to universal clean energy access and meeting the Paris Agreement climate goal, says La Camera.
