Last month, the world came together in the aftermath of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, which set a new financial target and a global commitment to energy storage and grids .
Both finance and infrastructure are among the key enablers identified by IRENA to achieve the goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.
The end of this year reminds us that the deadline for meeting the #3xRenewables target and the 2030 climate and sustainable development goals is also approaching alarmingly.
In that spirit, the 15th session of the IRENA Assembly, taking place from 11 to 13 January 2025 in Abu Dhabi, will assess progress and outline actions to accelerate the global transition to renewable energy.
Under the theme "Accelerating the transition to renewables: the way forward", the 2025 Assembly will bring together more than 1,000 energy leaders from IRENA's global network and members to discuss the challenges and opportunities of accelerating the energy transition.
In many ways, progress has been made. 2024 has been marked as a record-breaking year for renewable energy, with record increases in energy capacity, renewable energy jobs, and investment, while energy costs experienced a dramatic decline .
But progress towards 3xRenewables is still insufficient.
The world must intensify international collaborations to ensure that funds are allocated equitably to energy transition efforts and to implement large-scale renewable energy projects.
To engage partners and stakeholders in accelerating progress, IRENA has been active on global platforms.
In the context of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh, Director-General (DG) Francesco La Camera met with the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Capital Development Fund, Mr.
Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, with the intention of working together to reduce the risk of climate finance and mobilize renewable energy investment towards underserved regions, including developing countries.
The Director General of La Camera recently met with Mr.
Birame Souleye Diop, Minister of Energy, Oil and Mines of Senegal in Dakar.
IRENA and GIZ have been supporting Senegal in developing long-term energy planning capacities among the country's public energy sector institutions.
The CEO was in Dakar to officially continue the partnership in its second phase.
At IRENA headquarters in Abu Dhabi, Director-General La Camera had the honor of receiving the Prime Minister of Mongolia, His Excellency Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, and his delegation.
During the meeting, the Director-General expressed IRENA's commitment and willingness to help Mongolia unlock its renewable energy potential and boost the country's green economic growth.
For more information on IRENA's activities and results in the last month, please read below.
We hope you find these updates useful and that you continue to follow our work.
And on this occasion, from IRENA we want to wish you our best wishes for the new year.
Let's make 2025 a successful year for a just and inclusive energy transition.