IRENA expands permanent representation

The International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA, has gained several additional permanent diplomatic representatives in a succession of ceremonies taking place over the last several days at the Agency's headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Ambassadors from a diverse set of countries presented their credentials to IRENA Director-General, Adnan Z. Amin. They included Ihab Emam Hamouda, Ambassador for Egypt, Osman Moussa Darar, Ambassador for Djibouti, Ravindran Robin Nair, Ambassador for Fiji, Ahmed Yousif Mohamed Elsiddig, Ambassador for Sudan, Giorgio Starace, Ambassador for Italy and Dionyssios Zois, Ambassador for Greece. The representatives join diplomats from the U.A.E. and Germany appointed in November 2013. With the appointments, each of the countries establishes a Permanent Representative to IRENA, enabling Member States to participate actively and continuously in IRENA activities. "The appointment of six Permanent Representatives to IRENA from Africa, Europe, the Pacific and the Arab World showcases the growing importance of renewable energy worldwide and the global commitment to a sustainable energy future," Director-General Amin said. "IRENA looks forward to close cooperation with each of the distinguished Permanent Representatives to the Agency." The establishment of Permanent Representatives will promote year-round collaboration between the Agency's Members and its Secretariat on projects related to policy and technology development, as well as partnerships to support countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future. The establishment of IRENA's Permanent Representative system formed part of the United Arab Emirates ratification of the headquarters agreement with IRENA on 9th October 2013.