World Energy Council welcomes new Chair-designate - H.E. Adnan Amin
A renowned international leader and sustainable development economist, Mr. Amin was unanimously elected by the Council's worldwide member committees.
Mr. Amin is a well-respected and globally recognised leader, having founded and led the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) between 2011 and 2019. Under his leadership, IRENA became the authoritative voice for renewable energy and a key player in driving the transformation of global energy systems.
He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of COP28, where he successfully led international negotiations that culminated in the landmark 'UAE Consensus.' This included a historic commitment by countries to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, marking a pivotal step forward in accelerating clean energy deployment.
Prior to these roles, Mr. Amin served in senior leadership across the United Nations System and International Organisations for over 20 years. He was also a Senior Research Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, focusing on the geopolitics of the energy transition.
Mike Howard, current Chair, World Energy Council said: 'I am truly delighted that Adnan is joining the World Energy Council community in this top leadership role. His international experience across a range of global organisations, including those with energy responsibilities, is outstanding. In these turbulent times, geopolitically and across energy systems, the need for strong and transparent leadership is paramount. I greatly look forward to working with Adnan as he takes on his new roles.'
H.E. Adnan Amin, incoming Chair-designate, World Energy Council, said: 'The World Energy Council has long been a cornerstone of impactful global energy leadership. I am honoured to take on this important role at a time when the need for an independent and impartial voice in the energy space has never been more urgent. I look forward to working with the Council's worldwide community to drive meaningful progress, exchange insights, and inspire transformative change.'
Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO, World Energy Council, said: 'I am thrilled to welcome HE Adnan Amin as Chair-designate of the World Energy Council. Adnan is more than a trustworthy and admired leader in the energy space - he is a bridge-builder between worlds. Adnan joins the Council at a pivotal moment: energy leadership must rise to new levels of challenge, creativity, and compassion. His appointment signals our intent to shape a fresh energy agenda fit for billions of people and a healthy planet. We're not here to study the present - we're here to redesign the future, and Adnan is the right leader to help drive that transformation.'
Born in Kenya and a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, Mr. Amin will become the first person from a non-OECD country to take up position of Chair of the World Energy Council. He is well-placed to lead the diverse World Energy Council community, which includes over 3,000 member organisations spanning more than 100 counties, and its flagship World Energy Congress which convenes global energy leaders to advance clean and inclusive energy transitions.
Co-hosted by the World Energy Council and the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia, the 27th edition of World Energy Congress will take place 26-29 October 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
-Ends-
About the World Energy Council
The World Energy Council is the world's oldest independent and impartial community of energy leaders and practitioners. Through our Humanising Energy vision, we involve more people and communities in accelerating clean and just energy transitions in all world regions.
Formed in 1923, the Council has convened diverse interests from across the full energy ecosystem for a century, and today has over 3,000 member organisations and a presence in nearly 100 countries. Our global network draws from governments, private and state corporations, academia and civil society, as well as current and future energy leaders.
We effectively collaborate on impact programmes and inform local, regional and global energy agendas in support of our enduring mission: to promote the sustainable use and supply of energy for the benefit of all people. Further details at www.worldenergy.org and on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
17 minutes ago
- Zawya
Egypt: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Discusses Developments in Joint Economic Relations with Norwegian Minister of International Development and Dutch Deputy Minister of Development
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with H.E. Mr. Åsmund Aukrust, Minister of International Development of the Kingdom of Norway. The two sides reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation opportunities between the two countries and discussed a number of joint issues. This meeting took place during her representation of the Arab Republic of Egypt at the Fourth G20 Development Working Group (DWG) Meeting and the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Development. These meetings are being held under South Africa's G20 presidency from July 20 to 25, 2025, under the theme "Solidarity, Sustainability and Equality" in South Africa. During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat lauded the Egyptian-Norwegian relations, and noted that the two countries have strengthened and deepened bilateral ties across various sectors, including renewable energy and regional stability efforts. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that the extended partnership between the governments of Egypt and Norway has been essential in boosting the economy, developing the renewable energy sector, and creating better opportunities for the Egyptian economy. H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized Egypt's commitment, with its expanding economy and attractive investment climate, to attracting new foreign partnerships and investments that can drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed to the most prominent areas of cooperation with the Norwegian side, which include the oil, energy, gas, maritime transport, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors, in addition to fisheries and aquaculture. She noted that Egypt is keen to expand these areas of cooperation, and highlighted that the Egyptian-Norwegian partnership in promoting investments in the renewable energy sector was a central focus of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's historic visit to the Kingdom of Norway in December 2024. H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that the shared goals and mutual respect characterizing the bilateral relations between Egypt and Norway represent a model for international cooperation that will be built upon in the coming years. She further stated that Norway's commitment to sustainability and international cooperation aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030 and green transformation goals. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that the cooperation between the two countries in green hydrogen and renewable energy, which includes several prominent projects. These include a green ammonia production project from green hydrogen, a green methanol production project in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, in addition to a number of funded projects in various fields. These contribute to creating decent job opportunities for youth in cooperation with the International Labour Organization and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and promoting health and combating violence against women in Egypt in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund. H.E. Minister Al-Mashat affirmed Egypt's keenness to involve the private sector, especially in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, maritime industries, and technology. She noted that the country provides a stable investment climate, competitive incentives, and access to key regional markets, making it an ideal gateway for Norwegian and other international companies seeking to expand into the Middle East and Africa. She also referred to the cooperation between Egypt and Scatec, and mentioned that Egypt and Norway have historically strong economic ties, which have translated into tangible projects benefiting both economies. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat outlined that the new partnerships with Scatec enhance active cooperation between the public and private sectors and development partners, aiming to promote green transformation. She noted Scatec's contribution to the implementation of the Benban Solar Park, one of the largest solar parks in the world, and the first green hydrogen plant in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other partners. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also pointed to the efforts of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation in continuing to support international partnerships and mobilize local and international financing to promote green transformation in Egypt and increase the number of environmentally friendly projects. She pointed out that the cooperation portfolio with Scatec includes a number of projects under the energy sector of the "NWFE" program, including the green hydrogen project in Egypt, the green ammonia production project in Damietta, the 1 GW solar power project with battery energy storage solutions (BESS), and a 1 GW solar power plant for the aluminum complex in Naga Hammadi. Egyptian-Dutch Relations On another note, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat met with H.E. Ms. Pascalle Grotenhuis, Netherlands' Vice Minister for International Development, to discuss strengthening Egyptian-Dutch relations and developments in the partnership between the two countries. During the meeting, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed that Egypt and the Netherlands have deep-rooted political, cultural, and economic relations spanning several decades. These relations have witnessed significant momentum and growing cooperation at various levels in recent years. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that the economic cooperation between the two countries has been an important axis in bilateral relations, with the Netherlands providing over 407 million Euros in development financing to Egypt since 1975. This assistance has contributed to supporting many vital sectors, including agriculture and irrigation, health and social affairs, transport, electricity, housing, tourism, education, and local development. She stated that the Netherlands is one of Egypt's main trading partners within the European continent, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately one billion Euros annually. Both sides aim to expand this cooperation and diversify its areas, especially given the available opportunities for economic integration between the two countries. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the "Orange Corners" program, implemented in cooperation with the Dutch side and the private sector, to support entrepreneurs in the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt governorates. After the success of the first three-year phase, the program is now in a new cycle extending from 2024 to 2028, reflecting the shared interest of both countries in achieving inclusive economic growth and providing job opportunities for youth. The two sides also reviewed developments in cooperation in the fields of water and climate following the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Egyptian and Dutch governments in October 2024, to enhance cooperation in coastal resource management and adaptation to climate change. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
United States Energy Association (USEA) Chief Executive Office (CEO) Mark W. Menezes to Bring United States (U.S.) Energy Expertise to African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Stage
Mark W. Menezes, President and CEO of the United States Energy Association (USEA), joins a roster of high-level speakers at this year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference – taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Bringing decades of experience bridging public and private sector energy leadership, Menezes's participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 underscores the U.S.'s enduring commitment to supporting Africa's energy transformation through strategic partnerships, technical assistance and investment facilitation. At the helm of the USEA, Menezes oversees the Energy Utility Partnership Program (EUPP), a flagship initiative supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development, which supports national utilities and energy institutions across sub-Saharan Africa in expanding access to electricity, integrating renewable energy, improving grid stability and strengthening institutional capacity. The USEA currently operates in more than a dozen African countries, with long-standing partnerships in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Djibouti and Ethiopia as well as across regional power pools like the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), Eastern Africa Power Pool and the West Africa Power Pool. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. In Uganda, the USEA has partnered with the country's Uganda Electricity Generation Company, the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company and major distribution companies including Umeme and the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company. Through a wide-ranging support program, USEA has delivered significant results including the development of a national Energy Mix Diversification Strategy, the certification of asset management personnel and significant cost savings by replacing foreign contractors with locally trained hydropower maintenance teams. Meanwhile, in Kenya, the USEA supports utilities including the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company and other public and private entities through the East Africa Regional Transmission Planning Program. The initiative has helped develop the region's first integrated load flow planning model to strengthen cross-border energy planning between Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The USEA has also been deeply engaged in Senegal since 2015, supporting the country's national electricity company SENELEC in managing a growing portfolio of energy projects through technical assistance in project management, procurement and power system modeling. In Ethiopia, the USEA played a key role in the drafting and passage of the country's Geothermal Resource Development Proclamation, which created the legal foundation for private investment in Ethiopia's vast geothermal potential. The USEA also helped Ethiopia Electric Power secure a $7.7 million grant through the African Union Commission's Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility to advance development of the Alalobeda geothermal field. Meanwhile, the USEA, in collaboration with the SAPP, facilitated executive exchanges, helped reform governance bylaw and supported the development of regional frequency and environmental guidelines aligned with international standards. As such, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 is set to serve as a critical platform for the USEA to deepen its partnerships with African utilities, regulators and private sector stakeholders. As Africa continues to balance the urgent need for energy access with long-term sustainability and industrialization goals, the USEA's technical support, training programs and planning tools offer frameworks for reform and investment readiness. 'Through the USEA and programs like EUPP, African countries are building stronger, smarter and more resilient energy systems. AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will provide the ideal forum to accelerate this momentum,' states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. About Mark W. Menezes: Mark W. Menezes is President and CEO of the United States Energy Association, representing 150 members across the U.S. energy sector. A former U.S. Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary of Energy, he managed a $34 billion budget and oversaw national labs, nuclear programs, and major energy initiatives. Menezes has held senior roles at Berkshire Hathaway Energy, in Congress as Chief Counsel for the House Energy&Commerce Committee, and as a partner at Hunton&Williams LLP. He founded Global Sustainable Energy Advisors and teaches energy law at Georgetown. He holds degrees from LSU and is licensed in D.C., Texas, and Louisiana.
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Sheikh Abdullah welcomes Emmanuel Macron's move to recognise Palestine as a state
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has welcomed the declaration by French President Emmanuel Macron that France will recognise Palestine as a state. Mr Macron announced on Thursday night that France would join Norway, Ireland and Spain as countries in Europe that have recognised Palestine. His comments came as anger mounted over the death toll in Gaza and the growing number of people starving in the enclave. Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE appreciated "this important decision" by Mr Macron, state news agency Wam reported on Friday evening. The move by the French President came at "a pivotal moment that requires the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and work collectively to activate the political process and end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict", added Sheikh Abdullah. The French stance will contribute to enhancing security and stability in the region, while supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, he said. Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE's commitment to work with regional and international partners to find a just solution to the conflict in Gaza, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for the region in the process. Mr Macron said he would formalise the decision at the United Nations General Assembly in September. "The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population," Mr Macron wrote. "We must finally build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability and enable it, by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East."
