Latest news with #IRENA


Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tajikistan and UAE united in climate push as Dushanbe hosts glacier summit
29 May 2025 15:34 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Tajikistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Ashrafjon Gulov, said that the partnership between the UAE and Tajikistan is becoming a driving force for climate and water diplomacy, as Dushanbe is preparing to host a major international summit on glacier preservation.'When it comes to the water and climate partnership, Tajikistan and the UAE have a common vision in the international arena,' Gulov told Aletihad in an said that the UAE's growing role and experience in shaping global climate policies will be a key asset in achieving the goals of the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration. The Declaration is set to launch during the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation, which kicked off in Dushanbe today and runs until June 1.'The UAE's enriched experience will significantly contribute to the advancement of the goals of the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration, taking into account the country being recognised as a global partner in climate-forward policy, a host of COP28, and a significant global investor in sustainable energy.'Gulov also highlighted the Emirates Polar Programme, which supports scientific research and exploration to address global challenges, and the UAE's role as host of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), describing both as examples of the country's commitment to sustainability and shared vision has translated into a series of high-level engagements, with the Ambassador pointing out Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon's participation in COP28 in Dubai, the visit of UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna Al Dahak, to the Dushanbe Water Conference in June 2024, and the joint hosting of a High-Level Event on Glaciers' Preservation by both countries at COP29 in efforts will continue into this week's Dushanbe summit, held as part of the UN-declared International Year of Glaciers' Preservation. According to the Ambassador, the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation seeks to bring global attention to the urgent need to protect glaciers as essential sources of water, energy, and food security.'By raising the need for glacier preservation, the Conference aims to align glacier preservation efforts with global goals for water availability, energy, and food security,' Gulov explained, adding that it will also focus on mobilising financial and technical resources to support the resilience of mountain communities and the sustainability of ecosystems conference also marks a culmination of Tajikistan's long-running advocacy to put water and climate at the centre of international diplomacy. Ambassador Gulov recalled that President Emomali Rahmon has led several initiatives adopted by the UN between 1999 and 2025, including the International Year for Fresh Water, the Water for Life Decade, the International Year of Water Cooperation, and the current Water for Sustainable Development Decade. The country has also championed the Dushanbe Water Process and launched the UN Groups of Friends on Water and Glaciers, with the goal of building lasting international momentum and coalitions around the protection of these critical home to 60% of Central Asia's water resources, is already witnessing the impact of glacial retreat. Over 1,300 of the country's 14,000 glaciers have disappeared, while the iconic Fedchenko Glacier has shrunk by 44 square kilometres. According to UNEP, more than half of Central Asia's glaciers could vanish by 2050, putting over 64 million people at said the conference will focus not only on scientific solutions like glacier monitoring, remote sensing, and engineering, but also on practical adaptation measures, including sustainable water management and terrace farming.'Sustainable agriculture can help protect mountain ecosystems. Among other practices, terrace farming, tailored to mountainous terrain, improves water management, reduces soil erosion, and preserves cultural heritage. Sustainable agriculture and water management, agri-food systems can help adapt to the climate crisis and increase livelihood resilience.'According to Gulov, concrete outcomes of the conference will include the Dushanbe Declaration on Glaciers, the Dushanbe Appeal, the launch of a Glacier Preservation Coalition, and new public-private partnerships to support climate-resilient infrastructure. The results will be carried into COP30 and the UN High-Level Political on the outcomes of the summit, the UAE and Tajikistan plan to present a united front at COP30, the Ambassador said, calling for the integration of glacier preservation into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), increased climate finance for glacier-dependent regions, and the formal recognition of cryosphere issues within UNFCCC processes.'By presenting a united front at COP30, the UAE and Tajikistan could elevate the discourse on glacier preservation, ensuring it becomes a central component of global climate action,' he added. The partnership is also looking beyond COP30. Tajikistan and the UAE are collaborating closely in preparation for the 3rd UN Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host with Senegal in 2026. Gulov said both countries intend to keep climate and water at the core of their joint diplomatic efforts.


Trade Arabia
5 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
World Utilities Congress 2025 opens in Abu Dhabi
The World Utilities Congress 2025 opened its doors today (May 27) at ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi bringing together more than 1,400 delegates and over 500 expert speakers from across the global water and power sector, to advance sustainable growth through renewables, technology and cross-sector collaboration. Themed 'Innovating for a New Age of Utilities,' the three-day event is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Spanning 20,000 sq m, the event will bring together more than 18,000 attendees. This year's programme features high-level speakers and decision-makers addressing the most critical issues facing energy and water systems worldwide. Notable participants include Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, MD and CEO of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC); Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Dr. Angela Wilkinson, Secretary-General and CEO of the World Energy Council; and Jasim Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA. Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, said: "Now more than ever, the utilities sector is being asked to respond with speed, resilience, and innovation. The Congress brings together a global community of leaders who are focused on turning those expectations into outcomes." "From accelerating the integration of renewables to building more connected and climate-resilient systems, this event is about enabling real collaboration and laying the groundwork for progress across energy and water," he added. With global electricity consumption forecast to more than double by 2050, strategic sessions are focusing on how to build flexible, digitally enabled grids, finance large-scale infrastructure, and ensure reliable and affordable utility services in an increasingly complex operating environment, said the organisers. The programme is also spotlighting the technologies shaping the sector's next chapter, from artificial intelligence and advanced desalination to clean hydrogen and decentralised energy systems.


South China Morning Post
13-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Asia must focus on energy transition and the jobs it offers
We refer to 'Asia's clean energy future at risk as nations rush to sign US gas deals to dodge tariffs' (April 29) . Despite the political backlash against sustainability, the energy transition is accelerating and creating new career opportunities. Working in energy transition can feel paradoxical: geopolitical tensions are high and fossil fuels remain influential. Yet, the shift towards a new energy system continues, driven not just by economics but also by the growing urgency of climate change as it steers investments and reshapes job markets. In 2023, renewable energy created 2.5 million jobs, an 18 per cent increase that is the largest on record , according to the 2024 review by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). ILO and IRENA forecast that clean energy will generate around 24 million jobs by 2030 and 43 million by 2050. Asia, in particular, is at the forefront of this transition, representing two-thirds of global clean energy employment – China alone accounts for 46 per cent. There are now more clean energy jobs than fossil fuel ones and the sector demands a broader skill range. Previously seen as the preserve of engineers, the energy transition increasingly requires social, economic and cultural expertise too. The vast industrial ecosystems need professionals in production, financing, maintenance, marketing, programme management and business development too. As sustainability reporting and compliance gain importance, demand is rising for environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) analysts, advisers and sustainability officers. In China, for instance, new sustainability guidelines apply to more than 450 listed companies


Arabian Business
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE and Peru strengthen relations as trade reaches $2.5bn
The UAE and Peru are developing economic and cultural relations as trade between the two nations reaches $2.5bn. Elmer Schialer Salcedo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Peru, emphasised that the relations between Peru and the UAE stand as a successful model of joint efforts to expand cooperation across vital sectors. Salcedo highlighted that bilateral relations began in the 1990s and have since seen significant growth, marked by the opening of Peru's Consulate General in Dubai in 2010. UAE and Peru trade This milestone has now been followed by another major step—the inauguration of Peru's Embassy in Abu Dhabi. He noted that annual trade between the two nations has now reached approximately $2.5bn. , which has led to a robust presence of Emirati companies in the Peruvian market. He stressed that both nations are committed to strengthening and advancing their relations to serve mutual interests. The minister also underlined the importance of establishing a clear and stable legal framework to create a favourable environment for businessmen and investors from both sides. He also stressed the need for transparent regulations that ensure stability and equal opportunities for all. Foreign Minister Salcedo also spoke about the deep cultural ties between the two peoples. He explained that Peruvian culture, influenced by Spanish heritage, has drawn aspects of its worldview from ancient Arab civilisation, as reflected in the presence of numerous Arabic-origin words in the Spanish language. This cultural commonality, he noted, serves as a bridge for greater intellectual and cultural understanding between Peru and the UAE. Regarding prospects for cooperation in technology and science, he praised the UAE's prominent global status in knowledge and academic research, particularly in artificial intelligence. He expressed Peru's keen interest in enhancing cooperation with Emirati institutions to transfer academic excellence to Peru. He also pointed out Peru's significant potential in renewable energy production, particularly in wind and solar energy. He expressed hope for deeper collaboration with the UAE, which hosts the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), to leverage Emirati expertise in developing clean energy projects. Foreign Minister Salcedo extended thanks and appreciation to the UAE leadership, government, and people. He reiterated Peru's strong commitment to further advancing bilateral relations, fostering greater progress, prosperity, and development across areas of mutual interest.


Emirates 24/7
14-04-2025
- Science
- Emirates 24/7
Fifty Years On: UAE captivates Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, with visionary tale of future-building
After a journey spanning more than half a century, the UAE has returned to make its remarkable presence felt in the heart of Japan, launching its distinguished participation in Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, following its initial participation in 1970. Under the theme 'Earth to Ether', the UAE national pavilion opened its doors today to tell the world the story of a nation that transcended the limits of dreams and transformed them into a lived reality. It's an inspiring narrative of deep-rooted cultural origins intertwined with lofty space ambitions, a profound commitment to sustainability, and future-oriented healthcare. The UAE pavilion pulsates with a unique sensory experience, taking visitors on a journey through three captivating stations, where Emirati and global success stories are embodied, and the path of brilliant Emirati talents and international scientists who have left their mark in vital sectors is illuminated. From space explorers to healthcare pioneers and sustainability stewards, these leaders draw inspiration from their rich heritage to serve the future and make a real difference. Inside the pavilion, Nawal Al Hosany, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), shines alongside environmental innovation pioneers, including Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, Executive Director of SS Lootah Group and Chairman of Lootah Biofuels, and Maryam Al Mazrouei, a renewable energy engineer at Masdar. The pavilion celebrates global pioneers in artificial intelligence and hybrid energy, such as the innovative duo Hayk Vasilyan, Maryam Ahmed Hassani, Co-Founders of Hydro Wind Energy, as well as Martin Takáč and Samuel Horváth, machine learning scientists and professors at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. The pavilion highlights the UAE's role in developing leading medical solutions through influential figures such as Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre Ali Al Loghani, founder of the "Doctor Robot" project, and Dr. Habiba Al Safar, Professor and Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University, alongside international researchers in bioengineering and biology. Emirati astronaut Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, stands out, surrounded by ambitious young Emirati leaders in the astronomy and space sector, including Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of Space Missions at the UAE Space Agency, Nora Al Matrooshi, Emirati astronaut - UAE Astronaut Programme at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, and Moza Al Maalla, a doctoral student in astronomy and astrophysics at Harvard University. This station provides pavilion visitors the opportunity to explore the success stories of these dreamers who have soared with their nation's hopes towards the stars. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.