Caption: Director General of IRENA Mr Adnan Z Amin with PIDF deputy secretary general Mr Penijamini Lomaloma.Photo:SUPPLIED.
The Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) has been admitted as an Observer organization with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
At the recently concluded fifth session of the IRENA’s Assembly held on 17-18 January 2015 in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the Assembly voted to grant Observer status to the PIDF.
IRENA is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.
Over 100 states including Pacific Island states are members of IRENA. A number of regional intergovernmental economic integration organisations hold Observer status in IRENA.
Welcoming its admittance as an Observer the PIDF Secretary General Mr Feleti Teo said
“Pacific islands are endowed with a rich variety of renewable energy resources, providing a viable and attractive alternative to fossil fuel imports. In January 2012 IRENA hosted a Pacific Leaders Forum from 11 Pacific Island Countries and Territories in Abu Dhabi, since then IRENA has worked closely with the Pacific to identify gaps and produce innovative, practical and island-specific solutions”.
“Pacific leaders at the PIDF Inaugural Meeting in 2013 identified greater use of renewable energy sources as one of the priorities of the PIDF. Our admittance as an Observer with IRENA has provided an additional avenue whereby we can assist the Pacific with its quest for greater use of renewable energy and increased energy efficiency.”
DEPTFO