QAZAQ GREEN. The 16th session of the IRENA Assembly concluded on 12 January after three days of discussions, bringing together a record number of more than 1,500 ministers, government officials, CEOs and partners from around the world. The level of participation confirmed IRENA’s central role in shaping the global energy agenda.

Opening the Assembly, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera stated that the global energy transition is irreversible. He подчеркнул that countries must strengthen renewable energy strategies not only to meet climate goals, but because renewables represent the most resilient and economically sound pathway for development, energy security, decarbonisation and competitiveness.

According to La Camera, future economic competitiveness will depend on the ability to deliver electrons and molecules at the lowest possible cost and to provide clean, safe and affordable energy services. Countries that move quickly, he noted, will secure long-term productivity and competitiveness advantages.

A high-level dialogue titled “Reimagining Energy Futures: Bold Visions for Shared Prosperity” provided a platform for decision-makers to outline alternative approaches to energy development. Participants discussed the limitations of traditional energy transition models and highlighted the role of renewables in enabling inclusive growth, structural transformation and long-term resilience in both developing and developed economies.

Throughout the session, IRENA leadership emphasised that amid geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and escalating climate risks, energy has once again become a core element of national security and global stability.

The Assembly also hosted nearly 20 side events and several ministerial meetings focused on geothermal energy, green industrialisation, artificial intelligence and digitalisation, renewable energy for agri-food systems, and sustainable aviation fuels.

IRENA Members expressed strong support for the Agency’s mandate and formally adopted the evaluation of the Medium-term Strategy 2023–2027, along with the Work Programme and Budget for 2026–2027.

Concluding the Assembly, La Camera noted that despite growing pressure on multilateral cooperation, IRENA continues to expand and now unites 171 Members. This, he said, reflects the shared recognition of the practical value of cooperation on renewable energy and reinforces IRENA’s role in guiding the global energy transition toward a more secure, inclusive and sustainable future.