ID :
100901
Mon, 01/18/2010 - 15:26
Auther :

UAE is committed to make IRENA effective, relevant and tangible organisation, Gargash

Abu Dhabi, Jan 18, 2010 (WAM)- HE Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has reiterated UAE's commitment to the mission of making IRENA, the International Renewable Energy Agency, an effective, relevant and tangible organisation of the world.
He urged the member states to complete the ratification processes in their countries in order to bring IRENA into being.
"The UAE remains committed to using its unique geographic, political, and economic position to not only encourage the dynamic involvement of the developing world in the quest for renewable energy, but to also effectively contribute to the ongoing North-South dialogue on a wide range of developmental issues", he said while addressing the third preparatory session of IRENA here in Abu Dhabi.
He said that the meeting, just 9 days short of the first anniversary of IRENA's official establishment marks another step forward in the life of this important organization.
"The UAE firmly believes that IRENA will evolve into one of the most important international organization of the 21st century and we are truly proud to be part of that journey", he added.
"It is remarkable to think that in less than 12 months, we have seen IRENA's membership increased from 75 to 139 - with the latest addition taking place less than a fortnight ago. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome the Czech Republic to the fold - and I understand that others may also join today. This reflects the whole-hearted global endorsement of Irena's core aspiration to be the driving force behind a rapid transition towards the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy around the world".
"This aspiration can only be translated into reality through a collective, continued and consensus-based contribution", he underscored.
Gargash was of the view that following several rounds of intense deliberations between various working groups over the last three months, it is abundantly clear that we all share the common commitment of ensuring that Irena achieves its mandate effectively.
"In this regard, I would like to place on record our immense appreciation to the 6 working groups for conscientiously discussing crucial issues - and committing their resources and time to drafting the important decisions on Irena's future course of action".
He vowed that UAE has extended all possible resources to shoulder its responsibilities as the host of Irena's headquarters. “As Chair of the Headquarter Agreement Working Group - we have done our utmost to incorporate the different observations of each member state in our submitted draft agreement today.”
"We also continue to extensively campaign in all international forum and bilateral discussions for more member states to join our growing family - and I am delighted to observe that our actions - as well as the lobbying effort of many of the distinguished delegates here today have resulted in notable successes".
On behalf of the developing world, the UAE is committed to the mission of making this organization effective, relevant and tangible, he added.
"Working together, I am confident that we will be able to achieve these objectives and contribute to making our future a sustainable one".
At the end of his speech he said "It is my sincere hope that the outcome of today moves IRENA one step further towards actively making a difference in the field of renewable energy - and one leap closer to bringing IRENA into being.
He held: "Collectively we stand at a historical threshold in the lifespan of IRENA. This journey to create an agency of substance and of meaningful impact is a truly special one that will culminate with issues of renewable energy and climate change taking their rightful place on the centre stage of global affairs".
The UAE looks forward to welcoming all of your permanent representatives here in our capital in the near future, he concluded.

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