Energy: Economic affairs minister Lekey Dorji will lead Bhutan’s delegation to the 7th session of the assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) from January 14-15 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, according to a foreign affairs press release.

The event is significant as Bhutan will participate as a full-fledged member of IRENA for the first time, the press release says.

With the deposit of the Instrument of Accession, the Statute of IRENA entered into force for Bhutan in June 2015. Bhutan’s membership to IRENA was deliberated and endorsed during the 4th session of the National Assembly and the 15th session of the National Council in 2015.

IRENA, formed in 2009, is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, on renewable energy.

IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. Currently, IRENA has 150 members. Bhutan’s membership in IRENA reaffirms the country’s commitment towards the use of renewable energy for sustainable development, the press release says.

SDG 7 seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. As a country where nearly 100 percent of its power generation is from renewable energy sources, Bhutan is well poised to be one of the global forerunners in the area of renewable energy, the press release states.

Staff reporter

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