Tonga to attend IRENA First General Assembly

Tonga to attend IRENA First General Assembly

A high level delegation from the Government of Tonga left the Kingdom today to attend the First General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Prime Minister of Tonga and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Defence Lord Tu’ivakano, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mr Mahe’uli’uli Tupouniua and the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Hon. ‘Akau’ola will be joined later by His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka, Ambassador Designate to the UAE, on their way to the landmark meeting on 4 - 5 April.

The First General Assembly session is expected to bring about key decisions that will lay down the institutional framework for IRENA.

IRENA was officially established on 26 January 2009 as an inter-governmental organisation to promote the use and adoption of renewable energy sources around the world. To date, 148 states and the European Union are signatories, including nine Pacific countries.

Acting as the global voice for renewable energies, IRENA will facilitate access to all relevant renewable energy information, including technical and economic data, policy frameworks, capacity-building projects, finance mechanisms and renewable energy related efficiency measures.

The Government of Tonga has been one of the earliest supporters of IRENA and has been a member of all Work Groups at all Preparatory Commission meetings. Tonga is currently Chair of the Legal Working group Committee.

IRENA has lauded Tonga’s in-country work towards creating a new sustainable energy system for the nation. At a special signing ceremony last year, the Tonga Energy Road Map was presented to IRENA member states as a model for design, engagement and implementation of renewable energy futures, by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Pilolevu Tuita on behalf of His Majesty’s Government and the people of Tonga.
Tonga’s support for IRENA was also acknowledged in February 2010 by a visit from His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of UAE. The UAE also announced a USD$50 million Pacific Island Partnership Fund.

The Tonga-based members of the delegation are due to return on 11 April.

Updates on the activities and progress of the group and the First General Assembly of IRENA will be sent from Abu Dhabi.

ENDS

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