Published: January 16, 2012
World Needs Bold Leadership to Make Promise of Renewable Energy a Reality
By Mina Fabulous 
Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon today underlined the advantages of renewable energy on economic growth and for the planet at a forum in Abu Dhabi.
Mr. Ban called on participants at a forum to help advance the goal of a clean energy future for all.
"Now, more than ever, the world needs bold leadership to make the promise of renewable energy a reality." -Mr. Ban
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (front, centre) poses for a group photo with partners in his "Sustainable for Energy for All" initiative, including Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber (front, third from left), Chief Executive Officer at the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar); Kandeh Yumkella (right of Mr. Ban), Director-General of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Chair of UN-Energy; and Helen Clark (front, third from right), Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP); in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
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In his remarks to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, Mr. Ban commended the dedication of the IRENA members in promoting the use of all forms of renewable energy.
IRENA was formally inaugurated on April 4, 2011, in Abu Dhabi, with a membership of 148 member countries, plus the European Union. Forty-eight African countries have signed the IRENA statute. Its Assembly takes place ahead of the World Future Energy Summit, which opens tomorrow. It will also feature the participation of Mr. Ban and the President of the General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser.
Mr. Ban noted that IRENA members recognize that renewable energy can boost competitiveness and growth while combating climate change.
"They see the potential for universal energy access, cleaner air and better public health. They understand that we can no longer burn our way to global prosperity." -Mr. Ban
He welcomed IRENA's work to transform the global energy system, adding that its efforts complement those of the United Nations.
IRENA's Director-General, Adnan Amin, is a member of the high-level group the Secretary-General set up last year to promote his Sustainable Energy for All initiative. He was selected in August as Deputy Interim Director-General of IRENA. Adnan Amin served as the Director of the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB).
The International Renewable Energy Agency is aiming to become the global voice for renewable energy, while promoting a swift transition towards its sustainable use.
The United States joined IRENA on June 28, 2009.
Mina Fabulous follows the news, especially what is going on in the US State Department. Mina turns State Department waffle into plain english. Contact Mina through NewsBlaze.
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