United Nations Secretary Generals Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change (AGECC) meets in Abu Dhabi

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The Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change for United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met over the weekend to discuss the preparation of its final report that will provide a prioritized set of key practical and action-oriented recommendations. The report will include an implementation plan and suggestions for moving the energy agenda forward in the context of the post-Copenhagen political realities and opportunities.

The high-level Energy and Climate Change Advisory Group held its fourth meeting in Abu Dhabi—directly following the World Future Energy Summit—under the chairmanship of Kandeh K. Yumkella, Director-General of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Chairman of UN-Energy, which is the United Nations system-wide coordinating mechanism on energy issues.

“The Abu Dhabi meeting is essential in the group’s efforts to provide a set of recommendations that will assist the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in his leadership on climate change and energy issues and the global transition to a sustainable energy future,” said Dr. Yumkella. “With the increasing political prioritization of energy and climate change security, it is imperative that adequate and reliable supplies of energy be addressed in tandem and in the broader context of national development priorities and the Millennium Development Goals”

The Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change is mandated to provide the Secretary General with timely advice on energy issues that are critical to the ongoing climate change discussions.

“The role of the private sector is key in providing the technology and investment flows needed to transform global energy systems,” said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, member of the Advisory Group and Chief Executive Officer of Masdar. “It is important that the private sector is fully engaged in the dialogue on a global climate change framework. In order to develop long-term low-carbon strategy that will translate to national policies and action. The Advisory Group is a demonstration of the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s leadership in developing mutually beneficial partnerships and bringing private sector perspective in relation to issues regarding energy and sustainable development.”

Among those attending the Advisory Group meeting hosted by Masdar, are top executives from companies such as Statoil (Norway), Suntech Holdings (China), Edison International (United States) as well as political figures, including His Excellency Jose Figueres, former President of Costa Rica, Senator Timothy Wirth, President of the UN Foundation, and officials of various UN Agencies and the World Bank.

IRENA calls in UNOPS to help achieve its mission

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have signed an agreement which paves the way for UNOPS to provide comprehensive administrative and procurement support to the recently established renewables agency.

Mandated by governments worldwide, IRENA's mission is to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion in 2050, abundant renewable energy sources worldwide can make a significant contribution to the world’s growing demand for energy.

IRENA was officially established in Bonn (Germany) in January 2009 and 142 states and the European Union have now signed its statute. It is headquartered in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates).

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by Hélène Pelosse, Interim Director-General of IRENA, and Jan Mattsson, Executive Director of UNOPS, is aimed at ensuring that the agency can quickly and efficiently begin implementing its mandate. Speaking at the signing ceremony at UNOPS headquarters in Copenhagen, Ms. Pelosse said: "The unique expertise of UNOPS in the area of service provision will enhance the capabilities of IRENA and boost the take-off of its activities dedicated to renewable energy.”

UNOPS will provide services such as the recruitment and administration of personnel, financial management, procurement and legal functions. On request it will also provide other consultancy and management services.

"This is an excellent example of where UNOPS is able to support an agency, with each partner focusing on its comparative strengths. We are delighted to be able to assist IRENA so it is in a position to quickly deliver on its important mission," declared Mr. Mattsson.

For additional information:

IRENA

UNOPS