The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced that at the 16th Session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from January 11 to 12, the Republic of Korea was designated* as the Chair country for the next (17th) session.

* The designation was made at 00:30 on January 13 (Korea Standard Time), just before the close of the Assembly.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an international organization established in 2011 with the aim of promoting a rapid global energy transition and the expansion of renewable energy for a sustainable future, and it has 171 member countries worldwide. Korea has served as a member of the Council since the organization’s early days, and this is the first time it has been designated as the Chair country of the Assembly. 

With its designation as the Chair country, the Republic of Korea will lead IRENA as its Chair for one year in 2027, presiding over the Assembly meetings and taking the initiative in setting key agendas for the global expansion of renewable energy and promoting cooperation among countries. Through this role, Korea is expected to demonstrate leadership in the successful implementation of its core policy priorities, namely a major energy transition centered on renewable energy and a decarbonized green transition, as well as in strengthening international cooperation to support these efforts.

Lee Won-ju, Deputy Minister for Energy Transition Policy Office at the MCEE, who attended the Assembly as Korea’s head delegate, said, “This designation as Chair country s the international consensus on our government’s energy transition policy centered on renewable energy.” He added, “By successfully hosting the next Assembly after a year of preparation, we will elevate Korea’s standing in global clean energy governance to the next level and generate tangible results in international cooperation, including winning overseas projects.”

Cho Gye-yeon, Deputy Director General for Climate Change, Energy, Environmental and Scientific Affairs Bureau at the MOFA, who attended the Assembly as the alternate head delegate, said, “Assuming the role of Chair country of the IRENA, the only international organization dedicated to renewable energy, demonstrates Korea’s strong commitment to further promoting international cooperation on the energy transition.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

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