“They understand that we can no longer burn our way to global prosperity.They see the potential for universal energy access, cleaner air and better public health,” UNSG Ban Ki-moon spoke on Sunday (January 15, 2012) in Abu Dhabi to help advance the goal of a clean energy future for all, stressing the advantages of renewables for communities, for economic growth and for the planet at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly. “Now, more than ever, the world needs bold leadership to make the promise of renewable energy a reality,” Read: -“Green Economy – Real Sustainable” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/green-economy-real-sustainable-by-ambassador-mo/42129 New Abu Dhabi Forum: IRENA, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was set up in January 2009 and promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy. Its Assembly takes place ahead of the World Future Energy Summit, which opens tomorrow (January 16, 2012) and will also feature the participation of Mr. Ban and the President of the General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser. IRENA members include 84 States and the European Union. (Map Above - Members are in Red and Signatories Total 149 are in Blue.) Surge in Green Energy Investments: UNSG Ban Ki-moon welcomed IRENA's work to transform the global energy system, adding that its efforts complement those of the United Nations. “Together, we can make progress on the twin challenges of sustainable growth and climate change while striking a blow against extreme poverty.” 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, which seeks to ensure universal access to modern energy services, double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency and double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, all by 2030. Sustainable Development (Rio+20), which will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this June. “Doubling the share of renewables is ambitious but achievable. And the benefits far outweigh the costs – which include growing energy insecurity and accelerating climate change. Renewable energy can also address inequity and advance universal energy access.” Read - “Surge in Green Energy Investments” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/surge-in-green-energy-investments-by-ambassador-mo/30927). Sustainable Energy in Advance of Rio+20: The group is developing an action plan and building a network of governments, companies, investors and civil society organizations that are making commitments that will be unveiled at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), which will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this June. Read: - "Environment Emergencies Ahead of Rio+20” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/environment-emergencies-ahead-of-rio20-by-ambassador-mo/39348. Link to IRENA Home - www.irena.org/home/index.aspx?PriMenuID=12&mnu=PriPriMenuID=12&mnu=Pri By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Twitter Follow @MuhamedSacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX Much more at “Ecology-Diplomat” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/ecology-diplomat