UAE, IRENA partner to support NDC ambitions in 20 developing nations 

The UAE and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have launched a strategic partnership to empower 20 developing countries to enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in line with global climate goals.

Announced during the 79th United Nations General Assembly, this initiative seeks to elevate the climate ambitions of these nations and drive urgent action on sustainability.

The partnership leverages the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy and IRENA’s expertise in NDC development.

It aims to address the challenges developing economies face, such as limited technical capabilities and access to financial resources.

Dr Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasised the critical need for a unified approach to bridge gaps in current NDC ambitions. “This partnership is a promising step toward ensuring that nations can meet their climate targets and contribute to global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C,” she stated.

IRENA commends UAE on climate action efforts

Francesco La Camera, director-general of IRENA, highlighted that renewables represent the fastest and most effective means of reducing carbon emissions.

He commended the UAE for its continued leadership in energy transition, noting that support for developing countries is essential to provide long-term policy certainty and attract investment.

Despite nearly universal ratification of the Paris Agreement, existing NDC pledges are insufficient, projected to limit global temperature rise to 2.8°C by century’s end. Updated NDCs, combined with net-zero commitments, could reduce emissions by 20 per cent by 2030, but still fall short of the 1.5°C target.

The partnership underscores the urgent need for more ambitious renewable energy targets in NDCs.

IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook indicates that global installed renewable power capacity must triple to over 11 terawatts by 2030 to align with climate goals.

However, as of October 2023, only 148 out of 184 parties included quantifiable renewable energy targets in their NDCs, predominantly focusing on the power sector.

The announcement was marked by a signing ceremony and networking session, fostering collaboration among diplomats and stakeholders to reinforce global climate commitments.