Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Commission in Brussels said that the Executive Vice President of the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, and the Energy Commissioner, Kadri Simson, represent the executive body of the Union at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates today and tomorrow, January 14 and 15.
According to the Commission's participation program in meetings, Executive Vice President Timmermans will deliver a statement at the High-Level Plenary Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): "Global Energy Transition - Global Assessment". Later, and will exchange views with Irina Youth Forum.
On Sunday, Commissioner Simpson will attend the Ministerial Dialogue on "Prospects for the Regional Energy Transition: Energy Transitions in Southeast Asia." She will then deliver a keynote address at the Ministerial Dialogue on "Critical Materials for a Renewable Energy-Centered Energy Transition: How to Co-Explore Opportunities".
In the evening, the Commissioner will participate in the launch of the "Empowering Lives and Livelihoods" initiative, according to a statement issued by the Commission in Brussels. She will also attend the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Forum, and engage in conversation with Ambassador Richard Morningstar.
Commission Vice President Timmermans will also begin preparations for the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which is being hosted by the United Arab Emirates. Today, Saturday, he will meet bilaterally with Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the newly appointed President of the COP 28, and with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Siausi Sovalini. On Sunday, he will meet with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. Spain's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environmental Transformation and the Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera; Indian Minister of Energy, New and Renewable Energy Raj Kumar Singh; Maldives Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Technology Khadija Naseem; and Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arefin Tsrif.
On Monday, Executive Vice President Timmermans will participate in the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Later, he will hold bilateral meetings with the Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, Francesco La Camera. UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashemi. UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Steele; and Damilola Ogunbi, CEO, SEforALL. The CEO's trip will also include a visit to the Jubail Mangrove Park.
The General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will hold its meetings today and tomorrow at the start of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, and includes representatives of 168 member states.
The Assembly is attending its 13th session, heads of state, ministers, representatives of the private sector, civil society institutions and other international organizations, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and reaffirming the global renewable energy agenda, and taking concrete steps to accelerate the transition.