General Assembly of the IRENA: WWEA strengthens ties with IRENA
General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
WWEA strengthens ties with IRENA
Stefan Gsänger elected to the Steering Group of the IRENA Coalition for Action
Abu Dhabi / Bonn, 12 January 2026 – The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has become a key global player in the energy sector. With now more than 170 member states, its headquarters based in Abu Dhabi and the Innovation and Technology Center located in Bonn, Germany, the agency plays a central role in shaping international energy policy debates.
Currently, IRENA member states and numerous non-governmental observers are meeting in Abu Dhabi for the agency’s annual General Assembly. At a time when investments in renewable energy have overtaken those in fossil fuels and renewables have become the new normal, the discussions held at the IRENA Assembly have a significant impact on the development of global energy markets.
For more than 20 years, the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) has been one of the earliest proponents and supporters of the establishment of IRENA and today maintains close ties with the agency. Accordingly, WWEA was represented at the General Assembly by a strong and active delegation, including President Dr Irfan Mirza, Secretary General Stefan Gsänger, Vice Presidents Dr Karunamoorthy and Zeeshan Ashfaq, as well as Dr Ibrahim Togola, who participated virtually.
During the annual meeting of the Coalition for Action – IRENA’s main platform for cooperation with non-governmental stakeholders – new task forces were approved. In addition, Stefan Gsänger was elected as a member of the Coalition’s Steering Group.
In light of the growing urgency to accelerate renewable energy deployment, and against the background of the recent announcement by the new US administration to withdraw from IRENA, WWEA underlines the need to further strengthen international collaboration among like-minded proponents of renewable energy.
Dr Irfan Mirza, President of WWEA, emphasized the importance of close cooperation between international institutions and non-governmental organizations to ensure a rapid and inclusive global energy transformation.
Stefan Gsänger stated: “It is an honour for me that, after many years of working closely with IRENA, I have now been elected to the Coalition for Action Steering Group. I will continue my commitment to an inclusive global energy transformation that places citizens and communities at centre stage as key actors.”
Zeeshan Ashfaq: “Global renewable energy markets have reached a pivotal moment for emerging economies, with most countries already surpassing the 5% renewable energy threshold. As renewables move from niche to mainstream, the next phase of deployment must be firmly anchored in community participation – ensuring that economic value, local jobs, and long-term social benefits flow directly to the people.”
Dr Ibrahim Togola: “From my experience in the Sahel and Africa, renewable energy is one of the few solutions that simultaneously addresses energy access, youth employment, climate resilience and social stability. When local owned entreprises and communities become producers of energy and value, not just consumers, renewable energy turns into a foundation for peace and long-term development.”
Dr. Karunamoorthy Neethimani: "As proud member of WWEA, we were happy to be able to emblematize our thoughts in the global platform by coordinating with IRENA, in order to strengthen our voice in the international dialogues towards sustainable energy transition. IRENA's 16th assembly provided a strong foundation to present proposals on renewable energy solutions for vulnerable communities. Furthermore, IRENA’s role as a comprehensive renewable energy databank and its impactful conferences are truly commendable and instrumental in advancing global renewable energy action."
BBC Radio interviewed WWEA Secretary General Stefan Gsänger about the announcement of the US administration to withdraw from IRENA: https://wwindea.org/BBCnews_IRENA-US