Signing for the Republic of Palau was State Minister Sandra Pierantozzi who flew to Egypt to attend the second preparatory commission for IRENA.
IRENA is an intergovernmental agency which was officially established in Bonn on January 26, 2009.“The founding of IRENA is a milestone for world renewable energy supply and clear sign that the global energy paradigm is changing due to the accelerating commitment from governments.There have been 136 states who signed the statute of agency among them are 45 African, 30 European, 32 Asian, 14 American and 9 Australia/ Oceanic States.IRENA is the main driving force for promoting a rapid transition towards the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy on a global scale.The Palau protocol office said that Palau like many other small developing island states in the Pacific cannot continue to use fossil fuel for its energy source and that becoming a member of IRENA will allow the country to join with the rest of the world in pursuing renewable energy sources.Acting as the global voice for renewable energies, IRENA envisages providing practical advice and support for both industrialised and developing countries, thereby helping to improve frameworks and build capacity. Moreover, the Agency intends to facilitate access to all relevant information, including reliable data on the potentials for renewable energy, best practices, effective financial mechanisms, and state-of-the-art technological expertise, IRENA website said.Pierantozzi in the meeting extended an invitation for IRENA to host its first conference on renewable energy in the Pacific region.Pierantozzi attended the second preparatory commission at the United Arab Emirates which has sought support from the Pacific Island States.The next step for Palau is to have the Congress ratify the agreement, Pierantozzi said.When Palau ratifies IRENA Palau can begin participation in programs and activities of IRENA.
