BONN, CMC – The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) to assist developing countries, including those in the Caribbean, dealing with the impacts of climate change.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Bonn Climate Change Conference on Monday, and the organizations said it would allow for a lead intergovernmental agency committed to spearheading renewable energy transformation, innovative cooperation, and support for the energy transition.
At least 13 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are members of the 39-member OASIS that interests small island and low-lying coastal developing states in global climate change, sustainable development negotiations, and processes.
“On behalf of AOSIS, I welcome the continued cooperation between AOSIS and IRENA. For Small Island Developing States, energy plays a huge role in the development process, and we believe that technology can help solve some of the challenges we face.
“We need technology for development to bolster our response to climate change. This partnership will help us join our resources to accomplish outcomes that will benefit vulnerable communities most,” said OASIS Ambassador Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr. Pa’olelei Luteru.
IRENA’s Director-General, Francesco La Camera, said, “We are delighted to be here today to announce the signature of this Memorandum of Understanding between the Alliance of Small Island States and IRENA.
“ it is our responsibility to secure a sustainable future for SIDS by increasing the pace and scale of the energy transition, as we all know the challenges the SIDS have because of access to affordable energy,” he added.
The two organizations have reiterated their commitment to work toward accelerating and strengthening the adaptative capacity and energy transition of SIDS in the face of the adverse effects of climate change and fostering resilient development.
“Activities aim to advance Adaptation and foster a climate-resilient, low GHG emission environment for the energy transition in SIDS, to achieve Sustainable Development Goals such as SDG 7 – Energy and SDG 13 – Climate Change. Actions will drive additional capacity and knowledge exchange. Promoting access to finance for SIDS is also a priority, as well as alleviating barriers to renewable energy,” according to a statement issued here.
Following the signing, the parties discussed areas for technical support and cooperation, including the challenges facing SIDS, such as access to essential finance to implement necessary adaptation initiatives.
“For the duration of the cooperation, the IRENA-AOSIS Memorandum of Understanding will provide annual progress on the energy transition of Small Island States to a 1.5°C world IRENA-AOSIS Energy Compact operationalized through the SIDS Lighthouse Initiative,” the statement added.
and then  has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Alliance of Small){kind=link}