
The 2025 IRENA Legislators Forum on the 10th of January in Abu Dhabi convened policymakers, experts, and Parliamentarians from across the globe to address urgent priorities in the just energy transition. The session, “Legislative Pathways for the UAE Consensus: Tripling Renewables and Doubling Efficiency,” underscored the critical role of Legislators in accelerating climate action and delivering on the global commitment to limit warming to 1.5°C.
Framing the Urgency: The 1.5°C Pathway
In his opening remarks, IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera highlighted the rapidly narrowing window to stay within the 1.5°C target. With countries set to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in early 2025, the next 12 months represent a pivotal period for global climate policy. “Instruments like risk-mitigation funds and results-based financing can support vulnerable economies without increasing their debt burdens,” he emphasised, while calling for regional and cross-sectoral collaboration as essential to success.
Harnessing Parliamentary Power for Change
Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, Vice-President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, delivered an inspiring keynote, calling on Parliamentarians to champion the energy transition in their legislative agendas. His message resonated throughout discussions, reflecting the shared understanding that lawmakers are instrumental in shaping policies that drive renewable energy investments, regulatory frameworks, and cross-border cooperation.
Global Perspectives on Legislative Pathways
The discussions delved into practical challenges and opportunities in aligning legislative efforts with NDCs. Bärbel Höhn, Chair of the Global Renewables Congress, stressed the need for collaborative international financing mechanisms, particularly in Africa where investment can significantly improve livelihoods. Similarly, Meera Al Suwaidi, Member of the UAE’s Federal National Council, emphasised the importance of legislation that incentivises private-sector investments in renewables.
Lessons from Uruguay: A Case for Optimism
The forum also showcased Uruguay’s remarkable progress in renewable energy. Ramón Méndez Galain, Executive Director of Ivy and member of the GRC Advisory Board detailed how his country has achieved 99% energy generation from renewables despite significant resource limitations. Uruguay’s story demonstrated the economic and social dividends of clean energy, from decoupling energy prices from global commodity markets to creating green jobs and ensuring near-universal energy access.
Lessons from Canada: Climate Finance in Focus
Senator Rosa Galvez shared progress on her work to move forward with accessible and equitable climate finance measures. She has been championing the Climate Aligned Finance Act, and as a member of the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, she highlighted the work she has undertaken to link climate and net-zero aspirations to access to finance.
Lessons from Tanzania: Enabling Conditions for Access to International Finance
Honourable Jackson Kiswaga shared insights regarding their success in Tanzania to assure international finance stakeholders of the investability of their RE projects. Through feasibility studies, they can showcase the potential for RE across the country which addresses the risk perception.
The Call to Action
This year’s Legislators Forum underscored the power of parliamentary collaboration in driving the just energy transition. The Global Renewables Congress is committed to climate action and justice and we view this Forum as a vital space for amplifying the voices of Legislators, fostering international cooperation, and advancing practical solutions.
Clear, consistent, and positive narratives about the benefits of renewable energy and the just transition must be at the forefront of public discourse. Legislators have a pivotal role in telling these stories and enacting the policies that make them a reality. Let’s harness the potential of networks, partnerships, and legislative leadership to ensure a sustainable, just, and prosperous future.