ABU DHABI, Jan 12: Nepal actively participated in the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), held under the theme “Powering Humanity: Renewable Energy for Shared Prosperity.” The event brought together over 1,500 delegates from 171 countries, featuring virtual addresses by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Dominican Republic Energy Minister Joel Santos, and UNGA President Annalena Baerbock. IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera and UAE Minister of Climate Change Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak addressed participants in person, the Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi said. Dhakal highlighted Nepal’s ambitious energy roadmap, targeting 28,500 MW electricity capacity, 1,500 kWh per capita consumption, and 15,000 MW electricity export by 2035. He also presented Nepal’s clean cooking initiatives, requesting technical and financial support for awareness, quality assurance, private sector engagement, and low-interest consumer financing. Dhakal further met with IRENA Deputy Director-General Ms. Gauri Singh to advocate for the prompt implementation of approved projects in Nepal.

Source: International New York Times January 12, 2026 05:36 UTC