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Address
by the President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the IRENA
Conference |
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As we come to the end of the 7th International
Conference on Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency, I am very
pleased to join you and offer some closing remarks to what has been an
exciting, very productive conference. Let me start by saying that your presence here, and indeed mine, bear testament to our shared commitment to work closely together in shaping a sustainable energy future. I believe I echo our collective sentiment when I say I am proud of the discussions, collaborations and insights that have emerged over the past two days. In this regard, I wish to
express my appreciation to the organisers and to all speakers, panellists,
participants. Your expertise, dedication and contribution have been invaluable
in advancing our understanding of the energy transition challenges we face
and in forging the path forward. The Conference’s plenary
sessions, workshops, and side events have covered a wide range of topics,
from regional dynamics and innovative technologies to the importance of
effective stakeholder engagement and financing opportunities. The
result-oriented discussions during the Conference provide a comprehensive
overview of the complexities and opportunities inherent in our journey
towards a greener and more sustainable energy landscape. In particular, I wish to
highlight the significance of the sessions organised by the International
Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This marks a historic moment in the
conference’s history, as we have had the privilege of benefiting from IRENA’s
expertise and insights for the first time. Undoubtedly, the effects
and consequences of climate change extend well beyond borders.
We all have to live by them. As such, the key to addressing this common
challenge that has such far reaching consequences for our generation, and
generations to come, is cooperation and collaboration. In fact, the joint statement
signed by the MED9 countries, on 18 May 2023, in Valletta, is an important
step towards this direction for our region. It confirms our joint commitment
to ensure continuous effort to improve energy security and energy
affordability and to accelerate the transmission towards renewable energy. In this regard, I welcome the
inclusion of the important MED9 session in this Conference. The session’s
deliverables underscore the need for continued cooperation and knowledge
sharing among stakeholders, in order to realise a sustainable and greener
energy future for the MED9 countries. By leveraging the resources and
expertise available through IRENA and its Member states, the energy
transition in the Mediterranean region can be accelerated, ultimately leading
to a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape. Throughout this Conference, you
have been asked to delve into the importance of clear policy messages in
advancing the energy transition in MED9 countries, including the acceleration
of energy interconnections, mobilisation of investments in offshore renewable
energy projects and prioritization of renewable energy solutions. I believe
IRENA, as a leading institution in the field of renewable energy, has a
unique, pivotal role to play in assisting MED9 countries to develop and
implement the outlined strategy. Leveraging the expertise and resources of
Member states, particularly Egypt and the UAE, will be crucial in ensuring
the success of these initiatives. The answers and insights
gathered are very promising. They include strategies for attracting
investments in offshore renewable energy projects, along with the
demonstration of long-term value scenarios and asset transformation. The
session has also provided clarity on both the policy measures and incentives
required to prioritise investments in renewable energy, aligned with the EU’s
very ambitious hydrogen plan, as well as on how to effectively unlock
financing opportunities for the energy transition. As we move forward from this
conference, let us carry with us the spirit of collaboration and innovation
that guided its proceedings. The knowledge shared, the connections forged,
and the ideas generated here, can serve as the building blocks for our collective
efforts in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Together,
also ahead of COP28, we can accelerate the transition to a sustainable and
resilient energy future, not only for our countries but for our shared
regions and beyond. In closing, I wish to once
again congratulate the organisers and each and every one contributed to the
organisation of the 7th International Conference on
Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency. The conference
has exemplified the power of working together in advancing our shared
goals in sustainable energy planning and communication. It is through such
partnerships that we can leverage our collective expertise, drive innovation
and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable energy future. (RM/NG) |
