Statement of IRENA Director-General on the International Day of Clean Energy 2026.

International Day of Clean Energy 2026



It is a privilege to address you on the occasion of the International Day of Clean Energy.

This proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly advanced by Panama and the UEE was an important diplomatic achievement and a meaningful expression of global commitment to the energy transition.
Marking this day on the anniversary of Arena's founding also reflects a recognition of the urgency mandate and essential role of renewable energy in global climate action.

So ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, we gather at the time of great complexity with rising geopolitical tensions and economic pressures testing the resilience of nations everywhere. While this shift creates headwind for the energy transition, experience shows that period of disruption often reinforce the strategic value of renewable energy systems during the pandemic. While many sectors load, renewable energy deployment continue to grow.

Today, even amid global uncertainty, renewables are again reaching records levels. Early estimate indicate the more than 700 gawatts of renewable capacity we haded last year. This resiliency is not accidental. Renewable energy has become the most competitive way to generate electricity outperforming fossil fuel alternatives on cost, stability, and long-term value.

In the near future, new investment renewables and storage will be more economical that extending life of a coal plant. Renewables also offer predictability and strengthen energy independence.

They align with the long-term interest of society, seeking stability in a world that is becoming increasingly uncertain and fragmented. This is why renewable energy now sits at the center of national strategy. 

So dear friends, the energy transition is unstoppable and we are moving towards a renewables-based energy system.

But direction alone is not enough. The global commitment to triple renewable power capacity and double energy efficiency improvements by 2030 provides a clear pathway. Reaching it will depend on cooperation across country, institution, markets and knowledge communities.

On this international day of clean energy, let us channel the spirit of collaboration that made this day possible. A renew our commitment to working together. A spirit needed now more than ever to ensure the structural shift delivers lasting prosperity and security for all. 

Thank you very much.

Sync to video time 



26 January 2026 marks the third International Day of Clean Energy, coinciding with the 17th anniversary of the founding of IRENA. Despite global uncertainty, renewable energy continues to reach record levels, with early estimates indicating over 700 gigawatts of new capacity added in 2025. Achieving the global commitment to triple renewable power capacity by 2030 will require cooperation across countries, institutions and markets. Since its inception in 2009, IRENA has supported countries to deploy renewable energy solutions and accelerate just and inclusive energy transitions.
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