Kenyan picked to head renewable energy agency
By Mark Oloo in Kenya – A Kenyan diplomat has been picked to head the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Mr Adnan Amin assumes duties of Interim Director-General following the resignation of Hélène Pelosse.
He was picked as 300 delegates from more than 100 countries gathered in Abu Dhabi for the fourth session of the Irena preparatory commission.
Amin, who has served the UN family in various high-profile capacities, said his focus would be to develop a compelling vision for the future of renewable energy.
Amin previously served as the Director of the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB). He also worked as the Director of the New York Office of UNEP.
According to Irena, he was selected in August as Deputy Interim Director-General of the agency. Prior to this role, he served as the Executive Director of the Secretariat of the Secretary-General’s High Level Panel on UN System-wide Coherence.
Yesterday, Kenyan authorities welcomed his appointment, saying he would energize the push for sustained exploitation of renewable energy.
Kenya’s Assistant Energy Minister Muhmud Mohamed addressed the press in the capital Nairobi and said the East Africa country was privileged to have one of its own at the helm of the agency.
Amin’s appointment has come at a time the world is clamouring for continued exploitation of renewables to help combat climate change and its related affects.
It also comes when countries are in a dilemma over the possible outcome of the UN-led climate talks in Cancun, Mexico, in December, with fears developed countries could renege on pledges to reduce emissions.
In June, the talks hit a snag in Bonn, Germany, after developing countries accused rich nations of dragging their feet in the search for a global climate deal.
