Dear participants and distinguished delegates,
On behalf of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), I have the honor to extend an invitation to participate in the 7th International Conference on Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency – Energy Security (RESEE2023). Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry (MECI) and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), this conference is set to be a pivotal gathering of key stakeholders in the energy sector that are committed to transitioning to renewable energy coupled with energy efficiency measures to promote economic growth, environmental sustainability, social inclusion and addressing climate change.
In line with our commitment to advancing the renewable energy transition, I would like to share some notable insights from the World Energy Transitions Outlook published by IRENA in 2023, which demonstrates that renewable energy accounted for 83% of all new global electricity capacity additions in 2022.
This expansion has been driven by remarkable cost reductions, technological advancements, and supportive policies, indicating the accelerating pace of the energy transition. By accelerating the adoption of renewable energy technologies, we can potentially reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by 70% by 2050, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement and creating a more sustainable future, and contributing to the UN Secretary General’s Climate Action Plan target of achieving 80% renewable energy by 2030.
This year holds further significance with the Global Stocktake concluding at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, where requirement will be assessed and the best path to rapid, lasting change will be determined.
I believe that this conference will provide an opportunity to discuss an extensive array of topics that will advance the energy transition efforts such as enabling policy and regulatory frameworks, renewable energy technologies, long-term energy planning, energy nexus with food, water and health, island cooperation, digitalization, energy security, e-mobility, energy communities, energy efficiency, weather forecasting, rural electrification, renewable desalination systems, battery energy storage systems and green hydrogen amongst many others. The dialogues will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, stimulate innovative thinking, and pave the way for the development of sustainable and resilient energy systems.
We look forward to your participation in the RESEE2023 in Cyprus, where we will unite in our collective efforts, insights and expertise towards a brighter future and a world that embraces environmental consciousness, fosters sustainability, and exhibits climate resilience.
Francesco La Camera
Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)