The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment on Jan. 13 said the country next year will chair the International Renewable Energy Agency based in the United Arab Emirates. (Yonhap News)

By Lee Jihae

Korea next year will chair the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) based in the United Arab Emirates.

This reflects Korea's leadership as a "global pivotal state" in devising plans to achieve global carbon neutrality and reducing the energy gap between the Global North (advanced economies) and Global South (emerging and developing countries).

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment on Jan. 13 announced Korea's chairmanship at IRENA's 16th general assembly from Jan. 11-12 in Abu Dhabi.

Founded in 2011 to facilitate rapid energy transition and the expansion of renewable energy worldwide, the agency has 171 member states including the European Union. The organization's annual assembly is its highest decision-making body.

Korea, a charter member of IRENA, will preside over the assembly for the first time. For a year, the country will head assembly meetings, help set major agenda and coordinate global cooperation.

"Through a year of thorough preparation, we will successfully host IRENA's next general assembly," Deputy Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Lee Wonju said. "We will elevate Korea's status in global governance of clean energy as well as yield tangible results in international cooperation like helping our companies secure overseas projects."

jihlee08@korea.kr