The United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate global energy transition in cities. Their aim is to advance the role of cities in the global energy transformation and to promote cleaner, low-carbon urbanization through supporting municipal governments.
According to IRENA’s studies, cities account for 65% of global energy demand and for between 71% and 76% of energy-related carbon emissions.
“Cities are the engines of modern economic growth, supporting prosperity and opportunity, and are also a source of significant energy demands and of carbon emissions,” said IRENA director-general Francesco La Camera. “In the pursuit of climate and sustainable development goals, municipal governments have an opportunity to strengthen policy frameworks that can help cities shift to renewable energy use. Cities can significantly contribute to the achievement of global energy transformation objectives and this partnership will help accelerate that process.”
The two organizations will exchange relevant information, expertise, and viewpoints in order to realize potential synergies, enhance public dialogue, and implement common positions.
UN-Habitat Deputy Executive Director Victor Kisob said, “The signing of this MoU is one of the many testaments of UN reforms to advance synergy and partnership. We are happy to strengthen our partnership with IRENA for a more sustainable energy future.”
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organization that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a center of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy – including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.