IRENA holds its 4th Preparatory Commission – October 24th and 25th

400 delegates from more than 100 countries, 20 ministers will be in Abu Dhabi from October 24th to 25th. IRENA, the International Renewable Energy Agency will host the representatives of its Member States for the fourth session of its Preparatory Commission.

The main subjects on the agenda are the following:

1. Succession of the Interim Director General
Following the departure of the current Interim Director General, Hélène Pelosse, a new Interim Director General will be nominated.

2. Propositions for the 2011 Work Programme and its budget
An agreement will be reached on the 2011 budget and Work Programme. The current discussions are based on a $18 million budget. 38% of it will come from the Member States, 42% from the Bid agreement with the United Arab Emirates. Finally, 14% will come from the German Bid and 6% from the Austrian Bid for the Bonn Innovation & Technology Center and the Vienna Liaison Office.

3. Decisions about the First Assembly
On July 8th, IRENA became a fully fledged international organization. As a result, it needs to define its permanent institutions. The draft rules and procedures for the election of the Council and Assembly, its final decision organs will be defined during the Preparatory Commission.
The procedure for the election of the Director General will also be decided upon and in addition, the date of the First assembly will be put forward.

4. Discussions on the Headquarters agreement
A headquarters agreement is a important milestone in defining the relationship between an international organization and its host country. Its main clauses include the diplomatic immunity of its staff members and the condition of the establishment of permanent representations.

5. Presentation of the winner of the “Solar for All” Design Contest
Greenlight Planet, a US start-up company, won the “Solar for All” design contest with its innovative solar-powered lamps. Peter Heller, executive Director of the Canopus Foundation, will present the contest and the company.