In the Dominican case, the minister explained, this progress has been possible thanks to a more modern regulatory framework, the attraction of responsible investments, and energy planning based on evidence, consolidating the energy transition as a long-term public policy and as a pillar of energy security and the macroeconomic stability of the country.
Energy transition with a Caribbean and human focus Minister Santos emphasized that the Dominican presidency will promote a vision of Irena focused on people, action-oriented, and sensitive to the realities of the Global South, with special attention to small island states and the most vulnerable economies.You can also read: DR assumes pro tempore presidency CTCAP science and technology
In that context, he highlighted the particular challenges of the Caribbean in the face of climate change, extreme phenomena, and emerging threats such as the massive accumulation of sargassum, a phenomenon he defined as a structural and cross-border problem with environmental, social, economic, and energy implications. As part of the presidency’s priorities, the Dominican Republic will promote the convening of a High-Level Global Forum on Energy Transition, conceived as a platform to mobilize political leadership and strategic allies with the aim of accelerating Sargassum to Energy (S2E) solutions, transforming this environmental challenge into an opportunity for sustainable development, especially for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Investment, cooperation and emerging technologies In parallel, the country announced that it will work with the Irena Secretariat to promote a Regional Investment Forum, aimed at facilitating exchange between member states, financial institutions, the private sector, and strategic partners, with a view to mobilizing resources, overcoming regulatory and financial bottlenecks, and strengthening the preparation and bankability of renewable energy projects. In the institutional sphere, the minister reiterated the commitment to integrate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital solutions, to strengthen planning, transparency, resource mobilization, and the internal management of Irena, ensuring that the agency remains at the forefront of a constantly evolving energy sector. He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the global goals of tripling the installed capacity of renewable energies and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, prioritizing the translation of these commitments into concrete projects, effective technical assistance and accessible financing for developing countries.About the Assembly
About Irena
The International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 2009, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, whose mandate is to promote the adoption and sustainable use of renewable energies globally. Currently, Irena is comprised of 169 member states and the European Union, making it the main multilateral platform dedicated to supporting countries in the transition towards more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive energy systems. The agency acts as a global center of excellence in renewable energies, providing technical advice, public policy analysis, knowledge transfer, international cooperation, and mobilization of financing, with special emphasis on developing countries, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and the most vulnerable economies. Through assemblies, high-level forums, and regional initiatives, Irena promotes the fulfillment of global climate and energy goals, including the commitment to triple the installed capacity of renewable energies and double energy efficiency by the year 2030, in line with the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.
