Global Renewables Agency IRENA gets a new Director-General

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has announced that Francesco La Camera is the agency’s new director-general. Camera was earlier with the government in Italy, at the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land & Sea where he was the director-general of Sustainable Development, Environmental Damage and International Affairs. As the national coordinator for climate, environment, resource efficiency and circular economy, he led the Italian delegation to UNFCCC’s COPs 21 to 24 and the EU delegation to COP 20. He was responsible for the organisation of Italy’s G7 Environment Presidency in 2017. He also led the Italian delegation to the G7 Environment meetings in 2016 and 2018.

As Director-General, Camera takes over at IRENA at a period of exciting change and volatility, making the role a truly challenging one. As an  heading an organization with 159 member nations and the European Union (EU), IRENA has emerged as a strong voice for the renewables sector that is heard and taken seriously.  With the role of renewables becoming critical in transportation, heating and cooling, three areas contributing the most to global warming, Camera will find that the scheduled 4 years of his role as DG will keep him well occupied.

Speaking on his role, he said, “We must do everything we can to accelerate the pace and scope of change if we are to meet climate objectives, while ensuring that the new energy paradigm is fair and inclusive. This is also a unique opportunity to spur economic growth in a sustainable manner and close the energy access gap by creating a world where energy is abundant and available to all,” said Camera.

His appointment was announced back in January 2019. He replaces the incumbent Adnan Z. Amin who provided leadership to the organization for 8 years, and was especially appreciated for his work in the latter part of his association, when renewables have truly become part of mainstream conversation and business. For his work,  Amin has been granted the honorary title of Director-General Emeritus by the 9th Assembly of IRENA in January 2019.