A new IRENA initiative to establish a capacity building programme for young professionals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), has been launched. The programme provides an opportunity for young professionals from LDCs and SIDS, with the agreement and support of their governments (or institutions), to serve at IRENA Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates or at its office in Bonn, Germany, for a period of one to two years. The programme aims to build capacity for addressing renewable energy issues in SIDS and LDCs and to provide experience in an intergovernmental organisation setting.
Young people are key actors of the energy transformation and, as innovators, leaders and renewable energy professionals, their skills and advocacy will be essential for building a climate-safe and sustainable energy future. By engaging with young people from LDCs and SIDS and providing them with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experts, integrating their contribution into the Agency’s work, IRENA will equip the next generation of leaders with the necessary practical experiences to support their governments in their transition to a sustainable energy future.
James is passionate about climate change advocacy and international environmental policy. He speaks Spanish, French and Portuguese and is particularly interested in promoting renewable energy infrastructure systems in rural communities.
