Renewables Grid Initiative 226d ago

Our high-level panel gathered ministers and senior policymakers to explore how governments can deliver on the COP commitment to triple renewable energy capacity while protecting 30% of nature by 2030. The dialogue underscored the urgent need to embed biodiversity safeguards and social equity into national energy strategies. Panellists called for stronger international cooperation, clear sustainability metrics, and financial frameworks that make the energy transition truly Nature- and People-Positive. The session was moderated by Tinne Van der Straeten, Former Minister of Energy of Belgium, who guided the discussion towards practical solutions and global collaboration. In her closing remarks, she emphasised that “delivering the energy transition requires governments to work across borders and sectors—placing people at the heart of every decision.” The panel emphasised that renewable energy deployment must restore ecosystems, empower local communities, and drive lasting climate resilience. Speakers 🟢 Tinne Van der Straeten, Former Minister of Energy, Belgium (Moderator) 🟢 Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General, IRENA – International Renewable Energy Agency 🟢 Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-hazards and Disaster Management, Vanuatu 🟢 Juan Carlos Navarro, Minister of Environment, Panama 🟢 Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, IUCN Climate Action Commission Chair, World Wildlife Fund Climate & Energy Lead 🟢 Wataru Suzuki, Director, Biodiversity Strategy Office, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment of Japan 🟢 Oliver Conz, Director-General, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety of Germany Building on the ministers’ insights, the panel asked GINGR to turn policy direction into investable pathways, highlighting needs such as biodiversity positive siting and design, grid modernisation in sensitive areas, early community benefit agreements and transparent monitoring. 🫚 Read more about this event at: https://www.gingr.org/post/gingr-iucn-congress-abu-dhabi