12 January 2011: In a statement delivered at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MI) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State, commended the goals of the International Renewable Agency (IRENA) towards accelerating the rapid development and deployment of renewable energy worldwide.

She applauded the efforts of the agency, indicating her country’s goal to “enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, address energy poverty, support sustainable development, and boost economic growth worldwide.”

She also commented on joint efforts by the US and UAE on energy-related issues, including the recent memorandum of understanding between MI and the US Department of Energy to promote joint research and development of clean energy technologies. She highlighted that the US hosted the first clean energy ministerial meeting in June 2010, and Abu Dhabi will be the site for the second such ministerial meeting in April. And in January 2011, Abu Dhabi will host the World Future Energy Summit (WFES).

In related news, IRENA has reported that, on 6 January 2011, Australia deposited the instrument of ratification of IRENA’s treaty. As of that day, 149 countries have signed IRENA’s treaty and 51 have ratified it. [IRENA Press Release on Clinton’s Visit] [Clinton’s Statement][IRENA Press Release on Australia’s Ratification]