Inside the Energy Future: GYDA Youth at IRENA Assembly

Overview

As part of GYDA’s Career 101 Programme for Global Youth, a selected group of young individuals joined the 15th IRENA Assembly and the IRENA Youth Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi. This experiential visit gave participants direct exposure to the inner workings of a major intergovernmental agency tackling global energy transitions.

Throughout the event, youth delegates interacted with international policymakers, attended strategic plenary sessions, and participated in skill-building workshops that simulated policy design and multilateral negotiations.

What Participants Gained

Firsthand understanding of how intergovernmental energy policy is formed and debated
Engagement with sustainability leaders and renewable energy experts
Training in international cooperation, diplomacy, and multilateral coordination
Exploration of career paths inside global institutions like IRENA, UN, and development agencies

About IRENA

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organization that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future.

Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Membership: 168 member countries

Part of Career 101: Early Exposure, Informed Choices

This collaboration marks the first module of GYDA’s Career 101 for Global Youth—a program designed to help young individuals understand the essence, potential, and access pathways of diverse career fields before formal decisions are made.

The learning journey follows a clear curve: early industry exposure → structured knowledge → real-scenario labs → personalized career navigation. The IRENA module introduced youth to the real-world dynamics of sustainable development careers at the highest level.

Event Highlights