South Korea has been appointed as the chair country for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly for one year starting in 2027. This announcement was made during the 16th IRENA Assembly held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from January 11 to 12, 2026. Although South Korea has participated as a board member since IRENA’s inception, this is the first time it has been designated as the Assembly chair country. The appointment is expected to strengthen South Korea’s international leadership in renewable energy transition and climate crisis response.
IRENA, established in 2011, is an international organization with 171 member countries worldwide. As the chair country, South Korea will preside over Assembly meetings, set key agendas for global renewable energy expansion, and lead cooperation among nations. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly announced the appointment, with Lee Won-joo, Director General for Energy Transition Policy, and Cho Gye-yeon, Director of Climate Change Diplomacy, representing South Korea at the Assembly.
Lee Won-joo stated that the chair country appointment confirms international consensus on South Korea’s renewable energy-focused transition policy. He emphasized that, after a year of preparation, successfully hosting the next Assembly will elevate South Korea’s status in global clean energy governance and yield tangible results in international cooperation, including overseas project contracts. Cho Gye-yeon added that becoming the chair country of IRENA, the only international organization dedicated to renewable energy, demonstrates South Korea’s commitment to promoting international cooperation in energy transition.
South Korea’s selection as the IRENA Assembly chair country marks a significant turning point for its energy transition and decarbonization policies. The country is expected to lead global renewable energy initiatives through international collaboration, contributing to both domestic and global energy industry development and climate change mitigation. For inquiries, contact the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.