Student Work Experience at the IRENA Ninth Assembly | News

Last week, as part of the efforts towards creating work opportunities for Sixth Form students, six of our students from Year 11 and 12 had the unique opportunity to work at the IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) Ninth Assembly. Taking place from January 10^th – 13^th, students were able to gain professional experience during the high-level event attended by heads of state, ministers, and ministerial-level officials.

The pupils assisted IRENA staff with set up, ushering participants to meetings, guiding country delegations to designated tables, gathering members for committees and distributing badges and session documents. Those who took part in the event were students currently enrolled in the Sixth Form with a particular interest in the fields of international relations, political science, humanities, law, sustainable development and other relevant fields. This experience was unparalleled for Cranleigh students in terms of exposure to geopolitics and economic forums.

Work was organised to allow pupils time off to attend side meetings, ministerial round table discussions, and to follow country interventions in the plenary hall with regards to the status and trends of the transformation of our global energy system. They interacted with leaders of the world and were invited to international economic forums as the voice of youth.

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi received positive feedback from IRENA staff on the conduct and work ethic of the pupils involved, who were equally excited for the opportunity to further their knowledge on major issues faced by the world today. Students exhibited dedication, resilience, leadership, initiative and system development ownership.

The students were able to then take their new found understanding to the World Future Energy Summit Youth Circle on January 15th, where they helped spread appreciation for and understanding of these crucial global issues. This event was powerful, with Cranleigh students along with others hosting a discussion in collaboration with 5 delegates, voicing their views and opinions on the issues presented and debated at the IRENA forum.

The International Renewable Energy Agency is “an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.” https://www.irena.org/aboutirena