THE Governance and Legal Committee of the International Renewable Energy Agency or IRENA, concluded its first ever meeting last Thursday 25th August, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with clear guidelines and policy determinations that would guide the IRENA roadmap towards greater renewable energy and energy efficiency in the international community in the foreseeable future.

The GLC is one of three sub committees of IRENA that was set up to assist the governing council on policies and legislative issues as a means of determining and guiding the future of the international organisation.

Amongst various issues under debate, the GLC paid special attention to the rules and procedures of the IRENA General Assembly. This is an important aspect of the governing structure as members attempt to find common grounds on determining the membership of the governing council of IRENA.

Of significance is the fact that Tonga is currently a sitting member on the Council, following the election of the Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano during the last IRENA General Assembly in May of this year.

Lord Tu'ivakano's membership on the governing council also represents the South Pacific region. The GLC session has yet to make a recommendation to the IRENA Council and subsequently to the IRENA General Assembly, on how it wishes the membership of the Council to be determined, either it be geographical, cultural or on a contributory distribution.

However, the GLC recommendation will not affect the current membership of the Tongan Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano on the Governing Council until his term expires in 2012.

Tonga is currently the Chair of the GLC Committee, and leading Tonga's delegation is the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mahe 'Uli'uli Tupouniua, and includes the Communications Advisor to the Prime Minister, 'Ahongalu Fusimalohi, and the Prime Minister's Special Advisor, 'Akauola. PMO, 29/08/11.