Cooperation and collaboration are key in addressing the common challenge of climate change, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday.

“Undoubtedly, the effects and consequences of climate change extend well beyond borders. We all have to live by them,” Christodoulides said addressing the closing session of the 7th International Conference on Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency - Energy Security, organised by Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Commerce and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on Thursday.

“As such,” he added, “the key to addressing this common challenge that has such far reaching consequences for our generation, and generations to come, is cooperation and collaboration.”

He recalled the joint statement signed by the MED9 countries (the Mediterranean EU member-states), on 18th May 2023 in Valletta it is an important step towards this direction for our region, at it confirms our joint commitment to ensure continuous effort to improve energy security and energy affordability and to accelerate the transmission towards renewable energy.

The President welcomed the inclusion of the important MED9 session in this Conference, adding that the session’s deliverables underscore the need for continued cooperation and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, in order to realise a sustainable and greener energy future for the MED9 countries.

“By leveraging the resources and expertise available through IRENA and its Member states, the energy transition in the Mediterranean region can be accelerated, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape,” he said.

Furthermore, the President praised IRENA, stating that as a leading institution in the field of renewable energy, has a unique, a pivotal role to play in assisting MED9 countries to develop and implement the outlined strategy.

“Together, also ahead of COP28, we can accelerate the transition to a sustainable and resilient energy future, not only for our countries but for our shared regions and beyond,” Christodoulides concluded.