For the first time the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has opened its doors to train university undergraduate students. The IRENA Summer Trainee Programme offers an opportunity for these students to learn about and contribute meaningfully to the Agency’s work and the adoption of renewables on a global scale.

The selected students in this pilot programme came from Zayed University, Middlesex University Dubai, University of Sharjah, and Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. The students were exposed to a wide breadth of IRENA activities while working closely with IRENA staff in a number of the Agency’s divisions.

“Through training programmes such as these, IRENA is helping to build a workforce that understands the challenges involved in renewable energy deployment, a key element to achieving a sustainable energy future,” said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin.

“The programme has given these students a taste of the diplomatic work that a global intergovernmental organisation performs, while providing the Agency with enthusiasm and fresh thinking. We are proud to have hosted these bright and talented students and the success of this year’s pilot programme paves the way to its continuation in the years to come,” Mr. Amin added.

The eight-week programme, held between July and August, had the students work on different tasks, including creating content for IRENA’s web presence, researching information for and organising international activities, and developing international outreach materials.

The Summer Trainee Programme complements other IRENA activities with the youth, such as IRENA internships which are open to applications from post-graduate students.