Maria Belovas, Estonia’s permanent representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), presented her credentials to IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera on December 10. The agency’s goal is to promote the widespread and increasing sustainable use of renewable energy worldwide. IRENA’s headquarters is located in Abu Dhabi.
In a conversation following the presentation of credentials, the permanent representative and the director-general focused on practical areas of cooperation and enhancing the organization’s operations. They discussed how IRENA can support Ukraine in its areas of responsibility, which is one of Estonia’s priorities as a member of the agency.
“The work of IRENA in supporting countries’ transitions to renewable energy sources deserves recognition. It is particularly important for Estonia to help restore Ukraine’s energy sector, which is targeted by Russia’s aggression, and we see a great opportunity to focus the rebuilding on renewables,” said Belovas.
Prior to her arrival in the UAE, Maria Belovas served as Estonia’s Consul General in San Francisco, USA. From 2018 to 2023, she worked as the head of press and public diplomacy and spokesperson at the European Union delegation in Washington, D.C. From 2016 to 2018, she led the communication department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Belovas has been working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2008. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Tartu and a master’s degree in behavioral and organizational psychology from London Metropolitan University. Belovas resides in Abu Dhabi. In addition to IRENA, she is accredited as an ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, and is awaiting the presentation of credentials in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and
Bahrain.