IIPA signs MoU with ISA for capacity building of member countries

The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) has signed an MoU with International Solar Alliance (ISA) for capacity building of its member countries. The institute is already engaged in capacity building of many countries in the area of climate change adaptation and mitigation under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme of the Ministry of External Affairs.

ISA envisages to better harness the demand for solar technologies, innovation and capacity building, among others, to make solar energy affordable to all.  The idea behind the association is to develop solar resources in various countries to reduce their reliance on non-renewable resources.

Countries which have come together for the project will identify and address gaps in their energy requirements through a collective approach. Some of the short-term priorities identified are assisting member countries in drafting solar policies; encouraging collaborations in solar resource mapping in member countries and the deployment of suitable technologies; designing training programmes for students, engineers, policymakers and others; organizing workshops, focused meetings and conferences; and working with ISA member countries to strive for universal access to solar lighting.

Speaking at the inaugural of 24th SUN Meet-i-SUN CaP organized by the IIPA in New Delhi, vice president of India Venkaiah Naidu said:  “The objective of i- Sun Cap is Capacity Augmentation of the sunshine countries and Documentation. It is within this context that policymakers will formulate plans to augment the capacity for successfully tapping the vast potential for solar energy around the world. I am sure that based on international experience and lessons, focus will be on solar-specific good practices. Ultimately, governments can design a suite of complementary policies that aligns most appropriately with unique national circumstances and goals.”

Ambassadors and representatives from more than 50 member countries of ISA attended the event. On the occasion, Botswana also joined the ISA by signing a framework agreement in the presence of the vice president and power minister R.K. Singh.