The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is currently addressing the implications of the United States' plans to withdraw from the organization. On January 11, 2026, Francesco La Camera, IRENA's director-general, emphasized that the agency's support for Southeast Asia will not be impacted by this withdrawal. La Camera assured reporters that IRENA is actively seeking alternative resources to fill potential gaps created by the absence of US collaboration. He noted the significant energy demand growth in Southeast Asia, which has accounted for 11 percent of global energy demand increases since 2010, with projections indicating that this could rise to over 25 percent by 2035. IRENA's commitment to supporting regions like Southeast Asia is particularly crucial, given their reliance on coal and fossil fuels amidst a growing energy demand. As reported, international cooperation remains vital to drive forward renewable energy ambitions. Over 140 countries convened at the recent IRENA Assembly to discuss challenges and strategies concerning the global renewable energy transition. Discussions also highlighted the necessity of multilateralism and a global approach to addressing climate-related issues, underscoring that the climate emergency transcends national borders. Maldives’ Minister for Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, contributed to the dialogue by emphasizing collaboration among small island developing states, advocating for aligned frameworks tailored to their unique needs in their transitions to renewable energy. Similarly, Dominica's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vince Henderson, reiterated the importance of strong partnerships and regional institutions to assist member states in achieving their renewable energy targets. The assembly addressed initiatives like the Asean power grid which aims to facilitate electricity trade among Southeast Asian countries, enhancing regional energy resilience while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Experts discussed the technical challenges of linking renewable sources to demand centers via subsea power cables, acknowledging the need for regulatory clarity in cross-border power trading. The Asean framework, proposed for 2025, seeks to streamline project approvals and boost investor confidence for significant infrastructure investments necessary for the energy transition.