Q. Consider the following statements:
- The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
- The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an alliance of 123 signatory countries, most being sunshine countries, which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
- The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies.
- Its basic motive is to facilitate energy access, ensure energy security, and drive energy transition in its member countries.
- The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilize efforts against climate change through deployment of solar energy solutions.
- Vision: Let us together make the sun brighter.
- Mission: Every home, no matter how far away, will have a light at home.
- Headquarters: The Headquarters is in India with its Interim Secretariat being set up in Gurugram.
- Member Nations:
- A total of 112 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement.
- Out of 106 nations, 92 have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement.
- All member states of the United Nations are eligible to join the ISA.
- Observer Status to International Solar Alliance:
- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has granted Observer Status to the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- It will help provide for regular and well-defined cooperation between the Alliance and the United Nations that would benefit global energy growth and development.
- Director General of ISA:
- The International Solar Alliance is headed by the Director General.
- The Director General leads the operations and carries out the functions of the ISA Secretariat.
- He is responsible to the ISA Assembly.
- Tenure: The Director General has a term of four years and is eligible for re-election.