According to the IRENA officials with this the IRENA membership has risen to 149 while the number of countries which have ratified its statute has gone up to 31.

IRENA, the first international organisation to be formed in twenty-first century, had become an official body on July 8 following the ratification of its statute by more than 26 countries by June 8.

Ambassador Francisco Gonzalo Díaz signed the Statute of IRENA for Mexico, the IRENA Website said.

The website also disclosed that IRENA has received $ 5.1 million this year as contributions from the member countries against $13.7 million promised by them. While some of the countries like the UAE have paid more than they are due to pay to the IRENA some are yet to pay, while others have paid only portion of what is due from them.

IRENA’s budget of $13,7 million was voted by the Member States in January this year and its work plan can be fully implemented only when the countries pay the amounts due from them to the agency.

 —ramavarman@khaleejtimes.com