Elizabeth Press is the Director of Planning and Programme Support at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). As part of her portfolio, Ms Press leads IRENA’s Programme and strategy and programmatic reporting to governing bodies. She leads IRENA’s external engagement on climate-related entities and initiatives and leads several special projects including on the geopolitics of energy transitions. Elizabeth also oversees strategic diversification of the Agency’s resource base and is IRENA’s focal point in Europe. Elizabeth has served with IRENA since its inception in 2011. Before joining the Agency, she worked for some 18 years in the fields of development and peace and security, predominately with the United Nations. She lived and worked in Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America, and South-East Asia. She has an MA in Public Administration. Elizabeth Is a recipient of UN21 award for innovation and excellence in delivering UN programmes. She is a member of the IISS and has been a piano player since she was 8 years old. In her free time, Elizabeth writes short stories.