Invitation to the founding conference for the International Renewable Energy Agency

On 26 January 2009 the founding conference for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will take place in Bonn. So far, around 80 countries have confirmed their participation. Many will send high-level representatives to the conference and almost half of the countries are planning to sign the foundation treaty. Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel, Federal Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier will represent the German government. Mr Gabriel, who will chair the conference together with Ms Wieczorek-Zeul, will give the opening address. The speech delivered by Mr Steinmeier will be one of the main elements of the morning programme. The conference will end in the evening with closing remarks by Ms Wieczorek-Zeul.

The goal of this initiative launched by Germany, Spain and Denmark and supported by many countries from all continents is to promote the expansion of renewable energies worldwide and to serve as a platform providing practical advice and support to both industrialised and developing countries.

Representatives of the press, radio and television are cordially invited to attend the conference. Registration closed on 21 January. The preliminary programme of the conference, which will take place at the World Conference Center housed in the former Bundestag building in Bonn, is also available on the Internet.