The International Solar Energy Society Solar World Congress 2009 held in Johannesburg has come and gone, but its light will remain with us. The torch that lit up our theme “Renewable Energy – Shaping Our Future” will continue to shine in South Africa.

During my opening remarks on Sunday 11 October I mentioned that sustainable development had been defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” It calls for improving the quality of life for the entire world's people without exploiting and depleting the earth of its natural resources. The topics discussed during the congress addressed our ability to conserve these resources and to find innovative ways to produce energy for generations to come.

`Renewable energy will shape our future.

Attendance statistics:

A total of 2003 people from 78 countries attended the Congress and Exhibition over four days. This number comprised:

• 734 participants including delegates, exhibitors and media
• 191 students
• 1078 trade visitors

Number of people that listened to or watched news broadcasts – immeasurable.

I would like to thank all the sponsors, especially Eskom and the Central Energy Fund for their support in the preparations and during the congress. Without their support this congress would not have happened. Thanks also to the organising committee and SESSA for their professional and committed support in making this a great congress.

Finally, as we handed over the ISES flag to the organizers of the ISES SWC 2011, Kassel, Germany I wished them and ISES a great congress in 2011.

Quoting Marianne Williamson: “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.” Keep that light shining.

Jon Adams
Chairman
ISES Solar World Congress 2009

Johannesburg, a world class African city, is the continent's leading host city for international meetings, exhibitions, sport and events.