Jon Adams

As Chairman of the SWC2009 Organizing Committee I am looking forward to welcoming each and every member of the renewable energy fraternity to Johannesburg, South Africa in October 2009. The Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa has been long looking forward to hosting the event and after 22 years away from Southern Africa this event is coming home for SESSA.

Africa is the continent of sunshine and when I look at major world- wide developments in our respective industries I am always saddened that Africa lags far behind and in fact is often left off the radar screen for renewable energy development. Most places in Africa photovoltaic systems are the only source of providing light to those infamous 2 billion people that lives on less that $1 a day and without access to sources of modernity such as electrification.

The ISES Solar World Congress 2009 will focus on global issues but will clearly reflect significantly on Africa, while also giving increased attention to environmental and social responsibility issues. Corporate governance has been challenged in the last few years and, for this reason, the industry must aim for greater transparency and irreproachable ethics.

ISES SWC 2009 key objective are to:

• ensure a sustainable energy future
• promote and increase the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency
• promote the use of renewable energy resources to positively impact on the quality of life for future generations
• development future opportunities for the use of renewable energy in Africa
• jointly seek solutions which are consistent with the principles of sustainability - affordable, environmentally sound and socially acceptable.

I believe it is our duty to do all we can to allow Africa to see the light. Join me in Johannesburg and make a difference.