The expected outcomes from a major upcoming event on renewable energies have been endorsed in a final pre-conference meeting of the steering committee.

The approval for the proposed outcomes for the International Conference for Renewable Energies – or “Renewables 2004” – came during the third and final meeting of the event’s International Steering Committee. The Steering Committee lent its support to an international plan of action to promote the global use of renewable energies. It also supported the adoption of a political declaration endorsed by participating government ministers, which is likely to include the goal of providing access to modern energies for the two billion people worldwide who still subsist without it. The 50 person-strong International Steering Committee, which met in Eltville near Frankfurt, Germany, on 2 April, includes representatives of governments and international and non-governmental organizations.
Meanwhile, participants attending an Asia-Pacific regional preparatory meeting held from 25-26 March have adopted a statement of goals and recommendations for the upcoming Bonn conference. The “Bangkok Statement on Renewable Energy” calls for public policies to ensure renewable energy’s full integration within the broader energy system. It highlights the need for cooperation between countries in the region, increased community education and participation, further research and development, and strong government leadership, as well as donor support. The needs of the least developed countries and small island developing states in the Asia-Pacific region are also highlighted.
Renewables 2004 will be held from 1-4 June 2004. It has been preceded by various regional preparatory events, as well as three meetings of the Steering Committee.
Information on the final Steering Committee meeting is available online at:
http://www.renewables2004.de/en/press/release14.asp
The Bangkok Statement can be viewed at:
http://www.renewables2004.de/pdf/Bangkok_Statement.pdf
Information on other regional preparatory events is online at:
http://www.renewables2004.de/en/preparation/pc.asp