Brazil is one of the most accomplished countries for hydropower development; consequently, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Iguassu for IHA’s 2011 World Congress on Advancing Sustainable Hydropower.
The International Hydropower Association demonstrates its value and leadership through the provision of knowledge and advice on a range of issues of critical importance to the hydropower sector and the wider international community.
The Association’s biennial Congress remains a prominent example of the way in which IHA advances sustainable hydropower by bringing together a broad spectrum of decision makers from governments, multilateral and private banks, NGOs and research institutions, along with figureheads from business and industry.
The 2011 World Congress builds on the phenomenal success of the Congresses of 2007 in Turkey and 2009 in Iceland. It will explore recent progress and new challenges. The Congress will ascertain whether the desire to challenge current strategies and to stimulate future strategic thinking, shown at previous Congresses, can result in decisive action.
I urge you not to miss this opportunity to tackle the critical issues in relation to hydropower development, such as sustainability, water and energy security, climate change and financing development. It is in your best interest to influence discussions relating to the role of hydropower and other water and energy services.
As a participant at the previous two IHA World Congresses, I can assure you that you will leave with a firm understanding of the critical issues being discussed and with greater clarity on the challenges currently facing the hydropower sector.
As much of the world embarks on a course to improve global financial stability and devises effective means to address the causes and impacts of climate change, there has never been a more important occasion for the hydropower sector to come together and contribute to solving the challenges ahead.
I look forward to the opportunity to welcome you to Iguassu - to the 2011 World Congress on Advancing Sustainable Hydropower - and to your personal input into a truly memorable event.
Refaat Abdel-Malek
IHA President