INFORSE Background

INFORSE is a worldwide network consisting of 140 Non Governmental Organisations working in about 60 countries to promote sustainable energy and social development. The Network was established in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 to secure follow-up in the political decision sat the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).

INFORSE is actively engaged in international awareness rising. INFORSE follows and influences sustainable energy issues in international negotiations and is accredited to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1998.

As observer, INFORSE has been involed among others:
- the Rio Process like WSSD Johannesburg in 2002, RE Conference in Bonn''''04, BIREC in Beijing''''05,
- UN-ECE Committee on Sustainable Energy
- European Environmental Ministers’ Meeting in Aarhus, and Kiev´03,
- UNCSD Process: UN CSD 9, 14 & 15,

UNFCCC COPs:
* COP 15 in Copenhagen in 2009
* COP 14 in Poznan in 2008: INFORSE exhibited and organised side event!

INFORSE has participated with inputs, common statements ,and representations at the European Eco-Forum and Citizens United for Renewables and Sustainability (CURES).

INFORSE-Europe is following the EU policy closely.

The network evolves around the members supported by National Focal Points in some countries and Regional Coordinators working in their respective regions.

In INFORSE, networking is understood as a process rather than a rigid structure. The members work to achieve in common what would otherwise have been impossible for the individual organisation to reach in terms of financing, political influence and capacity. The more the members engage in the network by sharing information and work together, the more the individual organisation benefit from the network and the more effective is the network.

The INFORSE network is supported by a Secretariat. The Secretariat is hosted by INFORSE-Europe/OVE. The Secretariat facilitates co-operation in the network and internationally for instance with the United Nations and the European Union. 

Vision
A world where energy services that are necessary for a just and human centred development, are provided in a sustainable way using renewable energy. 
 
 
 Aims
- To raise awareness and provide advocacy
- To build up capacity at local, national and international level
- To work for institutional reform
- To support research and development