Australian Consulate-General, Guangzhou
Media Release PD40/07 Date: 7 January 2008
Adelaide to Host International Solar Cities Congress
The world’s leading experts in sustainable urban development, solar technology and the built environment will converge on Adelaide this summer for the 3rd International Solar Cities Congress from February 17-21, 2008.
Over 90 speakers from more than 30 countries will visit South Australia to share and examine the latest thinking in sustainable options for our future.
Keynote speakers include:
• Robert F Kennedy Jr, nephew of the late US President John F Kennedy and recently named one of Time magazine’s “Heroes of the Planet”;
• Dr Rajendra Pachauri from India, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; and
• Dr Shi Zhengrong, the Australian-educated founder of China’s largest solar PV company – Suntech Power Holdings Co.
South Australian Premier the Hon Mike Rann MP will also speak at the event in his role as SA’s Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change.
Expected to attract up to 1000 international delegates, as well as business professionals and individuals from across Australia, the Congress will incorporate a mayoral forum, panel discussion and field tours, plus a free “Green City Festival” for the public.
An international solar schools competition is also being conducted to coincide with Congress activities. Students from around the world are invited to submit a design to redevelop an existing city or neighbourhood, demonstrating how sustainable communities can be achieved.
The International Solar Cities Congress forms part of the International Solar Cities Initiative, which was established to address climate change through effective measurable action at the urban community level.
The 1st International Solar Cities Congress was held in Korea in 2004, while the 2nd Congress was held in Oxford, England, in 2006.
For further information, please contact Ms Willow Li, Research Assistant (Tel: 020 3814 0186, E-mail: [email protected] ), or visit www.solarcitiescongress.com.au .