Energy has always been a heated issue. I felt proud, because my work is for renewable energies; I felt humbled, because of the task that set before us; I felt delighted, because many of us with different nations, different skins, different cultures are all working for one target that is for the sustainable development, for the better life of human beings. My colleagues and I have engaged in the solar energy and other renewable energies more than 30 years, Gansu Natural Energy Research Institute (GNERI) was founded in 1978. The first solar cooker, the first flat-plate solar heat collector and the first solar house in China were developed and built up by GNERI. Through 30 years efforts, with generations of dedication and pursuing in this industry, with helps and supports from Chinese governments at all levels and people from all walks of life, and of course, with the care, attention and support from UNIDO, the UNIDO International Solar Energy Center for Technology Promotion and Transfer (ISEC-UNIDO) was founded in 2005. The International Solar Energy Center makes a valuable contribution to the international development of solar energy, enhances technology transfer between China and developing countries, reinforces "South-South" cooperation and etc. By taking this opportunity, I appreciate Chinese governments at all levels for their support, appreciate my colleagues for their dedication, appreciate UNIDO staff for their understanding, cooperation, care and support especially, and appreciate those who helped us, supported us, cared about us, and I would like to have your continue help and support. Looking ahead, solar energy and other renewable energies industry having a promising and challenging future, we are fully committed that ISEC-UNIDO/GNERI will strictly follow the target and role of UNIDO International Solar Energy Center, will continue to work closely with the developing countries and the developed countries as well, and will continue to strive for the sustainable development and better life of human beings.

Prof. Xi Wenhua Director-General, UNIDO International Solar Energy Center for Technology Promotion and Transfer (ISEC-UNIDO) / Gansu Natural Energy Research Institute (GNERI) UN Consultant, UN Asian and Pacific Center for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) Vice Chairman, China Renewable Energ