INFORSE - International Network For Sustainable Energy
Description of what the network is about
INFORSE is a NGO network promoting sustainable energy development based on renewable energy, energy savings and social development through access to cheap, sustainable energy.
INFORSE is a worldwide network consisting of 140 independent NGOs working in about 60 countries. It was established in 1992 to secure follow-up to the decisions at the Rio summit in 1992. The network revolves around members (individuals, organisations, municipalities) supported by National Focal Points in some countries and Regional Coordinators working in their respective regions.
In Eastern European countries, INFORSE supports early experiences with local citizen engagement. In Western Europe, it supports the development of low carbon scenarios and aims to influence national politics. Some Western donors are financing projects in developing and countries in transition.
Societal problem they want to address
Unsustainable energy system.
Societal domain
Energy
Basic aim of network
Vision
A world where energy services that are necessary for a just and human centered development, are provided in a sustainable way using renewable energy.
Mission
INFORSE is a global network of independent non-governmental organisations working for sustainable energy solutions to reduce poverty and protect the environment.
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
Contribution
INFORSE is actively engaged in international awareness raising. INFORSE follows and influences sustainable energy issues in international negotiations and is accredited to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1998, and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 2002.
As observer, INFORSE has been involved in participating at UN conferences such as the UNFCCC COPs as well as UN Sustainable Development Conferences and Dialogues. INFORSE also has organised side events and exhibitions at many of these conferences. The network has participated with inputs, common statements ,and representations at the European Eco-Forum and Citizens United for Renewables and Sustainability (CURES). The network has a global Sustainable Energy Vision by 2050 with 100% Renewable Energy Supply. The Vision was prepared and presented at the Rio Conference in 2002.
The network evolves around the members supported by National Focal Points in some countries and Regional Coordinators working in their respective regions. The most active regions are Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- INFORSE-Africa and INFORSE-Asia have been involved in NGO cooperation NGO Capacity building project "Southern Voices on Climate Change" in Africa and in Asia in 2011-14, and a continued project on "Promoting Pro-Poor Low-Carbon Development Strategies" working to strengthen climate-policy networks in 2015-16.
- INFORSE-Asia has been involved in a project on the Advocacy on Sustainable Eco-Village Development in 2015-17. The cooperation organisations are from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The project is a continuation of a previous project on "Sustainable Energy to Reduce Poverty", which published a Manual on Sustainable Energy in English, Hindi, Nepali and Sinhala in 2005-06.
- INFORSE-Europe is following the EU policy closely and has developed and promotes 100 % Renewable Energy scenarios/Visions for the EU and for European Countries. Besides, it has been active establishing a network among researchers and NGOs, called the Low Carbon Societies Network.
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.
For more information
Web page
Reports
Elle, M. (2015) Transformative social innovation narrative of INFORSE. TRANSIT: EU SSH.2013.3.2-1 Grant agreement no: 613169
Elle, M., Gameren, V. van, Pel, B., Aagaard, H. K. and Jøgensen, M. S. (2015) WP4 : case study report : INFORSE. TRANSIT: EU SSH.2013.3.2-1 Grant agreement no: 613169.
Entry done by
Aleksi Salmela