Iceland (2009), Brazil (2011), Malaysia (2013), China (2015), Ethiopia (2017) and France (2019). Mission IHA aims to advance sustainable hydropower’s role in meeting the world's water and energy needs. The association has the following strategic objectives: Advance policies and strategies that strengthen the sector's performance Build a vibrant, inclusive and proactive hydropower community Create an open, innovative and trusted platform for knowledge Deliver value to all members throughout the world World Hydropower Congress IHA organises the biennial World Hydropower Congress, regarded as the key reference for decision-makers and thought leaders in the hydropower sector. The first congress was held in Antalya, Turkey in 2007. The event has since been held in Reykjavík, Iceland (2009), Iguassu, Brazil (2011), Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia (2013), Beijing, China (2015), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2017) and Paris, France (2019). Organisational structure IHA is governed by a board that comprises an international group of experts, bringing together high-level experience and different international perspectives of hydropower. IHA Board members are elected by IHA's membership. The IHA Board is currently led by President Mr Roger Gill, six Vice Presidents (from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany and Malaysia), a further twelve board members (from Australia, Austria, Brazil, France, Norway, India, Iceland, Russia and South Africa), and the chief executive officer (a non-voting board member position), Eddie Rich. The Board aims for a balanced geographic distribution of representation in its composition and conducts its affairs, including two-yearly elections, according to a formal written constitution and by-laws. The Board is supported by a Central Office, the administrative arm of the IHA. There are also a number of committees and groups working on strategic and topical issues formed in accordance with Board resolutions. Offices IHA's central office is situated in Greater London, United Kingdom. IHA also has regional offices in China and Brazil. International policy and representation IHA acts as a voice for hydropower in international governmental and sector water, energy, and climate change forums and in the media. The organisation is drawn on as a source for statistics on hydropower for authoritative world energy and renewable energy publications such as the REN21 Global Status Reports and IIASA Global Energy Assessment (GEA). IHA maintains a database of the world's hydropower stations and companies, built in collaboration with regulators, ministries, electricity associations, utilities, and station owners and operators. IHA has consultative and/or observer status with all United Nations agencies addressing water, energy and climate change