Dr. Ingvar B. Fridleifsson, director of UNU-GTP becomes an honorary member of the Geothermal Association of Iceland
On the 2nd of October 2012, the autumn meeting of the Geothermal Association of Iceland (GAI) was held in Orkugardur. The title of the meeting was "Iceland and the United Nations University
Geothermal Training Programme". This year, the schedule was dedicated to the director of UNU-GTP, Dr. Ingvar B. Fridleifsson, a newly elected honorary member of GAI.
Dr. Ingvar Fridleifsson has been the director of the UNU-GTP since the start of the programme in 1979 and was one of the pioneers in its establishment. He was also a member of its first
board.
Bjarni Pálsson chairman of the GAI gave the opening speech and Dr. Gudni A. Jóhannsson, Director General of the National Energy Authority chaired the meeting.
The Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Össur Skarphédinsson, gave a short talk on the UNU-GTP, foreign affairs and developing aid.
Other talks included:
"The geologist and the director Ingvar Birgir Fridleifsson" by Hjalti Franzson, ISOR
"The United Nations University Geothermal Training Programme, role and results" by Lúdvík S. Georgsson and Ingimar G. Haraldsson, UNU-GTP
"UNU-GTP - Cradle of geothermal champions in developing countries" by Gary C. Mondejar,
Energy Development Corporation, Philippines and Oscar Fernando Cideos Nunez, LaGeo S.A. de C.V., El Salvador.
"UNU-GTP contribution to capacity building in Africa's geothermal development" by Charles Muturia Lichoro, Geothermal Development Company, Kenya.
"Gain of the Icelandic geothermal industry – heritage of the UNU work" by Benedikt Steingrímsson, ISOR
The meeting was well attended by members of the Icelandic geothermal community.