The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was officially established in Bonn on 26 January 2009. Following the deposit of the 25th instrument of ratification, the IRENA statute entered into force on July 8, 2010 – this marks an historical step for the growth of an international agency. To Date 148 states and the European Union signed the Statute of the Agency; amongst them are 48 African, 38 European, 35 Asian, 17 American and 10 Australia/Oceania States. Mandated by these governments worldwide, IRENA will promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms or renewable energy. Acting as the global voice for renewable energies, IRENA will facilitate access to all relevant renewable energy information, including technical data, economic data and renewable resource potential data. IRENA will share experiences on best practices and lessons learned regarding policy frameworks, capacity-building projects, available finance mechanisms and renewable energy related energy efficiency measures.