The International Year of Chemistry 2011 is all about generating enthusiasm and encouraging debates about chemistry. It puts us, the industry, in the spotlight. How are we perceived by society, and what are we doing to improve our reputation? Rio+20 leads us to ask ourselves similar questions: does society recognise our contribution to sustainable development? What are citizens' expectations, and how do we position our industry as being essential to a sustainable future?

These themes and regulatory issues of global and regional relevance will be discussed by industry leaders from all over the world at our Cefic/ICCA Convention in Madrid. This year is an ideal opportunity to transform the public part of our event into a forum for lively, constructive and challenging debates, exploring these themes with high-level participants from industry, institutions, academia, value chain and the media.

Our Convention will also offer unique opportunities for networking, as well as a range of social activities that will culminate in the nearby historical and cultural city of Toledo.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Madrid and making this European Convention a very special occasion.

Yours sincerely,

Hubert Mandery
Cefic Director General