IRECs act as a common platform for government, private sector and civil society leaders to jointly address the goal of advancing renewable energy and has provided the impulse for several momentous initiatives over the past decade. REN21 is a lead international partner of the host country, and supports the host in planning and organising the IREC.

The following criteria are proposed for the process of selecting the host country of the International Renewable Energy Conferences (IRECs):

• IRECs will be held every two years.
• The location of the IREC generally alternates between a developed and developing country. Exceptions to this pattern can be made where countries do not fit neatly into either category.
• Eligible host countries will have a demonstrated commitment to renewable energy and climate change mitigation.
• The potential Host Government commits to continuing the International Action Programme.
• The Host Government will have the capacity, infrastructure and resources to accommodate a high-level conference of some 2,000-5,000 participants. Small developing countries may seek partners to assist with needed financial resources
• Governments requesting to host the IREC are expected to provide or secure travel support to enable delegates from developing countries to attend and thus ensure broad international participation.
• To ensure continuity between the IRECs, REN21, as gatekeeper of the IRECs and lead international partner of the host country, supports the host in the planning and organization of the IREC. The Host Government agrees to provide the REN21 Secretariat with financial resources to be able to carry out this role, as well as to manage the International Action Programme.
• Governments wishing to host the IREC will submit a bid to the REN21 Secretariat six months prior to the upcoming IREC. Bids should include the motivation for wanting to host the IREC, as well as the proposed dates and venue for the conference.
• Bids will be reviewed by the REN21 Bureau in consultation with the Steering Committee and the selection made on a “no objection” basis.