Together with UNEP/en.lighten, GOGLA held a session on “Emerging and Developing Nations, from LED Lighting to Sustainable Development” during the LED Forum in Paris. The Forum is a unique platform for information, exchange, networking and business development for (on-grid) lighting professionals and end users. Around 150 participants attended the session and engaged in a vivid discussion. While UNEP/en.lighten discussed the overall negative impacts of the use of kerosene on a global level and the positive effects that could be realized by switching to clean and sustainable lighting alternatives, GOGLA Secretary General Wolfgang Gregor presented the attractive business model of off-grid lighting. After giving an overview of the great potential in this market, he outlined the positive economic impact that a market transition from fuel-based lighting and candles to clean solar LED lighting would have on households as well as governments. In the discussion with the experts in the room, it became clear that the LED technology is bringing the off-grid and the on-grid lighting sectors closer together. The participants of the session showed great interest to benefit from overlaps and to identify and realize potential synergies. GOGLA very much appreciates opportunities like the LED Forum to exchange with on-grid lighting experts. We are looking forward to keep on being in touch with the on-grid lighting sector in order to realize synergies between on-grid and off-grid lighting. For more information, please contact Johanna Diecker (Johanna.diecker@gogla.org)