Iran Elected Chair of Executive Board of Gas Exporting Countries Forum
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iran’s representative has been elected as the Chair of the Executive Board of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), marking a significant achievement for the country within the global energy community.
Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad announced the development on Thursday on the sidelines of the 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting.
In remarks to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Paknejad described the election as one of the summit’s key accomplishments, emphasizing its importance in enhancing Iran’s role in shaping international gas policies.
He further revealed that a proposal to elevate the GECF from a forum to a formal international organization was positively received by member states. The initiative, he noted, would enhance the body’s authority and influence in global energy platforms, particularly among gas-producing and exporting countries.
Paknejad highlighted the world’s increasing demand for reliable energy sources, driven by population growth, rapid urbanization, and economic development. He stressed that natural gas remains a vital component in meeting these growing energy needs due to its efficiency and lower environmental impact.
According to projections from the GECF Secretariat, global gas demand is expected to rise by 32% by 2050, with natural gas’s share in the global energy mix increasing from 23% to 26%.
“These figures underscore the strategic importance of natural gas in ensuring global energy security,” Paknejad stated. He called on GECF member countries—collectively holding around 70% of the world’s natural gas reserves—to enhance cooperation and increase supply to the global market, with the goal of achieving a 30% share of the global energy mix by 2050.
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum, headquartered in Doha, Qatar, serves as a platform for the world’s leading gas producers to coordinate policies, promote dialogue, and ensure market stability in the natural gas sector.
