Representatives from the International Energy Agency (IEA) were among the small group of participants in the first meeting of what was initially called the “Producer-Consumer Dialogue,” which took place in Paris in 1991. This gathering, which sought to overcome the tensions between oil-producing and oil-consuming countries and focus instead on shared interests and concerns, was unprecedented at the time. Seventeen years later, the “dialogue” can only be called a great success, as Ministers and senior policy makers from over 90 countries have been invited to come to Rome for the 11th International Energy Forum (IEF) Ministerial meeting.

I would like to start by welcoming the new IEF Secretary General, Noé van Hulst. Mr. van Hulst brings a wide breadth of experience to this challenging position. A skilled policy maker with many years working on energy issues, he also spent over four years as one of the senior officials at the IEA. The IEF Secretariat will certainly flourish under his leadership.

Since its establishment in Riyadh in 2003, the IEF Secretariat has been given the mandate to further develop the “dialogue” between oil- and gas- producing and consuming countries. In addition to supporting the organisation of the biennial Ministerial meetings, the IEF broadened its scope to include the energy industry. The International Energy Business Forum integrates top-level executives from the major energy companies into discussion with policymakers. This new dimension underscores the important role of industry in energy issues ranging from investment to technology. One potential area for future IEF activity could be ensuring the development of human resources in the energy sector given the current shortages of skilled personnel.

The role of the IEF in improving data collection and dissemination has also been instrumental. In particular, the IEF should be congratulated for its outstanding contribution in building and running the Joint Oil Data Initiative (JODI). More work needs to be done, however, and the IEA looks forward to continued close co-operation with the IEF to further improve the quality and timeliness of oil and, perhaps eventually, gas data. In addition to collaborating on data, statistics and other energy-related subjects, the IEA is pleased to serve on the IEFS Executive Board. These multiple and productive linkages between the secretariats ensure coordination and maximise the potential for synergies.

With oil prices surging past $100 per barrel and uncertainty characterising global energy markets, the ongoing dialogue between producers and consumers is more important than ever. The IEF is the appropriate facilitator, but member governments must provide both support and input. As Ministers convene in Rome, it is my hope that they will provide clear guidance for the future activities in which the IEF can add value.

In a relatively short time, the IEF secretariat has established a presence in the energy arena. The IEA is committed to continue its efforts to work and collaborate with the IEF. As long as there are energy producers and consumers, we will need dialogue.