Riyadh to Rome: Italy to Host IEF18 in 2028 and Co-Host IEF17 in Riyadh in October 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 08 June 2026 – The International Energy Forum (IEF) today welcomed Italy as host of the 18th International Energy Forum Ministerial in 2028 and as co-host of the upcoming IEF17 Ministerial, to be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on 11 October 2026, alongside co-host Nigeria.
As the IEF marks its 35th year in 2026, Italy's renewed leadership in the IEF Ministerial process, coinciding with a global supply shock, underscores the continuing importance of neutral and inclusive dialogue between energy producing and consuming countries to overcome crises and stabilize energy markets.
IEF17 will convene energy ministers, industry leaders and heads of international organizations in Riyadh to discuss the foundations of global energy security in a new era. The Ministerial will address the need to strengthen market stability and investor confidence, improve energy data transparency, deepen public-private engagement and support diverse national pathways to secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said:
"As host of the 17th IEF Ministerial, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes Italy as the host of IEF18 in 2028 and as a co-host for IEF17 in Riyadh, alongside Nigeria.
Italy's active leadership brings essential perspectives from Europe, the G7, and the G20 to the table. As the global economy navigates complex transitions, it is vital to bridge differing energy realities. The Kingdom remains deeply committed to this inclusive dialogue, guided by the principle that global energy security and market affordability are the essential foundations for achieving long-term sustainability.
We look forward to gathering ministers, industry leaders, and international organizations in Riyadh in October 2026. By convening during Riyadh Energy Week ahead of the 25th WPC Energy Congress, IEF17 will serve as a decisive platform to advance practical, market-driven solutions for supply stability, continuous investment, and shared global prosperity."
H.E. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Minister of the Environment and Energy Security of Italy, said:
"Italy is honoured to host IEF18 in 2028 and to co-host IEF17 in Riyadh alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. At a time of profound change in global energy markets, Italy believes that energy security and energy transitions must be advanced together through practical cooperation among producing, consuming and transit countries, contributing to reach domestic and international commitments.
Italy's return to a leading role in the IEF Ministerial process builds on our longstanding commitment to international energy dialogue, including our hosting of the IEF Ministerial in Rome in 2008. We look forward to working with IEF members and partners to advance a balanced discussion on security, affordability, investment, technology and sustainability, towards a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy future for both present and future generations.
From Riyadh in 2026 to Rome in 2028, the IEF Ministerial process will provide an important opportunity to strengthen confidence, deepen cooperation and support shared goals in a changing energy landscape, building on the global leadership and the vision of the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia as host of the IEF17 Ministerial".
H.E. Jassim Alshirawi, Secretary General of the International Energy Forum, said:
"The IEF is delighted to welcome Italy as host of IEF18 in 2028. At a time when global energy security is increasingly shaped by interdependence across fuels, technologies, markets and supply chains, open and inclusive dialogue has never been more important. Through its strong engagement, including the assignment of a national expert to the IEF Secretariat, Italy reaffirms the enduring value of neutral platforms that bring diverse energy realities together. Its leadership will help strengthen dialogue and practical cooperation across advanced, emerging and developing economies."
