The intergovernmental organization of the world’s leading natural gas producers, Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) member countries have resolved to promote natural gas as an abundant, affordable, clean, and reliable source of energy at the sixth GECF Summit of Heads of State and Government held recently in Doha, Qatar.
“Natural gas is the fuel of choice to satisfy the growing world energy needs, and to address climate change and improve air quality,” noted the Doha Declaration at the end of the Summit which was underpinned by a spirit of solidarity and cooperation.
The Declaration also stressed the continued trust of Member Countries in the Forum by asking it to “encourage the expanded use of natural gas domestically and internationally to address the gap in achieving United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #7, which affects the most vulnerable.”
The Doha Declaration also promised to “strengthen natural gas’ environmental credentials, in particular through efforts to reduce gas flaring and methane emissions, and the development of eco-friendly technologies, including carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).”
The three-day Summit is hosted by the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, under the theme “Natural Gas: Shaping the Energy Future.”
The GECF Summit brought together Heads of State and Government of Member Countries Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad, and Tobago, and Venezuela, and Observers Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Norway, Peru, the UAE, and Mozambique the new Observer.
The President of the GECF Ministerial Meeting in 2022, Mr. Tarek El Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Secretary-General of the GECF, Mr. Mohamed Hamel, attended the Summit.
The summit’s motto of Shaping the Energy Future was a reflection of its era, which takes place at a time of volatility in energy prices, raising the focus to the world’s fastest-growing hydrocarbon fuel.
The Doha Declaration addresses all aspects of the global gas markets that have preoccupied policymakers and industry stakeholders in recent times as they navigate a changing energy landscape.
The three-day 6th GECF Summit was marked by several milestones, including a ceremony for the GECF Awards.
The Heads of State and Government of the GECF Member Countries extended their appreciation to HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani for his leadership of the 6th GECF Summit, and the government and the people of the State of Qatar for their warm hospitality.
The Heads of State and Government welcomed the proposal of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to host the 7th GECF Summit in 2023.
