The International Energy Forum (IEF) has announced the election of Jassim Alshirawi as its sixth Secretary General.
The decision was made by the IEF Executive Board during a meeting in Rome, chaired by Mohamed Kurdi of Saudi Arabia.
Alshirawi, who will assume his new role on January 1, 2025, following the completion of current Secretary General Joseph McMonigle’s term, expressed his gratitude for the board’s confidence.
He stated: “I look forward to working with the board and Secretariat staff to facilitate and strengthen the dialogue of important energy issues and challenges facing our member countries.”
With over four decades of experience in the energy industry, Alshirawi brings a wealth of knowledge in sustainability, energy efficiency, engineering, management, and policy development.
His expertise has been recognised at the highest levels, including receiving the “Order of National Action” medal from His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa of Bahrain in December 2019.
Alshirawi’s election marks a significant milestone for the IEF, as he will be the first Secretary General from the Middle East and North Africa region.
His long-standing involvement with the organisation includes serving on the IEF’s Executive Board from 2014 to 2021 and being a member of its International Support Group since 2008.
The IEF, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, plays a crucial role in global energy dialogue. It represents 90 per cent of global oil and gas supply and demand, bringing together energy ministers from producing, consuming, and transit countries.
The forum aims to foster mutual understanding and awareness of common energy interests to ensure global energy security.
As Secretary General, Alshirawi will serve as Chief Executive and Head of Mission of the IEF, leading the organisation’s efforts to address pressing energy challenges and promote cooperation among its diverse members.
The United States Department of Energy has congratulated Alshirawi on his election, expressing its eagerness to collaborate with him in advancing energy consumer-producer dialogue and addressing collective energy security, access, and transition goals.