Global Energy Leaders Meet In Paris As International Energy Agency Hosts Largest Ministerial With 54 Countries And USD 14 Trillion In Companies

Global energy leaders gathered in Paris this week for the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Ministerial Meeting, reaffirming the Agency’s central role in driving international cooperation on the world’s most pressing energy challenges. The two-day meeting brought together senior officials from 54 countries, including about 40 ministers, along with top executives from 55 global companies representing a combined market value of USD 14 trillion. Leaders from key international organisations also joined the discussions, reflecting the scale and urgency of the global energy agenda.

During the meeting, IEA Member countries unanimously agreed to strengthen the Agency’s institutional partnerships with Brazil, Colombia, India and Viet Nam. They also endorsed expanded collaboration on critical minerals as part of the IEA’s Critical Minerals Security Programme, which aims to address global vulnerabilities in mineral supply chains and support countries as they prepare for rising demand driven by clean energy technologies.

Opening the meeting, the Ministerial Chair, Netherlands Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans, emphasised the essential role of energy in everyday life and highlighted the importance of global cooperation in an increasingly uncertain world. She stressed that governments must work toward ensuring secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems that can withstand future disruptions.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol described the gathering as the largest Ministerial Meeting in the Agency’s history and noted that it comes at a time when global energy demand is accelerating and the challenges facing energy systems are becoming more complex. He highlighted that deeper ties with countries such as Brazil, Colombia, India and Viet Nam now place more than 80% of global energy use under the broader IEA Family—up from less than 40% a decade ago. According to him, this expansion strengthens global energy governance and improves the ability of governments to secure their energy futures.

The Chair’s Summary issued at the end of the meeting acknowledged the IEA’s decades-long contribution to improving global energy security, affordability and sustainability. It also recognised the Agency’s ability to evolve alongside a rapidly changing energy landscape, providing trusted data and analysis to decision makers worldwide.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in a video address, underlined the IEA’s importance as a guiding institution for governments navigating the energy transition. He commended the Agency’s analytical depth and technical expertise, noting that its work plays a vital role in helping countries maintain energy security while shifting toward cleaner energy sources.

A major outcome of the meeting was a joint declaration by Ministers from IEA Member countries calling for expanded cooperation under the Critical Minerals Security Programme. They stressed the importance of building resilience in global mineral supply chains, improving data systems, and enhancing guidance on practices such as stockpiling. These measures are expected to help countries diversify their sources of critical minerals and better manage potential supply disruptions.

In another key decision, IEA Ministers approved new phases of institutional cooperation with several countries that are increasingly shaping global energy trends. Colombia was formally invited to become the Agency’s 33rd Member. Brazil received an invitation to begin the process of joining as a full Member, following its government’s request. Ministers also welcomed advances in discussions with India on its request for full membership. Meanwhile, Viet Nam officially joined the IEA Family as an Association country.

The meeting also strengthened the IEA’s leadership on clean cooking access. Member governments approved the integration of the Clean Cooking Alliance into the Agency, making the IEA the primary multilateral platform for expanding clean cooking solutions. This step aligns with the IEA’s preparations for its second Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, in July 2026. During a high-level dialogue, leaders reflected on progress made since the first summit in 2024 and discussed successful approaches for scaling up clean cooking access.

Beyond these decisions, the Ministerial featured two additional high-level dialogues. One focused on safeguarding energy security in an increasingly electrified world, while the other examined investment needs for Ukraine’s future energy system. Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Denys Shmyhal, participated in the discussions, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen its energy infrastructure.

The 3rd annual IEA Energy Innovation Forum was also held alongside the Ministerial on 18 February. The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, innovators, investors and researchers for in-depth conversations on advancing energy innovation. Discussions explored topics such as building resilient electricity grids, progress in fusion energy, sustainable fuels, and the links between innovation, supply chains and economic competitiveness. Overall, the week in Paris reinforced the growing importance of international cooperation in shaping the global energy future, while highlighting the IEA’s expanding role as a hub of knowledge, governance and innovation for countries working to secure affordable, sustainable and reliable energy systems.