International Energy Forum

New Zealand is a member of the International Energy Forum (IEF) and participates in several of its initiatives, including the Joint Oil Organisations Data Initiative and the International Energy Business Forum.

The International Energy Forum is the premier organisation for fostering international producer-consumer dialogue within the global energy sector.

Overview of the International Energy Forum

The IEF is a bi-annual gathering of the world's energy ministers that has become the premier producer-consumer dialogue between the International Energy Agency (IEA), member countries of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and Russia, China and India.

The forum aims to build confidence, exchange information, and develop a better understanding of underlying energy issues affecting the world.

Joint Oil Organisations Data Initiative

The IEF co-ordinates the Joint Oil Organisations Data Initiative in partnership with six other international organisations, including the:

• IEA
• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• OPEC.

The Initiative aims to improve oil data transparency.  A lack of transparency is often blamed for oil price volatility.

The IEF's Secretariat has headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to enhance and provide continuity to the producer-consumer dialogue at ministerial level.

The structure and processes of the IEF are determined by a statue that took effect in 2011.

International Energy Business Forum

Meeting in conjunction with the IEF, the International Energy Business Forum was established to enable government ministers to interact with the chief executives of leading energy companies.

The forum was set up in recognition of the importance of dialogue and partnership between governments and the energy industry.

New Zealand involvement in the International Energy Forum

New Zealand is a regular participant in the IEF's bi-annual dialogue with energy ministers, and is a financial contributor to the IEF.  We are also an active participant in the Joint Organisations Data Initiative.

New Zealand is usually represented at ministerial level at IEF meetings.

Related websites

International Energy Forum