International Energy Agency

The International Energy Agency (IEA) acts as energy policy advisor to 28 member countries in their effort to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for their citizens. The IEA was founded during the oil crisis (1973-74) to coordinate measures in times of oil supply emergencies. The IEA operates under a mandate to incorporate a balanced energy policy by highlighting, energy security, economic development, and environmental protection. The organization employs around 190 professional staff. These include energy experts and statisticians from the 27 member countries.

Current work focuses on climate change policies, market reform, energy technology collaboration and outreach to the rest of the world, especially major consumers and producers of energy like China, India, Russia and the OPEC countries. The IEA conducts a broad program of energy research, data compilation, publications and public dissemination of the latest energy policy analysis and recommendations on good practices. The organization works closely with the member governments and other intergovernmental organizations.

In their effort to incorporate and secure energy security, economic development and environmental protection among its member countries, the IEA has become an active participant in addressing the challenges of climate change. The Climate Change issue is addressed by the IEA through a series of initiatives and programs, for instance, the IEA participates actively in UNFCCC meetings (COP 8, COP 9, COP 10, COP 11/COP MOP 1, COP 12/COP MOP 2 and COP 13/COP MOP 3).