Governing and Specialised Bodies

The Ministerial Meeting serves as the supreme governing body of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) responsible for formulating the general policy of the GECF and determining methods for its implementation. The Ministerial Meeting appoints the Secretary General, the Chairman, and the Alternate Chairman of the Executive Board, and confirms the appointment of Executive Board members. It also approves the annual budget, financial reports, and any amendments to the Statute. The Ministerial Meeting is held annually, with leadership rotating alphabetically among the Member Countries, and a President and an Alternate President appointed accordingly.

The Executive Board directs the management of GECF operations and consists of the nominated representatives of the Member Countries, with a Chairman and an Alternate Chairman elected from among its members. The Executive Board meets at least two times a year and ensures implementation of the Ministerial Meeting decisions. The Executive Board evaluates candidates for the position of Secretary General and supervises senior appointments within the Secretariat. It is also responsible for approving the Secretariat’s Program of Work, preparing the annual budget and reviewing the financial statements, as well as adopting the structure of the Secretariat.

The Secretariat serves as the executive body of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), managing its day-to-day operations under the supervision of the Executive Board. It is headed by the Secretary General, who acts as the chief executive and GECF’s legal representative. The Secretariat is composed of several Departments and Offices, with the staff members recruited internationally and serving in a neutral and professional capacity.

The Technical and Economic Council (TEC) is a permanent advisory body established in 2014 and composed of national representatives and technical experts from Member Countries. It serves as a forum for technical and economic discussion, helping to align Member Countries with key issues related to the gas sector. TEC reviews research and analytical work conducted by the Secretariat with the objective to foster collaborative analysis and support evidence-based policymaking within the GECF.

Meeting of Special Envoy for Data and Statistics (SEDAS) is a gathering of national representatives and technical experts since 2017 appointed by Member Countries to strengthen the GECF’s data and information infrastructure. SEDAS act as a liaison between the Secretariat and national data providers responsible for gathering, consolidating, and analyzing data used in GECF studies, reports, and publications. Through the GECF Data Exchange Mechanism, SEDAS promotes transparency and consistency in statistical reporting, supporting the broader objectives of cooperation and information-sharing.