Member Corner
The 53rd GECF Executive Board Meeting Marks the Silver Jubilee of the GECF as a Milestone for Global Gas Market Cooperation and Institutional Development Doha, Qatar | 20 May 2026 — The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) convened its 53rd Executive Board Meeting on 19–20 May 2026 at the GECF Secretariat headquarters in Doha, Qatar, in a hybrid format, bringing together Executive Board Members, Observer representatives, and senior officials from GECF member countries. H.E. Dr Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the GECF, expressed the Forum’s deepest sympathies regarding the current situation in the region, stressing that violations of sovereignty pose serious risks not only to international peace and regional stability, but also to global energy security and its economic prosperity. In his welcoming remarks, the Secretary General highlighted the significance of 2026 as the year marking the 25th Anniversary of the GECF, describing the occasion as a historic milestone reflecting the Forum’s unity and growing role in advancing natural gas as a cornerstone of energy security, economic growth, and sustainable development. He congratulated the GECF Member Countries and Executive Board Members on the remarkable achievements of the past twenty-five years, consolidating the Forum’s position as the premier international organization for natural gas. Over the course of the two-day meeting, the Executive Board deliberated on a broad range of strategic, industry, institutional and administrative matters. In the area of market analysis and outlooks, the Executive Board reviewed and discussed several flagship publications and analytical reports of the Forum, including the Annual Gas Market Report 2026, the 10th Global Gas Outlook 2055 and the 9th Annual Statistical Bulletin 2025. The Secretariat also presented a Special Report on the Impact of the Middle East Tensions on Gas Markets, which was deliberated in depth. The Executive Board reviewed preparations for the 8th GECF Summit and the 28th GECF Ministerial Meeting, scheduled to take place in Moscow, Russian Federation, in October 2026, expressing appreciation to the Host Country for the excellent ongoing arrangements.