24 June 2026 – New York – H.E. Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), was featured in a Reuters NEXT Newsmaker interview, where he shared the GECF’s perspectives on the evolving energy landscape, including the outlook for natural gas, its role in energy transitions and the impact of market dynamics and geopolitical developments on global energy security.
During the interview, H.E. Dr. Mshelbila underscored the continued importance of natural gas as a reliable, flexible and essential source of energy, particularly in meeting growing energy and electricity demand driven by demographics, urbanization, industrialization, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. He highlighted that natural gas will remain a critical and growing component of the energy mix as countries pursue lower-carbon and more sustainable energy systems, providing security, flexibility and stability.
The Secretary General also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing global climate challenges, noting that effective solutions require collective actions and a shared responsibility. In discussing methane emissions, he described this matter as a global challenge that requires coordinated international action, stressing that the atmosphere has no borders and that emissions from any part of the world can have implications for all regions. He said, “We have one planet and one atmosphere and methane emissions anywhere can affect the rest of the world”.
H.E. Dr. Mshelbila highlighted the need for continued dialogue among producers, suppliers and market stakeholders to develop practical and balanced solutions to reducing methane emissions. He noted that certain requirements under the European Union’s methane emissions regulations, including measures expected to take effect in January 2027, may present significant challenges for many suppliers due to differences in technical capabilities, infrastructure and resources. He cautioned that without a coordinated approach, such narrow measures could lead to the diversion of affected gas supplies to other markets rather than achieving the intended objective of reducing global emissions.
The Secretary General called for enhanced engagement between the European Union and its suppliers to identify pragmatic and sustainable pathways for emissions reduction, encouraging approaches that allow all stakeholders to contribute effectively. He further advocated for incentive-based approaches that support global emissions mitigation efforts, rather than frameworks focused primarily on penalties, to enable meaningful progress.
The Reuters NEXT Newsmaker interview provided an important platform to reaffirm the GECF’s vision for natural gas and to promote greater international cooperation in advancing energy security, sustainable development and climate action.