The Governing Board of the International Energy Agency ( IEA) has voted unanimously to reappoint Fatih Birolas executive director for a third term.
The IEA said in the announcement that the reappointment "comes at a pivotal moment for the IEA amid heightened awareness that clean energy transitions must be not only rapid but also secure."
The vote to reappoint Birol took place during the 2022 IEA Ministerial. The 2-day meeting was chaired by US Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm and brought together energy and climate ministers from more than 40 countries.
New mandates detailed in the 2022 IEA Ministerial communiqué set the IEA up to evolve in its mission and impact, including by ensuring energy security during the energy transition, leading the global energy sector’s fight against climate change, and strengthening the IEA family of governments.
“I’m honored that IEA members have put their trust in me to lead the agency into a new era following what I believe may turn out to be the most consequential ministerial meeting in the IEA’s near 50-year history,” Birol said. “The energy world is changing fast and needs to change faster still. With our new mandates we are now ready to respond and chart a new course for the IEA, not just for the next 2 years but for decades to come. My energy, enthusiasm and commitment to lead my outstanding colleagues within the IEA Secretariat, and to serve our member governments have never been stronger.”
Birol has served as executive director since September 2015. As well as leading the IEA, he chairs the World Economic Forum’s (Davos) Energy Advisory Board. Last year, TIME named him on its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. He is also the recipient of numerous state decorations, including earlier this year the French Legion of Honour.