IGU Engages with International Policymakers An important finding of the task force reviewing
For COP5 in 1999, IGU joined forces with Eurogas to have a stand and organise a seminar
was that the Union needed to broaden its work
themed “Natural gas – part of the solution to
and move from a focus on technical issues to
global climate change”. IGU also participated in
related organisations, accredited to the
get more involved in economic, regulatory and
meetings with subsidiary bodies at COP5, which
UNFCCC, to present an information stand on
social policy issues. Apart from the internal
prepared the plenary studies and discussed
the benefits of gas. This was outside the plenary
impact on IGU’s work programme, this entailed
technical issues.
hall of the conference; there was another stand
much greater external engagement with stake
It was at COP6 that IGU took its involvement
Argentina, Australia and Canada. IGU also joined forces with six other gas-
in an adjoining technology exhibition with
holders and policymakers. Four important
to another level, achieving the rare honour of
outreach initiatives have been stepping up
addressing the official plenary of environment
IGU’s involvement in the annual United Nations
ministers. Only four slots were available to
From COP7 to 14
Climate Change Conferences, launching the
NGOs and IGU was granted one to give a brief
In 2001, COP7 was held in Marrakech. Here, IGU
Ministerial Gas Forum in conjunction with the
presentation. As COP6 was being held in
had an information stand and held a special
International Energy Forum (IEF), establishing a
The Hague, it was considered most appropriate
event where IGU representatives gave
relationship with the G20 forum of major econo
for the Dutch Vice President, George Verberg
presentations on issues related to the natural
mies and setting up the Diplomatic Gas Forums.
to speak.
gas industry and sustainable development.
UN Climate Change Conferences
COP6, looking at “Natural gas perspectives and
time, IGU had a stand in the exhibition to
The first Conference of the Parties (COP) to
transfer of technology”. The main speaker was
promote its views on sustainable development
the United Nations Framework Convention on
Professor Nebojša Nakićenović, from the
and climate change. IGU also collaborated with
Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place in 1995.
International Institute for Applied Systems
the Indian Charter Member, Gas Authority of
IGU has held NGO status from COP1, and was
Analysis and a lead author in the Intergovern
India (GAIL), and the Federation of Indian
initially represented by the chairman of the
mental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC). A panel
Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to
task force on gas and the environment,
discussion was held which included the
organise a special event. This promoted gas
Frank Shephard.
President of IGU, Hiroshi Urano, the Secretary
with special emphasis on a project on sus
In addition, IGU hosted a special event at
120
General, Peter Storm, and IGU colleagues from
IGU’s future at the start of the new millennium
IGU Engages with International Policymakers
some of the gas organisations.
COP8 was held in New Delhi in 2002. This
