President of Korea honours IEA Executive Director for work on energy and climate challenges

President Yoon Suk Yeol of Korea awarded IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol the country’s highest diplomatic honour at a special ceremony at the official presidential residence today, recognising Dr Birol’s major contributions on international energy and climate issues.

Presenting Dr Birol with the Gwanghwa Medal, President Yoon highlighted Dr Birol’s “outstanding” work to further international energy security and tackle climate change.

“I’m deeply humbled to receive this great honour, which for me reflects the invaluable and tireless work of my IEA colleagues to help Korea and other countries shape a secure and sustainable energy future,” said Dr Birol. “I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to President Yoon, his government and the Korean people.”

Since Dr Birol became Executive Director in 2015, the IEA has moved to the forefront of global efforts to reach international climate goals, safeguard energy security and manage the social and economic impacts of clean energy transitions.

After taking office, Dr Birol led the IEA in its first comprehensive modernisation programme since its creation in 1974. These efforts focused on broadening the IEA’s energy security focus beyond oil; “opening the doors” of the IEA to major emerging economies including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and South Africa; and making the IEA the global hub for clean energy transitions. With new governments joining the IEA Family under his tenure, its share of global energy use has risen from 40% to around 80%.

During the energy market turmoil caused by the Covid crisis in 2020-21 and the global energy crisis in 2022, Dr Birol’s international leadership and support for governments around the world in responding to the energy security challenges have been widely recognised. At the same time, he has spearheaded the IEA’s groundbreaking work providing analysis and policy advice on how the global energy sector can reach net zero emissions in line with international climate goals while maintaining energy security.

In May 2024, he was awarded the United Arab Emirates’ highest civil decoration by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in recognition of the IEA’s efforts to support and guide governments and other stakeholders towards achieving significant outcomes at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai in December 2023.

While in Korea this week, Dr Birol is holding bilateral meetings with a range of dignitaries including President Yoon, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun, and several business leaders. He will also deliver the keynote opening speech at the World Climate Industry Expo in Busan.