Letter from the IGU Secretary General

Since 1931 the International Gas Union (IGU) has promoted the technical and economic progress of the gas industry all over the world, and has the vision of becoming the most influential, effective and independent non-profit organisation, while serving as the spokesman for the gas industry worldwide.

IGU promotes continuous improvement of corporate performance towards a sustainable development. The organisation has extensive cooperation with other international organisations such as the United Nations, International Energy Agency, and the International Energy Forum, among many others.

IGU now has around 100 members from 68 countries on all continents. The members are national associations and corporations of the gas industry who every triennium provide experts to the technical committees which normally meet twice a year to discuss the study programme to be developed and presented at the World Gas Conferences.

IGU’s working organisation covers all aspects of the gas value chain from exploration and production, transmission, storage, distribution and utilisation as well as sustainability, strategic issues, developing markets and LNG. Separate Task Forces are established to address issues of special relevance.

The World Gas Conference is the most important of the international gas events. Every three years the industry meets at this renowned Conference, organised by one of the IGU Charter members. Several thousand industrial and political leaders, gas executives, specialists in many fields, and exhibitors will meet now at the 24th World Gas Conference taking place in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October 2009. For the first time the World Gas Conference is convened in Latin America.

The gas industry is taking an active role in meeting the many global challenges of today:

• Search a constructive balance between security of supply and demand
• Support regional gas market integration
• Contribute to a more efficient use of energy
• Present solutions to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases
• Ensure safe and environmentally responsible operations
• Support continued research and development

These are among the issues that will be addressed in Buenos Aires in 2009. I can assure you that the WGC2009 will be a fascinating event, which will enrich you professionally, socially and culturally.

See you in Buenos Aires!