In a ceremony held at the Elysée Palace, the presidential residence of France, in December 7, 2023, GRF Founding Member and Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Fatih Birol was presented the ’Légion d’Honneur’ medal by French President Emmanuel Macron, for his exemplary work and many contributions to the field of developing sustainable energy infrastructures globally, as well as for the progress in achieving global climate goals. Mr. Birol dedicated this honor to his IEA colleagues, as well as his family and friends, stating that he will always continue to work towards improving global energy and climate goals. The French ’Légion d’Honneur’ medal was first given by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, and is considered the highest French order of merit.

We at GRF offer our most sincere congratulations to Fatih Birol, who has also honored the organization he’s a Founding Member of, and wish him continued success.