Organizing Structure – MEF Energy Forum 2026

The Organizing Committee of MEF 2026 reflects an elevated institutional framework aligned with its positioning as a COP31 Presidency Partner Event and a regional “Road to COP31” platform for Southeast Europe.

MEF 2026 is organized by ZIP Institute, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of North Macedonia and the EU Delegation to North Macedonia. Earlier this year, a Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed with the Ministry, appointing the Minister as Host and Patron of MEF 2026, reinforcing the Forum’s high-level governmental backing and national coordination role.

This strengthened institutional architecture positions MEF 2026 beyond a traditional regional energy conference. It serves as a bridge between the Western Balkans and the global climate agenda, particularly in the context of COP31 and the unique Presidency model jointly led by Türkiye and Australia. Through this alignment, MEF 2026 contributes to the broader international negotiations process by elevating regional priorities in energy transition, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

The Organizing Committee operates through a strategic partnership of three core pillars:

• ZIP Institute, providing policy research expertise, regional coordination, and overall executive management of the Forum;

• The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of North Macedonia, offering high-level policy leadership, governmental coordination, and official hosting authority;

• The EU Delegation to North Macedonia, ensuring alignment with European Green Deal objectives, accession pathways, and regional energy market integration priorities.

Together with a dedicated team of climate policy experts, technical specialists, and senior event management professionals, the Committee oversees every dimension of MEF 2026 — from defining the COP31-aligned thematic agenda to engaging international partners, development institutions, and diplomatic missions.

Building on eight successful editions, MEF has evolved into the Western Balkans’ leading strategic energy and climate platform. For 2026, the Forum takes on an expanded role: not only facilitating regional dialogue, but actively contributing to international climate diplomacy by connecting Southeast Europe to global discussions on climate finance, resilience, just transition, and clean energy investment.

Through coordinated leadership and cross-sector collaboration, the Organizing Committee ensures that MEF 2026 delivers both regional impact and international relevance — positioning the Western Balkans as an active contributor to the Road to COP31.