Mr. TANAKA Nobuo

TANAKA Nobuo is Chair of Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF) Steering Committee.
As Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) from 2007 to 2011, he oversaw a seminal period in the Agencyʼs work and direction. Under his leadership, the IEA initiated a collective release of oil stocks in June 2011, the third such collective action in the Agencyʼs history, opening new scope and a new era for IEA emergency action. He was responsible for pioneering the concept of ʻcomprehensive energy securityʼ while also expanding the Agencyʼs focus on climate change, renewable energy and the transition to a low-carbon energy economy. He also played a crucial and personal role in the strengthening of ties with major IEA non-Member energy players, including China, India, Russia, etc.
He began his career in 1973 in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Tokyo, and has served in a number of high-ranking positions in METI, including DirectorGeneral of the Multilateral Trade System Department. In this capacity, he led many trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and for bilateral Free Trade Agreements. He was deeply engaged in a range of bilateral trade and economic issues with the US as Minister for Industry, Trade and Energy at the Embassy of Japan, Washington DC from 1998 to 2000, as well serving as the first secretary of the Embassy from 1982 to 1985.
With a strong background in international affairs, He has served as both Deputy Director and Director for Science, Technology and Industry (DSTI) of the Paris-based Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).