Members of the Steering Committee govern the overall framework, policies, and procedures of GMI, annually review progress, and provide guidance to the Secretariat and Subcommittees. The Steering Committee meets in-person or virtually at least once per year, at times and locations to be determined by its appointed representatives. The Steering Committee makes decisions by consensus.

Leadership

The GMI Steering Committee was chaired by the United States. Under the Terms of Reference, up to two Vice Chairs may be appointed, each for a 2-year term. In 2023, the Steering Committee members concurred with the selection of the United States to serve as the Chair, India to continue serving as a Vice Chair, and Ghana to serve as a Vice Chair. The Vice Chairs are Vismita Tej, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India and Daniel Tutu Benefoh, Acting Director, Climate Change Unit, Ghana Environmental Protection Agency.

Members

Delegates from GMI Partner countries participate in the Steering Committee. All Partners are considered Steering Committee "observers" from the time they join the Initiative. Twelve months after joining and any time thereafter, Partner Countries may submit a request to become a Steering Committee member by sending a letter to the Secretariat that outlines their engagement in the Initiative. Subcommittee Co-Chairs may serve as ex-officio members of the Steering Committee.

Role of the Secretariat

The Secretariat serves as the principal coordinator of GMI’s communications and activities and is responsible for organizing meetings and events, coordinating and distributing communications, maintaining the GMI website, and acting as a hub for information. The focus of the Secretariat is administrative; the Secretariat does not act on matters of substance except as specifically instructed by the Steering Committee. Previously, the Secretariat was supported and hosted by the United States, at the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC.

Activities of the Steering Committee

GMI Steering Committee Meeting – 12 September 2024

The Global Methane Initiative (GMI) Steering Committee met on 12 September 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to hold discussions regarding:

• Updates on methane-related activities and priorities across GMI and its Subcommittees, Partner Countries and Strategic Partners
• A path to increase Partner Country engagement
• Project Network enhancement options
• The Sprint Action Plan template
• Gather feedback on the proposed process for the 2026 Global Methane Forum

GMI Steering Committee Meeting – 18 March 2024   

The Global Methane Initiative (GMI) Steering Committee met on 18 March 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to hold discussions regarding:

• Technical resources, events, communications, and activities completed and in progress
• GMI Partner delegate methane mitigation activities, priorities, and needs in their countries
• Enhancing collaboration across methane initiatives
• Partner Countries’ updates from COP28 and begin planning for COP29

GMI Steering Committee Meeting – 5-6 September 2023

The Global Methane Initiative (GMI) Steering Committee met on 5-6 September 2023. The purpose of the Steering Committee meeting was to discuss:

• GMI’s strategic priorities and action plan to ensure GMI is most useful to its Partner Countries
• Technical resources, events, communications and activities completed and in progress
  GMI Steering Committee members’ methane mitigation activities, priorities, and needs in their countries
• Ways to enhance collaboration across methane initiatives
• Partner Countries’ plans for COP28
• Planning for the 2024 Global Methane Forum

GMI Steering Committee Meeting – 13 April 2023

The Global Methane Initiative’s (GMI) Steering Committee met virtually on 13 April 2023. The purpose of the Steering Committee meeting was to hold discussions regarding:

• GMI leadership news
• Partner Country updates
• Strategic planning and enhancing strategic partner collaboration
• GMI Secretariat updates
• Updates from GMI Subcommittee Co-Chairs

GMI Steering Committee Meeting – 26 September 2022  

The Global Methane Initiative’s (GMI) Steering Committee met virtually on 26 September 2022. The purpose of the Steering Committee meeting was to hold discussions regarding:

• Partner Country updates
• Activities that delegates can take to reduce methane emissions
• GMI Draft Engagement Strategy
• GMI and CCAC Draft High-Level Statement
• GMI Secretariat updates
• Updates from GMI Subcommittee Co-Chairs
• Strategic Partner updates and introductions

GMI Steering Committee Meeting – 9 June 2022

The Global Methane Initiative’s (GMI) Steering Committee met virtually on 9 June 2022. The purpose of the Steering Committee meeting was to hold discussions regarding:

• Updates regarding Strategic Partnerships
  • Consistency in methane action planning work
  • Sharing technical expertise and resources across groups
  • Developing a joint workplan
• Finalizing the Steering Committee Action Plan and GMI Engagement Strategy
• Planning for the 2022 Global Methane Forum
• GMI Secretariat updates

GMI Steering Committee Meeting – 18 May 2021

The Global Methane Initiative’s (GMI) Steering Committee met virtually on 18 May 2021. The purpose of the Steering Committee meeting was to review and adopt the new Terms of Reference, update members about the "opt-in" process, and share GMI news and updates.

GMI Steering Committee Meeting – 10 March 2021    

The Global Methane Initiative’s (GMI) Steering Committee met virtually on 10 March 2021. The purpose of the Steering Committee meeting was to hold discussions regarding governance, rechartering, and other future plans for the Steering Committee, including the 2021 virtual event A Call to Action on Methane.

GMI Steering Committee Meeting – 2-3 December 2020    

The Global Methane Initiative’s (GMI) Steering Committee met virtually on 2-3 December 2020. The purpose of the Steering Committee meeting was to review feedback provided by the Executive Task Force and make decisions regarding key questions about the future of GMI.

Executive Task Force Virtual Meetings – May-July 2020

The GMI Steering Committee was scheduled to meet in person on 23 and 25 March 2020 during the Global Methane Forum 2020 in Geneva, Switzerland. Because the Forum was unfortunately postponed, a series of virtual sessions were held with an "Executive Task Force" to facilitate discussion and decision-making regarding the future of GMI, among other issues.

GMI Steering Committee Meeting – 18-19 November 2019  

The 2-day meeting took place at the United Nations Environment Programme, UNESCO headquarters annex, hosted by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Secretariat.