Abstract The International Energy Agency (IEA) remains committed to maintaining and improving energy security, which is a critical element in the economies of its Member countries and the world at large. Energy security in the IEA has improved considerably over the last fifteen years. The efforts devoted to developing new and improved energy technology have reinforced this trend. At present two issues stand out as being of particular concern, namely, growing oil demand with continuing energy market vulnerability on one side, and on the other side, the environmental aspects of energy supply and use including greenhouse gas emissions with the related problems of global warming and climate change. Consequently, there is a need to identify energy technology policies and options which respond effectively to these potential threats and new challenges. Solar high-temperature technologies could be an important element in this strategy, while the Symposium can offer a unique forum for debating R&D priorities and evaluating opportunities for increased international collaboration.